Guidelines for PVC extrusion-based fenestration products updated
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a specification offering a roadmap for successful welded corners and reduced risk of deformations and malfunctions of fenestration products fabricated with extruded PVC profiles. “AAMA 320-24, Guidelines for Quality Welding, Bonding, Manufacturing and Ventilation of Thermoplastic (PVC) Extrusion Based Fenestration Products,” was last updated in 2022.
“The purpose of this document is to provide quality procedures for PVC extrusions and colored profiles, for use by manufacturers, users and laboratories,” said Kevin Seiling (VEKA), vice-chair of the FGIA Welded PVC Corners, Angles Other than 90° Task Group. “This standard is a top five FGIA document to own and understand.”
A wide range of factors occurring in multiple areas of the factory can affect the structural integrity and appearance of welded thermoplastic corners and finished product dimensions and/or squareness. The document provides general guidelines to identify methods for inspection and suggests checks and solutions relating to identified quality issues.
These guidelines also include manufacturing and fabrication considerations. The user should be certain to always think through the entire production system when reviewing quality issues, FGIA says.