Process analysis of hammering in auto body repair

Abstract

In this study, the skill of automotive engineers in sheet metal repair is analyzed. Because no two damage situations are identical, every damage is reconsidered on a case-to-case basis, and flexible responses are required. This work requires considerable human technical skill and relies on experienced workers. When the skills depend on experience, human resource development is essential to impart such skills. The overall objective of this research is to propose a personnel training tool. The fender of an automobile was repaired by workers by a sheet metal working technique. The work was recorded using a video camera and a three-dimensional motion measurement system. Then, the results were analyzed. Experts and non-experts were recorded when performing the task, and the differences in the process behaviors and hammer-strike positions were examined. The results showed that the experts initiated their strikes in the peripheral part of the dents. Thereafter, they applied several broad strike patterns in their repairs: for example, avoiding striking the peripheral part of the dent; striking the central part while avoiding the press line, followed by striking both the peripheral and central parts; and applying many strikes on the press line in the central part of the dent.

Keywords

• automobile
• sheet metal repair
• craftsmanship
• technical analysis
• hammering
• process