(Photos: Huw Evans)
CARSTAR, Pro Spot and 3M provide a detailed analysis on aluminum repair procedures.
In January and February 2016, CARSTAR Canada, in conjunction with Pro Spot International and 3M hosted a series of aluminum repair information seminars at its corporate offices in Hamilton, Ont.
Taking place on January 26-27 and February 17-18, these one-day events were designed to show collision repair technicians, shop staff and insurance partners, tips and techniques required to ensure successful aluminum and composite vehicle repair procedures.
Each session was broken down into a morning classroom discussion and training seminar, with the afternoon devoted to hands-on training and demonstration using the latest Pro Spot aluminum welding equipment and 3M adhesives.
More Training Needed
CARSTAR’s National Technical Manager, Bill Davidge, talked about the need for shops and technicians and all industry stakeholders to have access to the right information. “Today’s session is about providing the facts,” he said. Davidge noted that presently, there’s little hands on training for technicians once they graduate and the way in which vehicle construction is advancing, technicians need to understand what’s involved to properly repair vehicles to original OE specifications.
Art Ewing, Marketing Director, Canada for Pro Spot, talked about different grades of aluminum, how they react differently and how with today’s increasingly mixed-material vehicle structures different repair techniques are required—such as using the correct filler wire, taking it slow and steady and ensuring the repair area is clean before you start to prevent contamination and future corrosion. “With aluminum, one thing you need to consider is that the repair area is clean, clean, clean.”
Collision Management attended the January 26 session and brings you some of the highlights:
