What does hot dimpling ensure in the dimpling process?

Hot dimpling is a process used in the aircraft metal structural repair industry that involves heating the metal before applying the dimple, which allows the material to flow more easily as the dimple is formed. When metal is heated, its ductility is increased, meaning it can deform more without breaking. This enhanced flow during the dimpling process helps in achieving a more precise and uniform dimple, which is critical for ensuring the integrity of the joint and the overall strength of the structure.

While providing a smoother finish and increasing metal temperature can be factors in other metalworking processes, they are not the primary purpose of hot dimpling. The goal is specifically to facilitate better metal flow, allowing for more accurate and effective dimpling, which is essential in achieving the necessary fit for rivets or other fasteners in aircraft construction and repair. Thus, the reasoning behind the chosen answer closely aligns with the key benefits of heating the metal during the dimpling process.