Precautions For Working With High Strength Steel
BODY REPAIR FUNDAMENTALSPRECAUTIONS FOR WORKING WITH HIGH STRENGTH STEEL
a. The repair of reinforcements (such as side members) by heating is not recommended since it may weaken the component. When heating is unavoidable, do not heat HSS parts above 550 degrees C (1,022 degrees F). Verify heating temperature with a thermometer. (Crayon-type and other similar type thermometer are appropriate.)
b. When straightening body panels, use caution in pulling any HSS panel. Because HSS is very strong, pulling may cause deformation in adjacent portions of the body. In this case, increase the number of measuring points, and carefully pull the HSS panel.
c. When cutting HSS panels, avoid gas (torch) cutting if possible. Instead, use a saw to avoid weakening surrounding areas due to heat. If gas (torch) cutting is unavoidable, allow a minimum margin of 50 mm (1.97 in).
d. When welding HSS panels, use spot welding whenever possible in order to minimize weakening surrounding areas due to heat.
If spot welding is impossible, use GSA welding. Do not use gas (torch) welding because it is inferior in welding strength.
e. The spot weld on HSS panels is harder than that of an ordinary steel panel.
Therefore, when cutting spot welds on a HSS panel, use a low speed high torque drill (1,000 to 1,200 rpm) to increase drill bit durability and facilitate the operation.