Communication
     When undertaking a project that uses
infill panels, clear communication is very
important. This includes working with archi-
tects, engineers, estimators, and installers on
the design of the project. Good two-way
interaction helps eliminate misconceptions
and potential problems later in the project.

Project Understanding
     Always make sure that att parties
involved have a complete understanding of
the items to be fabricated. This may be

accomplished through a detailed blueprint. It
is also very helpful if the manufacturer can
provide a sample. Quite often during a pro-
ject, a special color is required. Paint chips
samples, along with the blueprints, help to
insure that the proper finish is applied. Any
specifications provided should be detailed
and complete, and local building codes
should be reviewed for the project. For a
good glossary of terms related to this type of
project, refer to NOMMA's Metal Rail
Manual, Second Edition.

Delivery Date
     Once the project is established, determine
a target date to complete fabrication. As the
details are reviewed and fabrication begins,
the completion date should be constantly
monitored. Allow time to transport and deliv-
er material to the job site. There is nothing
more distressing to a customer than a late
delivery.

Verification
     Verification is extremely important.
Require customer approval of the blueprints
and be sure to get a signature. In addition,
field verify all checking dimensions and date
all paperwork.

Revisions and change Orders
     When revisions are required on the blue-
prints, manually verify and/or correct each
item shown.  Maintain records for each revi-

change needed. For every revision, the cus-
tomer/ contractor should furnish a change
order to the fabricator, indicated the detailed
price adjustment.

Packaging
     To determine the proper packaging,
review where the product is going. How are
the items to be protected'? This also must be
specified in detail to reduce and aid in pre-
venting damage. Panels should be separated
in packaging to keep the finish intact.
Packaging plays a very important role in the
protection of the product.

Freight and Unloading Product
     There are different ways to handle freight
cost: prepaid, collect, third party, or customer
pickup. You must also decide which party is
to absorb the freight cost. We prefer to send

Follow-up and Customer Service
     It is very important for the manufacturer to
follow-up several times after the product has
been completed and shipped. The supplier
should confirm that the product was received in
good condition. A supplier should contact the
customer during installation to make sure
things are going smoothly.

Conclusion
     We believe these are several basic guide-
lines that assist in the ordering, manufacturing,
shipping, and installing of infill panels and
other mesh products. The guidelines given here
are aimed at producing high quality merchan-
dise and providing a superior level of customer
service.

Jesco-Wipco-Hoosier has been a NOMMA
member since 1993. For questions on infill
panels and wire mesh products, call (517) 542-
2903 or (800) 455-0019.

Figure 13: No evidence of welded joints.

Figure 14: Welds may be undercut and may
have pin holes

Figure 15: Undressed welds as applied (no
cleanup.)

shipments out with the freight prepaid. The
freight cost is then added to the cost of the pro-
ject. One reason for doing it this way is because
the manufacturer can assume the responsibility
for handling any potential problems such as
damage due to shipping. This keeps the cus-
tomer from having to deal with replacements
and repairs, as well as adjustments for the
freight claim.
     Also, since 80 percent of our products ship
prepaid, we feel that we have more favorable
control over the carrier. This makes it easier to
handle any problems that may arise. Dealing
with established freight carriers has an advan-
tage, resulting in lower freight costs. Using
freight carriers who employ in-house inspec-

Figure 5: Hemmed Edge

Figure 6: Banded Edges

Figure 7: Double Channel

Material
     The following types of woven wire mesh
indicate the choices and flexibility available:
Woven Diamond (Fig. 1), Woven Square (Fig.
2), and Woven Rectangular (Fig. 3). Gauge of
wire is also a selection to consider (Fig. 4). Ten
gauge wire is the most popular.

Construction
     The type of construction of the panel is
another choice to make. Construction types
include: Hemmed Edges (Fig. 5), Banded

Figure 8: Double Crimp

Figure 9: Intermediate Crimp

Weld Finish
     It is recommended that the manufacturer
provided a sample of the type of welded finish-
es the customer has to chose from. Examples of
weld finish types include:

Figure 11: Stand Off

• Undressed welds as applied (no cleanup)
  (Fig. 15).

Finish
     When selecting a finish, you should know
the environment, temperature, and air quality
that the panels will be subjected to. Table A
shows the best choices of applications for each