Thermal Expansion Limits in Aerodynamic Thermoplastic Housing Design
Accommodate thermoplastic thermal expansion using kinematic sliding mounts and recessed lap joints to prevent out-of-plane buckling and boundary layer tripping.
Skin Oil Canning
Meaning
Visible surface waviness or buckling across thin sheet metal or composite exterior panels resulting from residual manufacturing stresses or thermal expansion degrades visual surface quality. Preventing skin oil canning governs surface flatness specifications for architectural metal cladding and transport vehicle outer panels. The defect stops at internal unexposed structural panels where cosmetic appearance carries no commercial value.
Surface Waviness
Exterior cladding and vehicle supply contracts specify strict flatness tolerances using laser surface profile measurements. Minimizing skin oil canning requires proper panel tensioning, controlled frame fastening, and material thickness selection during fabrication. When thermal movement causes light reflection distortion across metal panels, building owners and fleet buyers reject installation sign-off.
Manufacturing agreements require suppliers to pre-stress or stiffen exterior sheet metal assemblies prior to final delivery.
Rejection Clause
Commercial construction contracts allow buyers to withhold final milestone payments for cosmetic panel defects. Unacceptable skin oil canning reduces property aesthetic value and triggers formal client disputes. Panel replacement costs significantly erode contractor profit margins on commercial facade projects.
Rework Expense
Warranty provisions outline contractor obligations for repairing surface buckling after installation. Correcting skin oil canning requires field installation of internal stiffeners or complete panel replacement at contractor cost. Financial remedies include liquidated damages for project completion delays.