Guide: Decal & Vinyl Removal, Salvaging Bonded Trim

How To Guides, Inductor

A Quick Way to Remove Decals, Vinyl Graphics and More While Salvaging Bonded Trim on Light Commercial Vehicles Using the Inductor® Pro-Max Induction Heater & U-211 Fast-Off® Pad

The Inductor U-211 Fast-Off Pad is an optional heating attachment for the Pro-Max induction heating tool. It allows technicians to remove vinyl graphics, decals, vapor barriers, sound pads, body trim and much more while leaving little to no adhesive behind. As a result, there is little need for toxic solvents and clean-up time is reduced or eliminated. This allows auto mechanics and body shops to save money and lessen the potential health and safety issues from using harmful solvents.

How Does It Work?
Unlike traditional heating methods, the invisible heat created by induction heating is the cleanest and fastest way for removing objects bonded to sheet metal. The high frequency magnetic fields pass through non-metallic objects, once these magnetic fields reach the metal surface they heat the metal only leaving the non-metallic parts cooler. The result is easy release and the adhesive stays with the cooler part.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Equipment Needed: heat resistant gloves, overalls, goggles.

Step 1: Attach the Fast-Off Pad to the Pro-Max.

Step 2: Set the power control knob to midway between the “Low” and “Max” settings. As your skill level increases, power can be increased to increase job efficiency.

Step 3: Step on the foot switch to turn the power ON and maintain foot pressure to keep power on. Once released, the power will turn off.

Step 4: Holding the Fast-Off Pad against the non-metallic object to be removed, move it in a small circular or back and forth motion as not to overheat the panel.

Step 5: While heating the panel, begin to remove the object with outward pressure. An L wedge, as pictured, will help. Maintaining outward pressure while you heat will allow the adhesive to release at the lowest possible temperature without creating damage to the automotive finish.

Step 6: The side molding is removed cleanly.

Contact us to learn more about removing decals, vinyl and bonded trim with induction heating