1. The following are general guidelines for cutting and installation. A sample of the specific order GVS™ material is also included for the purpose of determining the best procedure for cutting panels/sheets.

2. Place panels/sheets in climate controlled warehouse prior to delivery to site. Once panels/sheets are delivered to the site, allow panels/sheets to acclimate to room temperature (70°F) 48 hours prior to handling. Protect panel/sheet edges from damage. Store panel/sheet containers flat.

3. When handling GVS™ panels/sheets, care should be taken to insure the panels/sheets are not twisted or allowed to sag unevenly. Using two (2) people to handle panels/sheets is strongly recommended.

4. When cutting GVS™ panels/sheets, a minimum sixty (60) tooth (preferably eighty (80) tooth) carbide-tipped alternate top bevel (ATB) saw blade with zero (0) degree hook angle designed for non-ferrous metals is recommended. Panels/sheets must be firmly supported to insure the material is not allowed to vibrate excessively. Using a table saw with the proper infeed, out feed, and side support with the minimum blade penetration is the preferred method of cutting material; however, a hand-held circular saw may be utilized if the above recommendations are followed.

5. Panel/sheet material should be fed into the table saw at a slow, steady rate with panel maintaining contact with the table saw surface to prevent excessive vibration. If a hand-held circular saw is used, this panel must be supported to allow the saw to be moved across the surface of the panel at a slow, steady rate. Protecting the surface where the base of the circular saw or the top surface of the bed of the table saw slides over the panel is recommended to prevent scratches. This protection could be in the form of an adhesive-backed tape in the proper width.

6. If a table saw with a recommended blade is used, the GVS™ panels/sheets should be cut from the backside. If a hand-held circular saw is used, the material should be cut from the face side.

7. When the GVS™ panels/sheets have been cut, the edges should be deburred utilizing normal panel deburring procedures. This will insure a smooth contact when the panels/sheets are installed.

8. When cutting GVS™ panels/sheets, basic personal protective equipment should be worn. These include, but are not limited to eye protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand/finger protection, and other equipment as dictated by safety and site requirements. After cutting panels/sheets, personnel should be sure to wash hands prior to consuming food or beverages.

9. After cutting, the surface of the panel/sheet should be cleaned with compressed air to remove possible chips that could scratch the surface. The surface should be cleaned using standard surface cleaner, which does not contain solvent and a soft cloth towel.

10. Post-forming is recommended only for GVS™ laminate backed panels/sheets. Acceptable post-forming results are also subject to the pattern thickness and size of the desired radius. Pre-heating to approximately 130°F should allow the panel to be formed to meet requirements. If pre-heating is not possible, the use of a hot air blower applying heated air to the surface of the panel/sheet, at the point to be formed during application, should allow the panel/sheet to be formed to meet requirements. Care should be taken to not bend the panel/sheet excessively until the panel/sheet is warm (approximately 130°F).

11. GVS™ stainless steel sheets/panels are to be field cut/sheared by the appropriate trade.

12. GVS™ aluminum sheets/panels shall be cut face up on a table saw.