Plastic and Composite Panel Repair and Replacement
Plastic and Composite Panel Repair and Replacement
Plastic and composite panels (bumpers, fascias, SMC) require specialized repair techniques. You must identify the plastic type (via ISO code or test) to select the correct repair materials. Thermoplastics can be welded; thermosets (like SMC) cannot. Traps include using the wrong adhesive (which may not bond), ignoring reinforcement (e.g., fiberglass mat in SMC repair), and failing to strip the panel properly before repair. Also, understand composite repair (e.g., SMC) using adhesive and reinforcing patches. Worked example: A cracked bumper cover (thermoplastic) can be repaired by plastic welding with a compatible rod, then finished with flexible filler. Rule of thumb: Always test the plastic type with a scrape test or burn test before repairing; if it melts, it's thermoplastic. Key concepts: plastic identification, thermoplastic vs. thermoset, plastic welding, SMC repair, flexible fillers, reinforcement techniques.