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Turning sheet metal into usable parts requires careful planning and metal fabrication expertise. Though it may be done in-house or at a tier partner, quality is critical as even the smallest panel or part defects may not show up until further down the process which means getting it right the first time is a must.
3M’s automotive manufacturing solutions for the press shop and stamping area are used around the world and by many OEM assembly plants. Centered around industrial abrasives and power tools – our optimized are designed to help the process work faster and more efficient while helping drive down area operating costs.
1. Tool & Die Fabrication
Machining tools are created that are used to cut or form material into the desired shape
2. Blanking / Cutting
Metal coils or sheet metal is fed into the press where flat, geometric shapes are created
3. Heat Treatment
The blanks are then heat treated – a process to make them stronger
4. Forming & Shaping
Metal parts are formed and shaped
5. Metal Finishing
Metal parts are cleaned up and finished before moving to the Body Shop
Panel defects can often be traced back to defects in the die. 3M offers a variety of solutions that help clean and maintain metal dies to reduce the need to rework newly stamped panels.
Designed with a high power-to-weight ratio to help you get more work done in less time – and with less strain. Great for grinding, blending, weld leveling, metal prep and other metal fabrication applications.
Superior solution for tackling metalworking applications where flexibility is required, such as weld grinding, beveling, flame-cut edge clean-up and deburring.
Built for low- to medium-pressure applications that require edgework. Its small size makes it nimble and maneuverable, so operators can get in, over and around intricate parts. The dual combination of backing and weight add strength to the disc.
Effectively remove rust, paint, mill scale, coatings and adhesives from surfaces without significantly altering the base material. The high-strength fibers are highly conformable, resist chunking and loading, and perform well on edges.
Removing defects prior to body shop receival. Defect size and quality requirements determine if 1, 2, or even 3 repair steps are needed:
*Application also may take place in Body Shop
Our 3M Xtract™ Series Random Orbital Sanders deliver the power and features you need in your panel repair process.
3M Precision-Shaped Grain in this film disc makes quick work of sanding and blending.
Combines flexible fibers with outstanding cut to help you accomplish tough cleaning jobs or produce fine finishing results, use after use. It is an excellent alternative to steel wool, wire brushes, sandpaper, and other non-woven products for cleaning or finishing tasks. The Hookit™ backing enables convenient attachment on a random orbital sander.