Resources for Smoother Metal Repair Processes

Customer Challenge: OEMs are using high-strength steel, making it more difficult and time-consuming to remove spot welds during panel replacement. What’s the best solution?

Technical Tip: File belts are a fast and efficient way to remove spot welds, even on challenging substrates. Using file belts vs. drilling or spot weld cutting tends to providing technicians a more efficient, controlled method with less fatigue, while helping reduce damage to host panels. The narrow profile of the file belt also makes it much easier to remove hard-to-reach spot welds. 3M recommends using 3M™ Cubitron™ II File Belts, available in 36+, 60+ and 80+ grades. 3M also offers 3M™ File Belt Sanders for Body Repair, PN 33573 (13”) and 33575 (18”).

Customer Challenge: Should I apply body fillers and glazes from paint edge to paint edge?

Technical Tip: Applying body fillers and glazes across the repair area can result in repair mapping. Typically repair mapping occurs when the technician applies body filler or glazes over an open base coat feather-edge. Repair mapping may not be obvious at first – the final repair may appear uniform before the vehicle leaves the shop. Over time and as the coatings thoroughly cure, a visible line may appear where the filler has overlapped the base coat feather-edge. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and costly comebacks. You can prevent repair mapping by removing paint coatings 2 to 4 inches beyond the repair area and avoiding the application of body filler and glazes beyond the base coat edge.

For express repairs not requiring grinding or paint removal, 3M supports the application of filler or glaze over paint, as long as the paint is only scuffed, not broken into underlying layers, i.e. base coat, primer, etc. For specific process details, refer to our Express Damage Repair SOP (PDF, 168 KB).

For large damage repairs, refer to our Large Damage Repair SOP (PDF, 180 KB).

Customer Challenge: Dust from sanding operations can lead to extensive cleaning, detailing, and buffing. It also settles in vehicles and creates a messy environment throughout the shop. What is the best method for keeping dust out of the air?

Technical Tip: 3M recommends using multi-hole abrasives such as 3M™ Cubitron II™ Clean Sanding Abrasives, paired with best-in-class dust extraction like the Total Automotive Sanding System. Additionally, dust can be controlled with general hygiene practices like always wiping panels prior to blow-gun usage and washing vehicles prior to masking operations. This should help encourage a cleaner, safer, more efficient and profitable shop environment.