THE ART OF THE ARC

HIGH-TECH HELP MEETS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

The past year has marked continued shifts in the way repairers’ approach automotive welding with changes driven by advancements in technology, sustainability initiatives and changing consumer expectations.

With the increasing complexity of the modern vehicle—featuring lightweight materials, advanced safety systems and electric drivetrains— automotive welding is facing both new challenges and opportunities. Notably, innovations such as robotic welding systems and laser technologies continue to become more prevalent to help enhance the precision and efficiency needed during the repair process.

Automotive welding within the collision repair industry is also witnessing a growing emphasis on sustainability, with many shops looking to adopt eco-friendly welding materials and practices such as the use of biodegradable welding fluxes and electrode coatings. These changes further align with consumer expectations which are also continuously leaning in a more environmentally sustainable direction.

Additionally, as electric vehicles continue to enter the market, the need for specialized training in aluminum and high-strength steel welding has never been more critical and this need for technologically advanced processes has also given rise to equally tech-savvy—and entertaining—training methods.

For instance, last fall, the Automotive Trade Associations of Manitoba (ATA of Manitoba) hosted its Collision Olympics, where prospective autobody students had the opportunity to test their welding skills through virtual-reality (VR) welding trials using an Ocular headset outfitted with Cyther’s VR training technology. Alongside helping to engage students, the use of virtual reality systems also helps contribute to automotive welding’s push for sustainability by reducing the waste and emissions that come with using physical materials.

With the practice of welding having existed since 3,000 B.C., the industry has seen over 5,000 years of technological changes. While future technologies may seem daunting for some, automotive welding has a strong foundation of sticking around when things heat up.