Page 53 - Australian Paint & Panel Magazine May-June 2019

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bracket has been replaced as a result o OEM requirements and the mounting location is out of specification, then there will be difficulty in calibrating that component. 1mm out of alignment at the point of attachment can mean 2 metres in- accuracy at 100 metres. When you are trav- elling at speed, this can be dangerous not only to the vehicle and occupants itself, but others within its path.
The current level of technology requires much more precise measuring and less tol- erances to ensure all safety systems work as designed.
Electronic measuring systems provide accurate and quick measurement checks before, during and after repairs to ensure specifications are met. These systems are generally associated with universal bench- es and are the most common alignment tools in the collision repair industry today.
Fixture systems (jigs) provide built in measuring, that is when a vehicle is realigned and mounts to a fixture then it is considered within specification. There are dedicated fix- ture benches and universal fixture benches.
The current level of
technologyrequires much more precise measuring and less
tolerances.” UNIVERSAL OR JIG?
The question is often asked ‘which is better, a universal bench or a jig bench’? Both have positives and nega- tives and here are a number of things to consider when choosing the correct bench for your business.
Pay consideration to which type of vehicles you repair the most. If you re- pair multiple brands then a universal bench may be the best option. Of course, the manufacturers provide small, medium and large versions of their equipment, so the size of repair is also a factor to be considered.
The space in your workshop and having enough room to ensure move- ment around the machine when the pulling towers are engaged is some- thing else to check. Whether the bench can be mounted in the floor is another consideration so that you can utilise the space if the bench is not in use.
OEM requirements may mean a spe- cific brand or type of equipment must be used. If your business has OEM badging or you are thinking of be- coming an approved repairer then the choice or style of bench will already be mandated.
Training is paramount to ensuring the bench and measuring equipment is understood and will ensure the best results from technicians when using the equipment.
The choice of repair benches has nev- er been greater, so as one of the largest investments made in a collision repair business, you will need to evaluate what is best for your business and the style of work being performed.
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P3000
One compound for cut & polish
Great results without P3000
Faster and less reworks
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SURFACE FINISHING
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