CHICAGO — Aluminum damage analysis is not an entirely different process than that used with steel, but there are some inherent differences.
Attendees of the “Aluminum Damage Analysis,” presented by ABRN Technical Editor Larry Montanez of P&L Consultants on Saturday, April 25 at Automechanika Chicago, learned the different joining methods used by OEMs for the repair of collision damaged aluminum-intensive vehicles.
Montanez also reviewed the required equipment, tools and training needed, OEM certification programs available and the differences between steel and aluminum vehicle damage analysis.
Aluminum and steel damage analysis are similar, but there are differences you need to look for and different materials needed to repair these vehicles, Montanez says.
“Many are disillusioned or misinformed about aluminum repair,” he says. “You have multiple different ways to attach a panel, multiple different types of rivets and adhesion methods. It is important that as technicians, you read the OEM information, not only to find out the actual materials they are looking for, such as such as when setting the car up on a frame machine and fixing the car to the bench, but also the types of machines required.”
Opening its doors April 24-26, 2015 at McCormick Place West to more than 8,500 attendees and over 400 exhibiting companies, Automechanika Chicago is the largest U.S. tradeshow and training event for automotive technicians and shop owners. This event is dedicated to high-end training and showcasing the latest tools, equipment and products in the market. Automechanika Chicago is produced jointly between Messe Frankfurt and UBM Advanstar Communications, the leading producer of U.S. tradeshows, and provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket – daily reaching millions of service & collision repair professionals, technicians, original equipment and aftermarket manufacturers and distributors. To learn more, visit www.automechanikachicago.com.
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