The Use of Mechanical Engineering Technologies in the Repair and Restoration of Parts

Abstract

The economic efficiency of parts restoration lies in the fact that the cost of restoration is usually lower than the cost of new parts, since the process requires relatively little labor and time, as well as low material expenses. One of the best and most advanced methods of restoring parts is the application of galvanic coatings. The problems and opportunities associated with the application of galvanic coatings to automotive components during repair and restoration are considered. Galvanization processes are associated with the need for expensive equipment, high consumption of energy, water, and chemical materials, as well as harmful effects on the environment. In the absence of automobile repair plants, this method of restoration can be attributed to mechanical engineering technologies. The main methods include hardening, chrome plating, nickel plating, and others. The choice of a suitable metal for galvanic coating mainly depends on such criteria as coating cost, surface microhardness, coating time, reflection coefficient, as well as environmental factors. The technical decisions regarding the choice of an appropriate galvanic coating were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This is a mathematical-logical decision-making method that helps to select the best option among several alternatives when multiple criteria are considered. By choosing a metal for galvanic coating that meets different criteria, the most appropriate coating for automotive parts was determined. Nickel proved to be the most prioritized option.

Keywords: automobile repair, automotive parts restoration, galvanic coatings, Analytic Hierarchy Process, coating selection criteria.