Exploring the Use of 3D Imaging in Collision Repair Assessments

We’re about halfway through the 2020s, which means we’re basically living in the future now. This future has brought many innovations to the automotive industry. We’ve seen a proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are now standard on new vehicles, and we even have seat warmers. Imagine that; warm seats!

But these are all innovations on the auto manufacturer side. What about auto body repair? What technological advancements have we seen for something like collision repair? Well, one innovation is the use of 3D imaging in accident repair assessments. This article is all about how 3D imaging integrates into auto body repair.

Technology and auto body repair

Auto body repair technicians have been steadily increasing the levels and quality of technology they use in their jobs. Collision repair has, for the vast majority of its existence, been a mechanical, analog process. Some enterprising accident repair companies may have started using computers to keep track of customer accounts and part orders as early as the 1980s, but as far as using digital tools in actual auto body repair, that’s relatively new.

Nowadays, it’s common to see technicians use digital solutions to calibrate ADAS features, check tire pressure, conduct automotive paint matching, and perform other repairs and maintenance services. Many auto body repair shops have their own software and programs they use to interact with the onboard computer that is present on just about all modern vehicles. This interfacing is key for running diagnostics.

A lot of collision repair still requires analog and mechanical tools of course, such as dent repair or scratch repair. But there’s no question that digital solutions are key to auto body repair. And one digital tool that’s particularly important for collision repair is 3D imaging technology.

Why 3D imaging is critical to auto body repair?

A lot of engineering and design goes into creating an automobile. Auto body repair technicians are rarely engineers, but they must have a good understanding of engineering, mechanics, structural design, and load management, which is to say, the literal management of mass. For a vehicle to function properly, the body must disperse its weight, and technicians know these principles (and managing their work and time so as not to get burnt out is also important, of course.)

One thing they can do to make their jobs quicker and easier is to employ 3D imaging techniques. This helps them understand how the damage of a collision has affected the design and structural integrity of the vehicle. It can also reveal truths about the state of the vehicle that aren’t apparent to the naked eye.

Technicians use 3D imaging technology to help with the following facets of accident repair:

Damage assessment

The first step in collision repair is to assess the damage. This begins with a visual inspection; some damages are obvious, but others are subtler. Technicians can use handheld or mounted 3D scanners to create detailed digital models of a vehicle. These scans can reveal the length, depth, and severity of various types of damage, including distortions, misalignments, and structural damage that might not be visible to the naked eye. This process is also helpful for documenting the extent of damage for insurance claims and customer communication.

Streamlining

Using 3D imaging can also help expedite the whole collision repair process and make work more efficient. Many 3D imaging systems are integrable with repair software that technicians use to automate diagnostics, estimate repair costs, and create visual repair plans. This improves transparency for customers and insurers.

Structural repairs

Completing a successful accident repair often requires numerous precision measurements. This is tricky to do, and human error can be a big problem. But, by comparing the 3D scan of a damaged vehicle to manufacturer specifications or undamaged reference models, technicians can pinpoint deviations.

This can be crucial for large dent repair, frame straightening, and panel alignment processes. Collision repair technicians can also consult the 3D model as they perform their repairs. Live 3D imaging can be extremely helpful for ensuring repairs and alignments meet the high standard of accuracy necessary.

Replacement part matching

When you think of a “beater” car in your mind, what’s its defining characteristic? Many of you just said, “A door that doesn’t match the rest of the car”. For auto body repairs to look good—and to inspire confidence in the job the technicians did—matching things to the original vehicle’s condition is essential.

This includes automotive paint matching for dent repair and scratch repair, but, perhaps more importantly, it also means matching replacement parts. Any replacement part used in an accident repair must fit that specific vehicle and work with its other components.

Accomplishing this sometimes requires custom-fit parts, and this is where 3D imaging can be crucial. Scanned data can help technicians ensure replacement doors, panels, and bumpers align correctly with the vehicle. Technicians can even use 3D imaging to design custom-fit parts.

Quality control

Any professional auto body repair shop performs quality control and post-repair verification. This involves more than turning the key in the ignition to see if the engine turns on. A 3D scan after the technicians finishes their collision repair can ensure the vehicle meets factory specifications, providing confidence in the quality of work. This can also have positive insurance and warranty implications.

When looking for an accident repair, it’s probably best to visit an auto shop that has 3D imaging capabilities. This increases your chances of receiving a complete and effective auto body repair.