A new white paper from the Metal Construction Association (MCA) defines the unified position of the association and its members regarding visual acceptance parameters for Metal Composite Material Panels and Panel Systems. The 3-page Visual Acceptance Parameters for Metal Composite Material (MCM) Panels and Panel Systems is available as a pdf document at no charge on the MCA website.
The purpose of the document is to highlight the code and industry standards for perceived defects in MCM panel installation. The document is a guideline of areas to consider when determining whether a product is installed or performing within commonly accepted standards. Four areas of concern that can adversely affect visual appearance are discussed in detail: panel deflection; panel bow; surface imperfections; and finish performance and color fastness.
" We wanted to develop this white paper to address concerns that we hear in the field as to what the acceptance criteria should be for painted metal surfaces," said Bill Yannetti, director of operations for Mitsubishi Plastics Composites America, Inc. and task group leader for the associations MCM Fabricator Council. "The visual acceptance white paper details the types of issues an end user should be sensitive to, what they should look for and provides commonly accepted criteria for acceptability. "
"The visual appearance question is one that often comes up during the architectural walk through on a project," said Andy Williams, MCA's director of codes and standards. " Many real world situations are discussed in this document that sets the stage for the architect and designer to understand what to expect. More knowledge at the beginning of a project will avoid debate towards the end of the project. "
A complete list and description of MCAs highly respected technical materials, including this manual, are available at www.metalconstruction.org/pubs/. Most documents are downloadable free from the site.
The Metal Construction Association brings together a diverse industry for the purpose of expanding the use of metal in construction through marketing, research and technology and education. Companies involved in MCA gain tremendous benefit from association activities that focus on research, codes and standards, market development, and technical programs. MCA's market development efforts increase the use of metal materials in construction through the education of the building and design communities about the benefits of metal.
MCA's next meeting is the 2014 Annual Meeting, set for January 26-28 at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL.
