SPECIFICATION Allowed anodization before fabrication for clear frames.
Page 2 of 9 1. SCOPE 1.1. This document provides general requirements for aluminum frames used in the assembly of photovoltaic modules. 2. REFERENCES 2.1. ASTM B221, Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles and Tubes 2.2. Aluminum Association DAF-45, Designation System for Aluminum Finishes 2.3. ASTM C1036, Standard Specification for Flat Glass 3. DEFINITIONS. 3.1. Scratches / Nicks. Surface defects with loss of material.
AUTHOR(S): Page 3 of 9 3.2. Marks. Surface defect without loss of material, (appear as stains, but can t be cleaned). Anode Mark (see 4.6.8.1)
AUTHOR(S): Page 4 of 9 3.3. Dent / Bend. Localized deformation of extrusion shape. 3.4. Blisters / Bubbles. Raised area of surface with or without void below.
AUTHOR(S): Page 5 of 9 3.5. Incomplete Ground Stamp. 3.6. Corner Defects. Chamfer / radius out of tolerance. 4. REQUIREMENTS 4.1. Material aluminum alloy 6063 per ASTM B221 4.2. Temper T6 per ASTM B221 4.3. Fabrication 4.3.1. Tolerances are specified on individual part drawings. 4.3.2. End cuts must be 90 degrees (+/- 1 degree) perpendicular to length.
AUTHOR(S): Page 6 of 9 4.3.3. Reject for holes that are the wrong size, missing or in the wrong location according to the individual part drawing. 4.3.4. Reject for any missing ground stamp or label according to the individual part drawing. 4.4. Anodizing 4.4.1. Clear AA-M10C22A31 per Aluminum Association DAF-45 4.4.2. Bronze - AA-M10C22A34 per Aluminum Association DAF-45 4.4.3. Thickness = 10.2 microns (0.4 mils) minimum 4.4.4. Labels (if specified) must be applied after anodizing. 4.4.5. For Clear anodized frames, anodizing before fabrication may be acceptable (subject to prior approval by Customer) provided all specified requirements are met. 4.4.6. For Bronze frames, anodizing must be done after fabrication. 4.5. Color 4.5.1. Must be within boundaries set by reference samples agreed between customer and supplier. 4.5.1.1. Each manufacturing site and each supplier shall have matching approved samples provided by customer Quality group. 4.5.1.2. Reject if color, gloss or grain is different than the reference standard.
AUTHOR(S): Page 7 of 9 4.6. Ground Symbol can be punched / embossed as per fabrication drawing 4.7. Visual Defects 4.7.1. Acceptable levels for Class A and Class B surfaces are specified below. Refer to individual part drawings for definition of Class A and Class B Surfaces. 4.7.2. Standard Inspection Conditions - All Inspections shall be performed according to Viewing Conditions for Blemish Detection defined as follows in ASTM C1036: 4.7.2.1. Inspected with 20/20 vision (naked eye or corrected) with no magnification. 4.7.2.2. Samples held vertically at a distance of 1 meter and viewed at an angle of 90 (perpendicular) to the surface. 4.7.2.3. Using daylight (without direct sunlight) or other uniform diffused background lighting that simulates daylight. 4.7.2.4. Minimum luminance of 700 lux (using daylight fluorescent tubes) measured at the surface of the item facing the light source. 4.7.3. Class A surfaces 4.7.4. Reject for any lines, steps, grooves, bumps, deep scratches, white patches, dents, bends, pit marks or burrs in the extrusion shape which deviate from the applicable extrusion drawing. 4.7.4.1. Exception : Grooves or bumps may be used as supplier identification marks in areas that are not the outside surface of the module, with prior approval of customers Quality group. 4.7.5. Reject for any surface scratch longer than 10mm in areas that are the outside surface of the module after assembly. (Refer to individual part drawing for exact locations.)
AUTHOR(S): Page 8 of 9 4.7.6. Reject for any nicks or scratches which cause exposed base metal. EXCEPTION: exposed base metal may be acceptable in fabricated areas. (see 4.4.5) 4.7.7. Reject if frames are visibly bent, twisted, or dented. 4.7.8. Reject if frames are bowed more than 2mm over their length. 4.7.9. Reject for sharp edges or corners on frames. 4.7.10. Reject for any blisters/bubbles on inside or outside surfaces. 4.7.11. Reject for any visible marks larger than 10mm in any dimension on areas that are the outside surface of the module after assembly. (Refer to individual part drawing for exact locations.) 4.7.11.1. Exception : Anode marks acceptable in locations indicated on individual part drawing. 4.7.12. Reject for more than 3 defects of any kind on any individual frame piece. 4.7.13. shall be free of oil residue, cutting debris or any other contaminants. 4.8. Class B surfaces 4.8.1. Class B surface may have up to 2 scratches per frame, each scratch may be up to 50mm in length. All scratches must be completely covered with anodization layer. 4.8.2. All other requirements are the same as Class A surfaces.
AUTHOR(S): Page 9 of 9 4.9. Packaging 4.9.1. Packaging will be specified according to local requirements. The frames must be protected from damage during shipment (especially exposure to saline atmosphere during sea shipment), handling and storage. The supplier is responsible for selecting an appropriate packing method, subject to the approval of Customer for each local delivery site. 4.9.2. Packaging details such as type of cardboard, carton size, number of frame pieces per carton, number of cartons per pallet, etc. shall be agreed in advance by Customer and the supplier. No changes to packaging are allowed without prior approval by Customer. 4.9.3. Each package shall be labeled with the supplier s name, Purchase Order number and description of material supplied (including quantity, dimensions and Customer item number). 4.9.4. Each shipment shall be accompanied by a certificate of conformance to this specification. This certificate shall state material description and customers item number, anodized finish type, dimensions, and a statement confirming fulfillment of shipment (with reference to PO number) and the revision level of this specification which was in effect at the time of shipment. 4.9.5. Documentation for delivery or transport shall include a reference to the PO, material description, Customer item number, quantity delivered and date of shipment.