Buick Encore: Description and operation

Dual phase steel

This information provides repair recommendations and general guidelines for steel classified as Dual Phase Steel (dual phase steel with a tensile strength up to and including 800 MPa), also known as DP.

General Motors recommends the following when repairing or replacing this type of steel during collision repair.

NOTE: The use of heat to repair damage is not recommended for this classification of steel.

Recommended Repairs

• Cold repairs can be performed on this type of steel, unless the damage includes kinks. If the damage includes kinks, the part should be replaced.
• Sectioning or partial replacement of this type of steel is recommended only at approved locations, in a specific sectioning procedure.
• This type of steel can be used as a sleeve, or backer plate, when recommended in a specific sectioning procedure.
• Squeeze resistance spot welding can be used to replace factory spot welds, where applicable.
• MIG plug welding and MIG stitch welding can be used on this type of steel.
• MIG brazing can be used on this type of steel.

HIGH STRENGTH LOW ALLOY STEEL

This information provides repair recommendations and general guidelines for steel classified as High Strength Low Alloy Steel, also known as HSLA. This type of steel normally has a tensile strength range from 300-700 MPa.

General Motors recommends the following when repairing or replacing this type of steel during collision  repair.

Recommended Repairs

• Cold repairs can be performed on this type of steel, unless the damage includes kinks. If the damage includes kinks, the part should be replaced.
• Controlled use of heat can be used to repair damage, if the heat does not exceed 650º C (1200º F). The heat should be applied a maximum of 2 times, for up to 90 seconds.
• Sectioning or partial replacement of this type of steel is recommended only at approved locations, in a specific sectioning procedure.
• This type of steel can be used as a sleeve, or backer plate, during sectioning procedures.
• Squeeze resistance spot welding can be used to replace factory spot welds, where applicable.
• MIG plug welding and MIG stitch welding can be used on this type of steel.
• MIG brazing can be used on this type of steel.

MILD STEEL

This information provides repair recommendations and general guidelines for steel classified as Mild Steel. This type of steel normally has a tensile strength less than 270 MPa. This includes the common steel names of:

• Mild Steel
• Bake Hardenable Steel (BH)
• Solid Solution Strengthened Steel

General Motors recommends the following when repairing or replacing this type of steel during collision repair.

Recommended Repairs

• Cold repairs can be performed on this type of steel, unless the damage includes kinks. If the damage includes kinks, the part should be replaced.
• Controlled use of heat can be used to repair damage, if the heat does not exceed 650º C (1200º F). The heat should be applied a maximum of 2 times, for up to 90 seconds.
• Sectioning or partial replacement of this type of steel is recommended only at approved locations, in a specific sectioning procedure.
• This type of steel can be used as a sleeve, or backer plate, when recommended in a specific sectioning procedure.
• Squeeze resistance spot welding can be used to replace factory spot welds, where applicable
• MIG plug welding and MIG stitch welding can be used on this type of steel.
• MIG brazing can be used on this type of steel.

Ultra high strength dual phase steel

This information provides repair recommendations and general guidelines for steel classified as Ultra High Strength Dual Phase Steel (dual phase steel with a tensile strength greater than 800 MPa), also known as DPX.

General Motors recommends the following when repairing or replacing this type of steel during collision repair

NOTE:

• Repair of this type of steel is not recommended.
• This type of steel should be replaced at factory joints only. Sectioning or partial replacement is not recommended.
• The use of heat to repair damage is not recommended for this type of steel.
• Stitch welding is not recommended for this type of steel.
• This classification of steel cannot be used as a backing reinforcement or a sleeve for a sectioning joint, unless a specific procedure is available.

Recommended Repairs

• Squeeze resistance spot welding can be used to replace factory spot welds, where applicable.
• MIG plug welding can be used to replace factory spot welds.
• MIG brazing can be used to replace factory spot welds.

ULTRA HIGH STRENGTH STEEL

This information provides repair recommendations and general guidelines for steel classified as Ultra High Strength Steel, also know as UHSS. This type of steel normally has a tensile strength greater than 700 MPa.

This includes the common steel names of:

• Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS)
• Martensitic Steel (MS)
• Press Hardened Steel (PHS)
• Boron Steel

NOTE:

• Repair of this type of steel is not recommended.
• This type of steel should be replaced at factory joints only. Sectioning or partial replacement is not recommended.
• The use of heat to repair damage is not recommended for this type of steel.
• Stitch welding is not recommended for this type of steel.
• This type of steel can not be used as a backing reinforcement or a sleeve for a sectioning joint.

Recommended Repairs

• Squeeze resistance spot welding can be used to replace factory spot welds, where applicable.
• MIG plug welding can be used to replace factory spot welds.
• MIG brazing can be used to replace factory spot welds.

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