DB's Corner - Aluminum Finishes

by Dennis Buirge

After being volunteered to write specifications approximately 25 years ago, I am still amazed at the knowledge base one must have to prepare accurate specifications.  This relates to not only knowing original material, but also keeping up with changes to industry standards and company mergers.  Feeling my oats regarding the knowledge of the aluminum finish standards, specifications for exterior sheet aluminum wall panels were prepared referencing AAMA 2605.  The manufacturer’s representative, upon review of the draft, politely informed me that the finish specification was improperly referenced.  Do you know why?

Decades ago while still a neophyte to writing specifications, someone was kind enough to explain potential finishes on aluminum products using American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) standards.  At that time, the AAMA standards used 3 digit numbers; however, the standards were revised to 4 digits around 1998.  A ‘good’ system coating currently referencing AMMA 2603 - Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels, formerly 603, uses thermosetting acrylics, polyamides (Nylon), polyolefins (polyethylene or polypropylene), and PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) and essentially covers the lower end coating systems.  The ‘better’ and ‘best’ systems use PVDF (PolyVinyliDene Fluoride) or fluoropolymers, better known by their trade names of Kynar or Hylar and according to an internet website are the number one specified architectural coating for aluminum in the world. These systems use higher performing coatings such as aliphatic urethanes, super-durable siliconized polyesters, and PVDF powder coatings. AAMA 2604 - High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels, formerly 604, contains a minimum of 50% by weight of either Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 resin, while AAMA 2605 - Superior Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels, formerly 605, contains a minimum of 70% by weight of either resin. These superior coatings exhibit superior color retention, chalk resistance, corrosion resistance, flexibility, stain resistance, and overall durability over AAMA 603 coatings.

 It was only several years ago that a lesson was learned regarding the difference of aluminum finishes and standards.  Wanting a superior two coat 70% fluoropolymer finish on the exterior sheet aluminum wall panels and related sheet trim, AAMA 2605 was specified.  The ‘draft’ version of the specification was transmitted to the manufacturer’s representative for technical review.  It was then of learning why AAMA 2605 finish does not always apply to aluminum.  But why?  The AAMA 2603 - 2605 series relates to an extruded aluminum substrate (ASTM B 221 - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Shapes, and Tubes) … it does not apply to a sheet coil coated aluminum substrate (ASTM B 209 - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate).  So then, what is the proper reference?  Specify AAMA 620 for sheet aluminum substrates and AAMA 621 for sheet steel substrates.  As Ricky Nelson sang in the 1972 chorus of Garden Party, “I learned my lesson well”.

Comments

[sac chanel]

Je viens de je ne peux pas lire. Il fait si froid, si plein d'informations, je ne sais pas. C'est bien de voir que les gens sont en train d'écrire sur ce sujet de façon intelligente et nous montrer toutes les pages complètement différentes. Un blogueur très bonne. S'il vous plaît Keep it up. Je ne peux pas attendre de lire ce que vous cliquez sur Suivant.

[John McCormac]

It appears that AAMA has rolled AAMA 620 into AAMA 2605 such that 620 is no longer used. The 2011 version of 2605 on the AAMA website indicates "Includes information from the previous AAMA 620 document". This should simplify things.

[A Facebook User]

Thank you DB.

I sell several types of ornamental non-ferrous products including both extruded aluminum shapes and sheet. It is rare that the correct reference is provided for sheet product finishes, but it is not unusual to see confusion over the references for extruded shapes also.(i.e. the wrong finish or a list of ALL standards).

Another frequent issue is with weld finish types. The specs reference NOMMA, but do not list the required type.

If these conflicts are realized in the submittal/approval process it doesn't appear this info makes it back so the problem is corrected.