Ford F-150 2015 - Module 2 - Aluminum; Aluminum Overview

Module�2�-�AluminumTextbook
2015�Ford�F-150�Structural�Repair�Training�Course�(FOR06) 19
Aluminum�Overview
Learning�objectives�for�this�module
include:
• explaining�safe�work�practices
when�working�with�aluminum.
• identifying�the�characteristics�of�a
stamping.
• identifying�extrusions�and�their
repairability.
• identifying�castings�and�their�use.
• identifying�heating�limits�for
straightening.
• preventing�galvanic�corrosion.
Dedicated�aluminum�repair�areas�are�designed�to
protect�an�aluminum�vehicle�during�repairs.
When�working�on�or�around�aluminum
vehicles,�some�special�safety
considerations�must�be�observed.
Separate�Work�Area
Some�vehicle�makers�require�that
aluminum�repair�work�be�done�in�a
designated�repair�area.An�area�designated
for�aluminum�repair�should�be�kept
free�of�contaminats�with�a�curtain
or�in�a�separate�area�to�prevent�steel
contamination.
Dedicated�Tools
Some�vehicle�makers�require�separate
hand�tools�for�working�on�aluminum.�This
is�to�reduce�the�chance�of�contaminating
the�aluminum�with�steel�particles.�If
dedicated�tools�are�not�being�used,�ensure
the�tools�are�cleaned�properly�to�remove
any�aluminum�or�steel�debris.
Compressed�Air
Do�not�use�compressed�air�to�remove
dust�that�may�contain�aluminum�particles.
Aluminum�dust�will�remain�suspended
in�the�air�longer�than�steel�and�will�settle
throughout�the�repair�facility,�causing
contamination�problems.
Cutting�Tools�And�Abrasives
Dedicated�cutting�tools�and�abrasives
for�aluminum�must�also�be�used.�Using
a�saw�blade�interchangeably�between�a
steel�and�aluminum�part�may�cause�cross-
contamination.�When�cutting�aluminum,
there�are�lubricants�that�can�be�used�to
reduce�heat�in�the�area�being�cut�and�also
increase�cutting�efficiency.
Some�abrasive�materials,�like�cutting
and�grinding�discs,�are�marked�for
aluminum�only.�The�grinding�discs�that
are�designated�for�aluminum�do�not
clog�like�grinding�discs�that�are�made�for
steel.