Strengthened Steel Body Panels

Strengthened Steel Body Panels

Strengthened steel body panels are being increasingly used in our vehicles.

The areas of use of these parts are shown in the illustration in: => 00 Reinforced High-Strength Body Panel.

What is strengthened steel?

Optically normal sheet metal, but due to the addition of various alloys, it has a higher limit of elasticity than standard body metal. In other words, with an equivalent impulse, the dent in strengthened steel will not be so deep as that in standard body metal.

What special points should be observed when removing dents?

Dents can be removed with the usual tools. Due to the greater buckling strength, there is more bounce, so that more force might be necessary. If creases are formed when straightening, the material could fracture.

What special points should be observed when straightening or working on an alignment bank or hydraulic press?

Due to the greater bounce of strengthened steel, it has be overstretched more than standard metal to get it into the position required. However, the greater force applied also affects parts made of standard metal which are welded to the strengthened steel parts. This increases the stress on these parts. To prevent the standard metal parts giving or fracturing, an additional anchor position must be provided.

CAUTION!
• If strengthened steel is overstretched, it will suddenly extend to a length greater than that required!

• For reasons of safety, it is not permitted to heat up strengthened body steel to reshape it. In this respect it is no different to standard body steel!

What special point should be noted when painting?

Strengthened steel will expand if it is heated too quickly by a drier radiator. If a panel is spot welded or securely bonded to a reinforcement behind it, dents will be formed at these points. These will remain visible after the panel has cooled down. For this reason, drier radiators are only to be brought to power gradually. There are no restrictions on drying in a drier booth.