MCA conducts many technical studies and research projects in partnership with member and industry partners. These studies include bulletins, white papers, manuals and reports that ensure that metal is at the forefront of innovation, and proactive with codes and standards.
One would think that the separation between combustible material and noncombustible material would be simple, however it is far more complicated than it would appear when referencing the International Building Code (IBC). Typically, ASTM E136 is recognized as a pass/fail test for material combustibility, but the IBC has an exception where a product is recognized as noncombustible even though it doesn’t pass ASTM E136.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) has been a key element in exterior wall cladding construction since the early 1980’s, yet many of the common industry terms are not well known across the design and code enforcement community. Many of these “common” terms identify important responsibilities in the use of MCM systems. A proper understanding will provide the reader with important information that could save time and cost related to the purchase, fabrication, and installation of MCM cladding systems. Download PDF >
Simple question, right? Well, maybe not so simple. According to Wikipedia, the definition of a composite material is a “material that is made from several different substances.” No focus on the type of materials; the bond between materials; or the performance of the product. Download PDF >
First and most obvious—in an MCM, the skins are made of metal. What started off as an aluminum skin business blossomed into a variety of metal surfaces—stainless steel, zinc, copper, and even titanium just to name a few. Variations in metal, metal thickness, and finish are now common. The real question is: what does the designer need to watch out for? Download PDF >
First and most obvious—in an MCM, the skins are made of metal. What started off as an aluminum skin business blossomed into a variety of metal surfaces—stainless steel, zinc, copper, and even titanium just to name a few. Variations in metal, metal thickness, and finish are now common. The real question is: what does the designer need to watch out for? Download PDF >
The new 4mm MCA MCM Master Specification specifically defines performance criteria for the MCM panels, the installation systems, and the system fabricators in a single document while defining performance criteria for the MCM systems based on the latest IBC and AAMA performance standards. The Specification also provides specific installation criteria giving direction to the installer and assurances to the designer regarding the quality of the installation.
Dozens of products that lay claim to being MCM or Composite Materials, that is why it is important to understand the labeling program in place (as required by code) to ensure the product being supplied to the field uses the process, components, and quality requirements required. Download PDF >
This white paper will highlight many of the real and perceived benefits to using one thickness over another, 6mm MCM versus 4mm MCM, looking through the eyes of the manufacturer, designer, and fabricator. Download PDF >
Metal composite material manufacturers typically provide two types of core products: standard and fire retardant. The Metal Construction Association’s MCM Fabricator Council has developed this paper to clarify the allowable uses for standard and fire retardant MCM in accordance with the 2006-2018 editions of the International Building Code.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) has been used as a means of exterior cladding in North American construction for more than 40 years. In order for this flat sheet material to be used, it must first be fabricated into an assembly that is installable on the structure. These different assemblies are known as installation “systems”. In this Technical Bulletin, we will define the basic installation “systems” that were first developed, and continue to be used today. We will also discuss some of the more sophisticated designs that are currently popular and meet the performance requirements of building technology practiced today. When finished with this paper, the reader should have a basic understanding of the different system types and the performance characteristics that make each type of system unique.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) suppliers, fabricators, and installers must provide assurances that both the MCM and MCM assemblies will meet the requirements defined in the applicable building code. Typically, these requirements are defined in the code through reference to established testing in the areas of structural, fire, energy, and environmental (air and water penetration) performance. The primary question is how can a designer be assured that the MCM supplied to the project meet these performance requirements?
Metal Composite Material (MCM) cladding systems are an attractive and popular way for architects to present their latest masterpiece. Clean, colorful and tough enough to protect everything inside, from everything outside, MCM is the “cladding of choice” for many of the world’s most beautiful buildings. It is not surprising then, that it takes a team of specialists to produce a high quality finished product.
With increased demands in energy conservation, designers are often looking for ways to include additional insulation on the exterior side of the wall assembly, behind the cladding, to meet the requirements of the code. Installation of this “continuous insulation” generally occurs in the free air cavity between the weather barrier and the exterior cladding material.
Recent global fire events have heightened the awareness regarding the use of metal composite material (MCM). Safeguards in place in North America help to ensure these types of fire incidents do not take place. By adhering to the performance criteria defined in the International Building Code (IBC) in the United States, the National Building Code (NBC), and the Provincial Building Codes in Canada and working with the experienced MCM Manufacturers and Certified Fabricators, MCM can be used safely and effectively on a variety of construction types.
Though building and fire codes primarily address structural and fire performance of MCM cladding materials, other performance indicators often are used in the construction industry to define an acceptable application. This document defines the unified position of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and its members with regards to visual acceptance parameters.
The use of metal composite material (MCM) as an exterior cladding on high rise buildings is common throughout the world. There are many positive aspects of MCM, however recently, a number of dramatic fires reported around the globe have heightened concern regarding the use of MCM for exterior applications. The intent of this white paper is to provide information about MCM and MCM systems and the controlling factors in North America to ensure these types of fire incidents do not take place.
Environmental Product Declarations provide LCA-based information and details about the products’ environmental aspects and assist purchasers and users in making informed comparisons between products. This industry Metal Composite Material Panels EPD contains valuable information about product definition, building physics, the basic material and its origin, product manufacture and processing, in-use conditions, life cycle assessment results, and testing results and verifications.