Generally, resistance spot welding equipment used in the motor vehicle repair industry does not produce welds of equivalent strength to those achieved during manufactu re. The expression 'single row of resistance spot welds' indicates that the spots
should be spaced on a pitch of 19mm to 25mm, which normally results in mo re spot welds than those produced in the
original factory joint.
Resistance spot welds should be removed using a resistance spot weld cutter. If the new joint is to be MIG plug welded, old
resistance spot welds should be cut from the panel to be reta ined and the resulting holes used for plug welding. Suitable
holes may also be drilled or punched; 8,0 mm dia for sect ions up to 1,6 mm, and 10,0 mm dia for thicker sections.
PLASTICS-EXPLANATORY NOTES
Plastic component and trim materials
This table, in conjunction with the illu strations on the following pages will enable rapid identification of the particular
material of any major plastic part.
• NOTE: Only those components suitable for economic reclamation are identified.
Plastics - Handling Notes
The exterior panel temperature of a vehicle must not exceed 95°C at any time and may only be held at this level for a
maximum of two hours. Similarly, interior vehicle temperatur e must be limited to 86°C for a maximum duration of two
hours. Exposure to temperatures above those specified may result in distorted or permanently damaged components. If
there is doubt concerning temperature limitations, components that may be adversel y affected by exposure to heat should
be removed from the vehicle.
Plastic components that become greasy may be clea ned with an 'SBP 3' spirit wipe, or equivalent.
Recycled Materials
Any of the materials listed in this section, may be recycled provided that they ar e not contaminated by other incompatible
plastics or metals. For instan ce, the air conditioning unit case, manufactur ed from PP (polypropylene), must be separated
from the heater matrix, evaporator, contro l devices (electronic and mechanical) and all fixings before it can be considered
for recycling. After removal, the case mu st only be placed for disposal with materials of the same generic type. Bumper
cover assemblies similarly have side arma tures of dissimilar materials rivetted to them, these together with their fixings
must be removed prior to recy cling. Components manufactured from 'blended' materials must not be recycled with pure
materials. For example do not mix PC/ABS (wheel trim) with ABS ('B' pillar upper trim).
Plastics, Component Location and Type - External
TermMaterial Name
absAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
abs / paAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polyamide (nylon) blend
abs / pcAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polycarbonate blend
ABS / PBTAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate and Polybutylene Terephthalate
paPolyamide (nylon)
pcPolycarbonate
pePolyethylene
pmmaPolymethyl Methacrylate
pomPolyoxymethylene (acetal)
ppPolypropylene
ppoModified Polyphenylene Oxide
purPolyurethane
pvcPolyvinylchloride
SMAStyrene Maleic Anhydride
