Metal Properties and Panel Behavior Flashcards
6 cards from real Paintless Dent Repair practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Metal Properties and Panel Behavior flashcards as text
What is 'work hardening' and how does it affect PDR repairs?
Answer: The process by which metal becomes harder and less ductile after repeated deformation, limiting how much PDR can correct it
Work hardening occurs when metal is repeatedly deformed, causing it to stiffen and lose ductility; overworked dents become increasingly difficult to repair as the metal resists further manipulation.
What is the difference between ductile and brittle metals in the context of PDR?
Answer: Ductile metals flex and deform without cracking, making them more suitable for PDR; brittle metals may crack under manipulation
Ductile metals like mild steel can be pushed and flexed repeatedly without cracking, while brittle materials crack under stress, making ductility a key factor in PDR repairability.
How does high-strength steel (HSS) differ from mild steel in PDR applications?
Answer: HSS is more rigid, resists deformation, and is more prone to work hardening, making PDR more difficult
High-strength steel is engineered to resist deformation, which means it also resists PDR manipulation and work-hardens faster than mild steel, requiring specialized techniques.
Why does metal elasticity matter in PDR work?
Answer: Elastic metals spring back toward their original shape when pressure is released, which PDR exploits to guide the metal home
Metal elasticity allows the panel to spring back when pressure is applied and released, and skilled PDR technicians use this property to gradually guide the metal back to its original shape.
What is 'panel tension' in the context of PDR?
Answer: The built-in stress within a panel created by its shape, curves, and attachment points that affects how it responds to PDR
Panel tension is the inherent stress within a body panel created by its manufactured curves, stamping, and attachment to the vehicle frame, and it significantly influences how the metal responds to pushing.
How does temperature affect metal behavior during PDR?
Answer: Cold metal is more brittle and resistant; warm metal is more pliable and responds better to PDR manipulation
Cold temperatures make metal more brittle and resistant to manipulation, while warm metal is more pliable and responds better to PDR pressure, which is why technicians may warm panels in cold weather.