The industry prepares for Silicone-Modified Polyester (SMP) finishes
Differences between SMP and PVDF finishes
I think we can all agree, the business environment has changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, as we begin 2022, we’re forced to continue dealing with these challenges. Rising material costs, labor shortages and supply chain issues have added to the complexity of doing business today.
Laminators is aggressively working to address all of the issues within our control. However, we have been made aware of a global shortage of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, which is used in making the Kynar® finish used on our ACM panels that meet the standard AAMA 2605 specification. With PVDF supply issues and now in greater demand, our suppliers anticipate interruptions, extended lead times and price increases over the next 18-24 months. We expect this issue to impact all manufacturers that utilize PVDF resin paint formulations.
We are trying to offset these supply interruptions by proactively evaluating paint finishes that have similar attributes to PVDF finishes. Silicone-modified polyester (SMP) finishes appear to be a good alternative to PVDF and meet the AAMA 2604 specification. In addition, we are very confident these finishes will not be impacted by supply chain shortages.
The chart below is meant to help you identify the differences between the various finishes and specifications as determined by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA, now the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance, FGIA).
We are actively evaluating SMP finishes and in the process of matching our current most popular PVDF finish colors. Our goal is to be able to provide you with satisfactory finishes with immediate availability, as well as at a similar cost and warranty structure as the AAMA 2605 finishes we currently offer. Our intent is to add SMP finishes to our line while continuing to offer PVDF finishes, although the global resin shortage may impact the availability and lead times of panels with PVDF finishes. While SMP finishes are not yet available from Laminators, we anticipate having them in the near future. We will keep you apprised of this fluid situation.
While the AAMA standards vary between SMP and PVDF finishes, both Laminators and the paint manufacturers are confident in SMP finishes and know they will perform long term in vertical wall applications. For this reason, we are providing the identical warranty for SMP finishes as we do for our PVDF finishes.
At Laminators, we pride ourselves on providing a high level of customer service. We are proactively taking steps to address issues that are outside of our control which may result in some changes to minimize raw material and finished product availability issues. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the industry adapts to these unprecedented times.