The Electromagnetic Dent Remover (EDR) works on any electrically conductive material. Though it does
utilize magnetic fields to remove dents, the EDR does not rely on the material being worked on to be
ferromagnetic. In fact, a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum is more amenable to the EDR process than
ferromagnetic metals such as iron or steels because of its superior electrical conductivity. Thus,
aluminum skinned aircraft are ideal candidates for the EDR process.
The EDR employs a highly sophisticated power supply and electromagnet to create a changing magnetic field.
This induces an electrical current into the work-piece (e.g. dented aluminum aircraft panel). At just the
right moment the field is rapidly reduced in strength. This sudden reduction in field strength creates a
force in the work-piece that pushes it outward, much as a hammer blow from behind would do.
Usually a series of pulls is required to correct each dent. This process typically does not damage paint.
Properly applied, it leaves no footprint, does not affect avionics, and can be used on a fueled aircraft.
The EDR is especially useful in repairing dents in metal core honeycomb and on panels where access to the
rear side of the panel is limited or nonexistent.
Even in situations where access to the rear side of the panel may be possible, economic advantages of the
EDR process can be substantial due to saved time and labor. Consider for example hail damage in the top
wing surface of a large airplane. While pushing the dents out from inside may be possible depending on the
location, doing so could necessitate removing all fuel, some aircraft disassembly, possible tank bladder removal,
reassembly, testing, and refueling.
Obviously, if the damage can be corrected by the EDR process in a matter of a few minutes to a few hours as
opposed to days or weeks the savings can be huge, not only in terms of labor to make the repair but also by
minimizing downtime of the airplane.
