With improper welds posing significant long-term issues with an automotive repair (such as comebacks and additional repairs), 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division technicians have come up with some top tips to address the problem.

These include identifying significant issues in typical welding applications and providing key tips for resolving difficulties with Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) through 3M adhesives or seam sealers.

In addition, they outline the 3M adhesives and seam sealers that are approved for direct-to-bare metal and weld-bonding or weld-sealing applications.

“It is essential that your equipment be in good condition and that it is set up correctly,” said Shawn Collins, Advanced Applications Specialist for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “As the use of spot welds increase, technicians need to be trained on how to perform this repair correctly and use the appropriate products for the job. We’ve done a tremendous amount of testing at our lab to develop products specifically for this type of repair along with the standard operating procedures (SOP) for it.”

Before you begin your repair, Collins recommends:

• Check the welder parameters and settings to ensure that the machine is providing the required squeeze pressure and current.
• Check the compressed air source to confirm required welder squeeze pressure is achieved.
• Check welder power source to confirm required welder current is achieved.

More details and procedures are available at 3MCollision.com