Page 34 - Australasian Paint & Panel Mar-Apr 2019
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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
34
PAINT&PANEL
MARCH / APRIL 2019
34 I Car • 38 Calendar • 41 Axalta Interview • 44 Mercedes Benz 48 Hail • 50 Trailer Blazers • 52 Business Matters
WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
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W
ITH THE RAPID CHANGE OF
vehicle construction and the need for OEMs to improve fuel economy, by reducing the weight of vehicles and maintaining maximum occupant protection, we are seeing advanced lighter materials like composites and aluminium being used. It has never been more important to fol- low manufacturers' repair procedures and to have the correct equipment to complete a safe repair. Equipment re- quired for replacing parts for both of these substrates are very similar. Here we will take a look at the equipment lev- els shop swill require along with the specialised training needed to keep up
to date with modern repair techniques. Starting with our common steel structures, from the era of mild steel
structures we have progressed to hav- ing a wide range of new unique high strength thinner steels. A common mis- belief is that these steels should not be welded in the repair process. Not true. if a vehicle manufacturer repair proce- dure states the joining method is for GMA MIG / MAG welding then of course it can be welded. However, have you checked the equipment require- ments in the OEM's repair information? Just having the procedure is only giv- ing the repairer part of the information required. Procedures will have hyper- links to expand the information or an appendix area which outlines the equipment required.
The minimum requirement for weld- ing equipment in the new era of repair- ing vehicle structures is an inverter syn-
ergic welding machine. These welders reduce the input of heat required to weld panels together, have far better tuning ability and allow welds which require very little grinding or dressing, reducing the secondary heat input. Building on the inverter synergic technology we are now seeing OEMs recommending pulse settings to lower the heat input even fur- ther. If your welding machine does not meet these minimum standards, how can you be sure the repair has been completed safely?
HOT TIP
But what’s the point of having this equipment if no one knows how to use it correctly? Technicians require training on how best to weld these unique steels without overheating them.
I-CAR'S GEOFF MITCHELL LOOKS AT THE EQUIPMENT LEVELS AND TRAINING YOU NEED TO SAFELY REPAIR ALUMINIUM AND COMPOSITES.


































































































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