Closing in on Collision Repair: Auto Body Curtain Enclosures

Each process of auto collision repair involves a separation of work areas – this is where auto body curtain enclosures come in. Whether to provide an enclosure for a welding area, a prep station, a paint booth, or a wash bay, each step of the process needs to be isolated in order to provide the best quality workmanship and cleanliness for the vehicle repair and make the best use of precious floor space within an auto repair facility. If you read below – see how the collision industry utilizes

autobody curtain enclosures

for each facet of the repair process.

What’s the Damage: Estimation Bays

There are 5.25 million car accidents that occur each year (National Highway Traffic Administration). In each of these car accidents, 1 or more cars may be involved.

A collision estimator has the important role of assessing damages for repairs after a car accident. In order to carefully evaluate the condition of the vehicle(s), a dedicated estimation bay for each vehicle is needed in order to isolate the vehicle to assure an accurate assessment of damages are provided. An autobody curtain enclosure protects each area so the process of estimating the repairs is separated from further damage. After the estimation comes the insurance approval.

Take it Apart: Disassembly Booths

The insurance company usually requires a disassembly of vehicles in order to find any underlying damages not found visibly on the outside of the car. The re-inspection booths can be partitioned easily with a retractable body shop curtain enclosure for the automobiles, as well. At this time, a more comprehensive idea of the parts needed are established and ordered, according to the initial assessment and the re-inspection.

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Fix the Foundation: Auto Structural Repair Bay

The body must be reverted back to factory standards in the structural repair bay. Technicians measure the vehicular frame with a computer system in order to obtain an accurate repair appraisal for the customer. This analyzes the condition and the extent of damage. Isolation of this process is typically done in yet another auto body enclosure to help workers to focus on the technical requirements of the repair. The flow of the workspace and the definition of the workstation creates not only a professional environment but provides credibility of the business as a whole.

Sparks Will Fly: Body Repair Booth

The outside panels of the vehicle are returned to their appropriate sections and the metal is finished in the body repair booth. A welding curtain enclosure can be utilized to enclose the space for any additional fabrication. This welding booth enclosure can consist of transparent, tinted material or an opaque curtain with a “weldview” vision panel across the middle. A welding curtain will protect the surrounding areas from potential spark hazards.

Prime and Paint: Paint Prep Station Enclosure

Sanding, priming, and sealing the vehicular structure are important to make sure the paint adheres to the vehicle “skeleton”. A prep station curtain enclosure will keep the sanding dust contained, and reduce the amount of primer and sealant odors from entering other areas. The quality of the top color and clear coat depend on how well the vehicle’s structure is prepared.

Ooo Shiny! – Paint Booth Enclosures

Paint booth enclosures are used to apply the top color and clear coat to complete the refinishing of the vehicle’s structure. The paint booth enclosure as well as the prep station enclosure may need to follow certain regulatory standards when it comes to construction. Custom options can be added to accommodate exhaust systems, machinery, testing equipment, NESHAP compliance, NFPA compliance, and other requirements.

Re-United: Reassembly Station

With the automobile structure back to its factory form, the moldings, detail pieces, and all other final details are placed back into the vehicle and the system is checked.

Down to the Last Detail: Detailing and Wash Bay Enclosures

A thorough cleaning of the vehicle is done. Since the water splashing and detailing by-products entering into different areas is not ideal, clean, or safe, a wash bay enclosure is used to contain this process. This prevents debris, cross-contamination, and avoids slippery situations for the unsuspecting technician and/or customer walking just outside the designated area.

…now the vehicle is ready for road testing to make sure everything is working! A final inspection upon returning from the road test insures that the vehicle is in pre-accident condition. Every process relies on using quality autobody shop curtains to comply with government and insurance regulations. All this is done to make sure the vehicle owner is happy with the results!

Call AmCraft today to help you design the ultimate workstations for your facility at 847-439-4565 or email us at sales@amcraftonline.com.