Auto Body – The use of aluminum panels for automotive applications is nothing new. Hoods and deck lids have been made with aluminum for years. Replacing steel parts with aluminum helps to reduce weight levels, which helps vehicles to be manufactured to a certain emission class.
In fact, many luxury cars, including Jaguar, Range Rover, Ashton Martin and Audi, now use almost entirely aluminum parts. In the past, cars were made of metal. It is an excellent choice to create a strong car, but modern design can create lightweight impact-resistant solutions that are equally reliable and much lighter than other materials.
Auto Body
The Ford F-150 is perhaps the most well-known vehicle that pioneered the use of extensive aluminum parts. Although the steel frame is still there to give the vehicle a strong internal structure, aluminum parts now make up the majority of the vehicle. Less weight due to the replacement of steel means better gas mileage for such a large vehicle. This is one of the main reasons why aluminum is now chosen.
3 Major Reasons Why You Need Certified Aluminum Auto Repair Service
Aluminum collision repairs are very different from steel. Steel has a “metal memory”, which means it can easily return to its original structure. Aluminum is more malleable and special tools require a tooth to fix it. An aluminum dent puller station is now standard equipment for body shops doing aluminum repairs.
Aluminum reacts differently to heating. This means that body shops that have traditionally worked with metal will have to adjust their methods. Too much heat can damage the integrity of aluminum. Because of this action, many vehicles with aluminum parts use alternative methods to join parts besides welding. For example, Ford F150 many aluminum parts are connected by rivets and special adhesives. This replaces welding during initial construction and of course for repairs.
Body shops should know how to do these types of repairs. Those who have experience in assembly on metal vehicles cannot easily use the same techniques and tools on aluminum parts. Improper aluminum welding can be a safety hazard because the metal can begin to corrode after being welded at excessively high temperatures. Panels can shrink even in high temperatures. Technicians must be sure not to accidentally melt adhesive connections when disassembling other parts of the vehicle.
Why is aluminum so popular? The government continues to impose stricter fuel economy standards on cars. It’s all about weight, so lightweight materials are becoming more common. Although it may be more complicated to repair, the value in fuel savings far outweighs the maintenance costs.
What Does An Auto Body Shop Do?
Most newer model vehicles, including the Ford F150, contain mostly aluminum parts. Body shops must invest in equipment and training to properly repair. However, it seems that the trend of using aluminum will continue for some time. There are also training courses to get certified to work on aluminum body repair. Such certifications help the auto shop stay up-to-date and provide high-quality repairs.
If you’re in Portland, or the Southwest Washington area and need auto body repair services, visit one of our eight locations for your first car repair. Mackin Auto Body specializes in aluminum body repair, as well as many other vehicle types, makes and models.
Chris Roberts has been the director of operations at Mackin Auto Body since 2018. Starting his collision repair business in 1999, Chris brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. Prior to his current position, he served as Assistant Operations Manager at Makin Auto Body from 2013 to 2017. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Nazareth University. When he’s not making sure everything runs smoothly in Makin, you can find him skiing on the snowy slopes, surfing on sunny days, or cheering on his daughter at her soccer game.
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Bestvalue Auto Parts
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Essential Auto Body Tools Used In The Collision Industry
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