What are the common methods for automotive sheet metal repair?
2 Answers
Automotive sheet metal is a technical means of automobile repair. In this context, automotive sheet metal equates to automotive sheet metal repair, which refers to the process of restoring the vehicle body after a collision. This includes all tasks except for the anti-corrosion and decorative painting work on the body, such as analyzing the damage to the vehicle body, measuring the vehicle body, shaping the sheet metal, stretch correction, stress-relief welding, and the assembly and adjustment of vehicle body accessories. Below are situations that require sheet metal repair: 1. Impact-induced dents: Dents caused by impacts require sheet metal repair. The dents on sheet metal parts can be repaired using hammering or pulling methods. Different treatment methods are applied depending on the specific situation. Of course, the process varies with the extent of the dent, and the material of the vehicle body must also be considered. 2. Warping or skew deformation: For warping or skew deformation of the vehicle body, sheet metal parts may warp or skew due to impacts, scratches, or improper use. Mechanical methods or flame heating and hammering can be used to correct these deformations. 3. Breaks or perforations: For breaks or perforations on the surface of sheet metal parts caused by impacts or modifications, patching methods with adhesives can be used for repair. Currently, adhesives such as epoxy resin glue, phenolic resin glue, and copper oxide binder are commonly used. 4. Cracks or severe local damage: In the past, welding or repair methods were used for these two situations in automobile repair. However, 4S shops now usually opt for direct replacement.
There are various methods for automotive sheet metal repair, depending on the extent of damage. For minor dents, paintless dent repair (PDR) technology can be used, employing suction cups or specialized tools to push the metal out from the inside without damaging the original paint, saving time and effort. For severe deformation, hammering combined with a pulling device is needed to gradually reshape and realign the metal. Small scratches can be filled with putty, but larger dents require applying body filler, sanding, and finally repainting to ensure a smooth finish. If a car door is severely damaged, partial cutting and welding may be necessary to replace the panel. After repair, structural integrity must be checked, and proper rustproofing treatment is essential to prevent rust over time. I recommend taking it to a professional repair shop, as DIY attempts might worsen the damage.
