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Panel Bonding and Structural Bonding for Autobody Repair
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Wherever a full welding process is not possible or not desired to fit a non-structural replacement part to a car, you can easily use the 3M Panel Bonding Repair process.
When the manufacturer's directions are followed, this product can be used to bond door skins, roof skins, quarter panels and box sides. 3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive is intended to provide additional bond strength to the replaced outer panel while also providing corrosion resistance. It is supported with a lifetime warranty against corrosion when used in accordance with 3M’s directions for use.
3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive product is not intended to bond structural components of a vehicle such as pillars, rockers or frame members. If doubt exists as to whether a particular component is structural, then that component should be welded. For structural based repairs consider 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive.
Welding vs. Adhesive Bonding
- Always select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment - Eyewear, gloves, hearing and respiratory protection for your job and workplace!
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Step 1
Remove all paint, rust and contamination from surfaces to be bonded using 3M™ Roloc™ Bristle or Clean and Strip Discs.
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Step 2
Straighten all metal, clamp the part in place and check for fit alignment.
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Step 3
Clean all areas to be bonded with 3M™ 08984 General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner.
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Step 4
Place duo pack cartridge with adhesive in applicator gun. Unscrew adhesive cap and dispense enough to equalise the adhesive. Attach and lock the mixing nozzle to the duo pack cartridge.
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Step 5
Apply adhesive bead on all areas to be bonded (all bare metal surfaces).
Panel bonding adhesive has corrosion inhibiting properties and provides excellent adhesion to materials like aluminium, sheet moulded compounds (SMC), fibre reinforced plastics (FRP), steel and more...
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Step 6
Tool out the adhesive (using a plastic spreader or brush) to provide a base to ensure corrosion protection.
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Step 7
Apply additional adhesive bead to either the replacement panel or the inner structure.
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Step 8
Spray 3M™ 50410 Weld Thru II Coating to all areas to be welded.
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Step 9
Clamp the panel in its proper position.
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Step 10
Tool out any “squeezed out” adhesive to seal the outside of the seam all along the bonded edge of the panel.
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Step 11
Weld appropriate areas. You may weld as soon as panel is fixed with clamps.
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Step 12
Spray the inside quarter panel and welded seams with 3M™ 08901/ 08911 or 08909/ 08919 Inner Cavity Wax.
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Step 13
Clamps can be removed after 4 hours at 23°C. If there is any tension, part needs to remain clamped longer. Curing time can be accelerated by applying heat (Do not exceed 120°C for 45 minutes). Allow 24 hours curing before returning the vehicle to service.
- This product is not intended to bond structural components of a vehicle such pillars, rockers, or frame members. If doubt exists as to whether a particular component is structural, then that component should be welded or a Impact Resistant Structural Repair Adhesive should be used.
Whenever you need to use a truly structural adhesive for bonding applications, IRSA PN07333 is the product of your choice. Several OEMs specify it for absorption for collision energy forces, this adhesive can be used also on structural parts. It provides excellent adhesion to mild and high strength steels as well as any aluminium parts.
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Step 1
Clean the area using 3M™ VHB™ Surface Cleaner or 3M™ General purpose Adhesive Cleaner 08984 applied with a 3M™ Professional Panel Wipe 34567 or a 3M™ Microfibre Cloth.
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Step 2
Remove all rust, primer, and paint from the areas to be bonded, welded, or riveted using a 3M Grade 80 Roloc™ Grinding Disc / Coarse Scotch-Brite™ File Belt or Surface conditioning disc, Only bond to clean, rust-free, bare metal.
Test-fit all parts, including rivets or fasteners, and minimize large gaps between the flanges to ensure a uniform adhesive bond.
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Step 3
Remove the part from the vehicle.
- All areas to be MIG welded should be coated with 3M™ Weld-Thru II Coating (PN50410) according to the directions on the can. Adhesive should not be applied to the areas that will be MIG welded.
- Areas to be welded using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) should be coated with 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive (PN07333). Weld-Thru coatings should not be applied to these areas.
- Areas to be riveted should be coated with 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive (PN07333). Weld-Thru coatings should not be applied to these areas.
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Step 4
Place the adhesive cartridge in the applicator gun, open and equalise the cartridge by dispensing just enough product to be sure that both parts A and B are present at the outlet. Attach a 3M Mixing nozzle to the cartridge and lock in place with the collar provided with the cartridge. Dispense and discard a small amount of material through the mixing nozzle.
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Step 5
Apply an adhesive bead to all bare metal surfaces of both pieces to be bonded. Using a plastic spreader or acid brush, tool out the adhesive to cover all bare metal surfaces.
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Step 6
Apply a 3 mm to 6 mm diameter adhesive bead to ONE part, centered on the flange (or as specified in the OEM Collision Repair Manual). Wide flanges, or flanges with small gaps, may require a larger bead. Apply a large enough bead to allow the adhesive to fill all voids and squeeze out of the flange seam, indicating that the joint is completely sealed.
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Step 7
Clamp or fixture parts together with any OEM recommended mechanical fasteners. Tool any adhesive “squeeze out” to seal the outside of the seam along all bonded edges.
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Step 8
Perform Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding in appropriate areas while the adhesive is uncured. DO NOT attempt to MIG weld through the adhesive. Set rivets or other fasteners while the adhesive is still uncured, typically within 2 hours of adhesive application.
- CAUTION: The adhesive may be combustible. Keep any MIG welding a minimum of 50 mms from the adhesive. As with any welding operation, keep the appropriate fire extinguisher within reach, and be alert to any smoke or flame that may be present.
- Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding through uncured adhesive IS acceptable.
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Step 9
Spray the interior cavities and any welded seams with 3M™ Cavity Wax amber or transparent.
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Step 10
If the parts are bonded only, clamps may be removed after 8 hours at 23°C.
- Parts should remain clamped longer if the temperature is below 23°C and/or if there is any tension on the part/bondline.
- The cure time may be accelerated by applying heat (maximum 80°C for 30 minutes), if applied within 2 hours of adhesive application.
- Parts that utilise rivets or STRSW can be unclamped immediately.
- 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive, PN07333 will change colour from silver to purple, indicating that the curing process has begun. Excessive heat application may reverse the colour change effect from purple back to silver / grey.
