Category: Pro Spot

Tech Tip: Don't Destroy Your Dies

5/15/2018

Don't Destroy Your Dies

This Week's Tech Tip Focuses on Easy Steps to Prevent Breaking HD Dies...

We still receive calls regarding HD dies (PRR-10HD & PRR-11HD) breaking and the cause is almost always due to the alignment. These dies were designed for rivet removal on thicker stacks of material. Although they are heavy duty, if not used properly they may still fail during removal. It is imperative that the proper steps are followed to ensure a clean and correct removal.

Ensuring Correct Alignment on the Backside of an SPR During Removal with the PR-5 Riveter is Essential!

DON'T LET BROKEN DIES BREAK THE BANK!
Heavy Duty Dies are expensive! Spare your wallet by following the proper procedures.

REFERENCE THE IMAGE ABOVE AND FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS:

Step One

Install the PRR-10HD on the FIXED side of the arm.
Do not use an Extension Die. Install the PRR-11HD on the DRIVEN side of the gun.

Step Two

Engage the alignment pocket of the PRR-10HD on the formed side of the rivet.
The elastomer spring (rubber piece) should fit snug around the formed side (inside of the vehicle typically).

Step Three

Pull the PR-5 gun trigger. The ram will extend and the elastomer spring will compress.
ONCE THE RIVET IS REMOVED, LET GO OF THE TRIGGER. Continuing to engage the trigger after the rivet has been pushed out can result in damage to the die.
Pro Tip: Pull the trigger slowly (and pause if necessary) making sure the drive side meets the fixed side correctly & that the alignment is good.

Step Four

Press the manual retract button on the PR-5 to return the ram to the retracted position.
The elastomer spring will return to the uncompressed state and draw the PRR-10HD out of the hole that the rivet was extracted from.

For more Tech Tips and Videos, visit the ProSpot YouTube Channel and subscribe to stay updated!

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Tech Tip: What You Need to Know About MIG Brazing

5/9/2018

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What is MIG Brazing?

MIG brazing is an adhesion process that uses the melted filler metal to adhere to the base material. This differs from MIG welding in that MIG welding is a fusion process, melting the filler metal and the base material together.

MIG Brazing Facts

Silicon Bronze is the type of wire used.
Softer wire than what is used for steel.
Uses 100% Argon gas, which is the same as Aluminum.
CuSi is the material selection in SP welders.
May be used on pulsed and non pulsed modes depending on the application.
Used on open butt, plug welds, and slot type welds.
Uses the capillary action on the backside for strength.

OEM Application Examples:

Honda uses MIG brazing in many areas when working with UHSS and HSS steels.
GM uses MIG brazing on newer Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon aprons where it attaches to the hinge pillar.
Toyota uses MIG brazing in non structural application such as Camry decklid.
Jaguar Land Rover uses a lot of MIG brazing in areas with HSS and UHSS steels.

Why Do OEM's Like This Process?

The minimal heat affect zone preserves the integrity of HSS and UHSS steels used in today's vehicles.
Easy to train and easy to learn.
Great corrosion prevention qualities.

Why Do Technicians Like This Process?

MIG Brazing is becoming more popular among technicians because the process makes it easy to dress welds and it's quite simple to learn.

DON'T IGNORE OEM's

The dangers of ignoring an OEM's instruction can result in an unsafe repair or compromise the materials after the repair has been made.

For more Tech Tips and Videos, visit the ProSpot YouTube Channel and subscribe to stay updated!

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Tech Tip: Using the WRONG Aluminum Key?

4/25/2018

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Are You Using the WRONG Aluminum Key?

With the extensive use of aluminum in vehicle production, aluminum repair is becoming much more common for the average collision repair technician. With this comes the challenge of being able to properly repair and weld these types of panels.

One of the main challenges has to do with the alloy of aluminum that was used by the vehicle manufacturer. Using the same alloy in the repair process as the material you're working on is critical to the success of the repair. Different OEMs use different alloys in their vehicles.

Example: The aluminum series utilized by Ford is different from the alloy used by Tesla or BMW- this can be applied to weld keys as well as welding wire.

What Key Do I Use & Where?

Referring to the OEM Repair Information will point you in the right direction! There you will find information on the specific aluminum alloy to use.
Keep in mind: The alloy's may vary part to part.

Because of these differences, using the correct aluminum key is necessary to ensure a strong hold point and to maintain the integrity of the aluminum.

Pro Spot provides 2 different aluminum keys:

Standard AlMg Key (Aluminum Magnesium)- Ford is a great example of an application where you would want this key. Pro Spot Part #: 50-0012
The AlSi Key (Aluminum with Silicon additive)- This key has a silicon additive- Tesla is an example of an application where these keys would be used. Pro Spot Part #: 50-0014

How Can I Tell the Keys Apart?

There is a stamping on the AlSi key to make it easy to spot the difference and make sure you are using the right one.

For more Tech Tips and Videos, visit the ProSpot YouTube Channel and subscribe to stay updated!

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Tech Tip: What Are Your Aluminum Welds Telling You?

3/28/2018

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Your Aluminum Welds are Telling You Something: Check the Gas!

When weld results are not as desired, we often at our welding equipment. More often than not, this can be an easy fix by adjusting your settings.

See below how gas flow can make a difference in your weld results.