Pembroke Auto Parts hosts aluminum clinic at Algonquin College

Owners, managers and techs in the Ottawa area had chance recently to get up to speed on aluminum welding techniques when Algonquin College and Pembroke Auto Parts hosted a clinic to teach the new techniques necessary to repair aluminum bodied vehicles.

Aluminum welding and repair techniques are looming large in the minds of many repairers. Normand Carriere, owner of Pembroke Auto Parts, a local NAPA store, told Collision Repair magazine that demand for the clinic was high. According to Carriere interest in aluminum welding is growing. “It’s not just about the F-150 ... a lot of vehicles are using aluminum these days,” he says.

The clinic took place at Algonquin College and was attended by more than 30 industry stakeholders. The training presented included a classroom presentation, conducted by Sean Slaven of Arslan Automotive, followed by a hands-on portion where attendees got to try out the equipment and techniques.

The focus of the event aluminum welding and dent repair. Aluminum and steel do not react the same way, so it is essential that repairers know the differences, and have the right equipment, before attempting any repair.

“We were getting a lot of interest from shops,” says Carriere, when asked why Pembroke Auto Parts took steps to organize the clinic. “It was a good opportunity to get the shops together and get them some information. It was very well received.”