Application requirements - Spectrum International

Application requirements

Suggestions and requirements to help assure an efficient and smooth ordering process.

Spectrum expects metal sent from customer to be in ready to finish form. We do not intentionally inspect customer material for flaws in metal or workmanship. It is the responsibility of the customer to control and approve manufacturing tolerance on their material. Spectrum will identify obvious and visible damage to mater bundles, skids or boxes to include present or previous water damage to material or packaging. We will identify any freight damage, but there will be no intentional inspection for flaws or imperfections in material.

Racking is a critical step in the paint process, as it assures good coverage to the exposed areas of the parts. All material processed through the paint line requires some method of racking. Whenever possible, marks left from racking will be in unexposed areas - identification of where your aluminum parts can be racked must be noted on prints.

When a project has been quoted by Spectrum, please reference the quote number on all purchase orders.

Prints & Exposures

Up to date die drawings with accurate marked exposures is critical to a coating applicator.

Spectrum defines an exposed surface (exposure) as the surface area indicated on a material shape that requires finish coverage. An exposed surface area, when assembled into doors, windows or other assemblies, is either viewable or in direct contact with environmental weathering.

When material is painted, accurate exposed surfaces must be supplied so rack marks can be kept to a minimum on the exposed areas whenever possible. Rework and double runs are minimized when accurate exposures are provided, thus minimizing the impact on lead times. The amount of paint ordered from the vendor is determined based off of the total square footage of exposed surface areas.

Square footage, in most cases, is calculated based on a parts indicated exposed surface.

Calculation of a painted exposure, per lineal foot, is calculated using the exposed surfaces indicated on the print.

Exposed surface calculation may vary depending on the type of exposure, such as a single adjacent exposure on one profile or multiple non-adjacent exposures on the same profile. Exposed surface calculation may also vary depending on the material profile or type. Exposure calculations are subject to established minimums.

Primary Exposure is the exposed exterior and interior surface that must withstand the effects of the environment and normal use and wear. The primary surface must comply with all applicable AAMA specifications.

Secondary Exposure are semi-exposed areas requiring paint coverage, but which are not exposed to the direct effects of the environment or use and wear; this would include recessed channels and tracks. Semi-exposed, or secondary exposures, requiring paint coverage do not have to be in compliance of the AAMA specification. Minor blemishes such as runs and bubbles may be present and will not be rejected or touched up. Rack marks may be evident in secondary exposure areas and will not be touched up.