What Does Sheet Metal Mean in Automobiles?
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Automotive sheet metal is a technical method of automobile repair. In this context, automotive sheet metal is equivalent to automotive sheet metal repair, which refers to the restoration of the vehicle body after a collision. This includes all tasks except for the anti-corrosion and decorative painting work on the body. Automotive sheet metal is a processing method for vehicle maintenance, also known as cold working. If the exterior of the vehicle body is damaged or deformed, the sheet metal process is required. Collision repair has evolved from the original 'hammering, pulling, welding, and patching' to the secondary manufacturing and assembly of the vehicle body. The repair of collision-damaged vehicles is no longer just about hammering and shaping the sheet metal; the quality of the repair cannot be judged solely by visually inspecting the vehicle's exterior and gaps. Repair technicians must not only understand the technical parameters and dimensions of the vehicle body but also master the characteristics of the body materials, the transmission of deformation trends under stress, stress points, and the body's manufacturing processes, such as welding techniques. Main Workflow of Automotive Sheet Metal: The main workflow of sheet metal can be broadly divided into: vehicle body disassembly and assembly, body correction, and body repair—each of these processes can be further subdivided into several steps. When delving deeper into the explanation, two concepts must be mentioned: the first is the automotive trade, and the second is the vehicle body. The automobile repair industry can be basically divided into mechanical repair, electrical repair, sheet metal repair, paint repair, and other accessories. Beauty treatments and special repairs are not included. The division of the vehicle body refers to the remaining structure after removing the entire vehicle's electrical and computer systems, the engine, drivetrain, braking, and steering systems, and the paint—what remains is the vehicle body. The body assembly (a general term for components) includes: body sheet metal parts (metal components), automotive glass, all vehicle lights, interior and exterior trim and handles, seats and accessories, locking mechanisms, window seals and lifting mechanisms, and the sum of all connecting and moving mechanisms for doors and front/rear hoods.