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Ensure low speed, high torque drills used for AHSS panels

Make the steps to improve your overall performance.

Why its important to implement

Low-speed drills manage heat, prevent material damage, enhance tool longevity, minimize contamination, and require correct drill bits for optimal AHSS drilling performance.

Heat Management

Low-speed, high-torque spot weld drills produce less heat during the drilling process compared to high-speed drills. AHSS is sensitive to heat and can lose its strength properties if exposed to excessive heat. Using low-speed drills helps minimize heat generation, reducing the risk of overheating and preserving the integrity of the AHSS panels.

Enhanced Tool Longevity

AHSS is known for its toughness and abrasiveness, which can wear down drill bits quickly if not used correctly. Low-speed, high-torque drills are better suited for handling the demands of drilling through AHSS, leading to increased tool longevity and reduced replacement costs.

Prevention of Material Damage

AHSS is a high-strength material that requires precision drilling techniques to avoid damaging the panels. Low-speed, high-torque drills provide better control and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of gouging or deforming the surrounding metal during the drilling process.

Minimization of Workpiece Contamination

Excessive heat and friction generated by high-speed drilling can lead to the formation of heat-affected zones (HAZ) on the surface of the AHSS panels. HAZ can be more susceptible to corrosion and other forms of degradation. By using low-speed drills, HAZ formation is minimized, reducing the risk of workpiece contamination and ensuring the long-term durability of the panels.

Business Impact

Higher-quality repairs with fewer issues increase profits. Efficient techniques improve throughput. Accurate drilling reduces key-to-key delays. Proper training minimizes technician idle time.

Parts Department

The Parts Department may need to ensure availability of appropriate drill bits designed for drilling AHSS materials. Procuring high-quality drill bits specifically designed for AHSS can help ensure consistent drilling performance and minimize tool wear.

Training Department

The Training Department may need to provide training to technicians on the proper use of low-speed, high-torque spot weld drills and the selection of correct drill bits for AHSS materials. Ongoing training and reinforcement of proper drilling techniques can help ensure that technicians understand and adhere to recommended practices.

Profit

Initially, investing in low-speed, high-torque spot weld drills and high-quality drill bits may incur additional costs. However, using the appropriate equipment and drill bits can lead to higher-quality repairs with fewer issues, reducing rework and warranty claims and ultimately contributing to higher profits.

Throughput

Initially, implementing low-speed drilling techniques may slightly impact throughput due to the time required for precision drilling. However, using the correct equipment and techniques can lead to smoother, more efficient repairs with fewer delays, ultimately improving overall throughput.

Key to Key

Initially, key-to-key times may be affected by the time required for precision drilling and adherence to recommended practices. However, following proper drilling techniques ensures accurate and reliable repairs, reducing the likelihood of delays and ensuring shorter key-to-key times in the long run.

Idle Time

Technicians may experience increased idle time initially as they adjust to using low-speed, high-torque drills and selecting appropriate drill bits. Effective training and support can help minimize idle time by ensuring that technicians are proficient in using the correct equipment and techniques for drilling AHSS materials.

Customer Satisfaction

Initially, customers may experience slightly longer repair times as technicians adhere to recommended drilling practices. However, using the correct equipment and techniques ensures high-quality repairs that meet or exceed customer expectations, leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty.

action steps

Invest in quality equipment, provide comprehensive training, maintain regular tool replacement, implement quality control, and conduct regular inspections.

Quality Assurance

Implement quality control measures to verify that technicians are using the correct equipment and techniques for drilling AHSS materials. Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with recommended drilling practices and identify areas for improvement.

Provide Comprehensive Training

Offer comprehensive training programs for technicians on the proper use of low-speed, high-torque drills and the selection of correct drill bits for AHSS materials. Provide ongoing training and support to reinforce proper drilling techniques and ensure consistent adherence to recommended practices.

Invest in Quality Equipment

Ensure that the repair shop is equipped with high-quality low-speed, high-torque spot weld drills and drill bits specifically designed for drilling AHSS materials. Invest in regular maintenance and replacement of drill bits to ensure optimal cutting performance and tool longevity.

Related tasks

Milestone:

15: Streamlining Heavy Damage Repairs

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Identify if ADAS calibrations are carried out in-house?

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Identify if all mechanical work is completed in-house?

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Ensure technicians receive and follow the Vehicle Manufacturer Repair Methods related to the repair section of the vehicle.

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Ensure the vehicle's electrical system is protected against electrical surges if any welding, dent pulling or shrinking equipment is used

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Ensure the vehicles mounted onto the pulling system safely and in the proper way without causing additional damage

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Make sure new parts are trial fitted during the pulling process where possible

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Ensure cuts and panel joins are located according to manufacturer methods

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High speed air hacksaws should be used for cutting AHSS panels

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Ensure low speed, high torque drills used for AHSS panels

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Ensure new parts are trial fitted before and after welding

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Coating removal required from both sides before welding

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Ensure cleaning discs are used to reduce galvanic coating removal

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Ensure correct welding adhesives used where required

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Weld through primer should be applied on all bare metal surfaces prior to welding

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Ensure door locks and seals trial fitted as part of the repair process

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Ensure Vehicle Manufacturer repair methods closely followed for welding and riveting

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Ensure spot welder settings are checked and test welds carried out before welding

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Ensure welds are carried out to reduce heat, Heat monitoring tools used

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Ensure grinding practices are used to avoid weakening parent metal

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Ensure foam dams refitted/replaced with approved products when necessary

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Use Anti-Flutter product (not Urethane)

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Ensure all sound pads replaced on new and repaired panels

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Ensure the MiG welder settings are checked and a test weld is carried out before welding the job

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Ensure that the technicians follow the sanding process chart located in each bay for sanding repair areas

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Ensure vehicle structural body measurements are checked after the repair and recorded in the BMS job file

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Ensure removed parts are listed on the job card before delivering the vehicle to the paint shop

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