How Modules Affect MCM Panel Pricing

by Jonathan McGaha | May 5, 2011 12:00 am

In April we looked at the first parameter that affects pricing in MCM panel systems: panel size. We outlined how it takes just as much labor to fabricate a small panel as it does a large panel and also you use more accessories per square feet of wall for small panels. Therefore, for lower costs; use larger panels.

This month we look at the next parameter: Modules.

Modules

• MCM sheets are available from the manufacturer as a standard in 50 and 62 inches wide
• To get the best use of the material, design all panels around a 48- or 60-inch panel face dimension
• The required widths of panels can affect the “yield” on the MCM tremendously
• Normal “drop” is about 20 percent
• Some projects could have 50 percent “drop”
• This would increase the MCM cost by
  25 percent

Example

• If the MCM costs $4.00 per square foot
• Wall Area is 99 feet wide by 10 feet tall = 990 square feet
• Vertical Module
• 1-inch Return Flanges on all panels
• Module Option (1) – 19 panels at 5 feet wide by 10 feet plus 2 balance panels at 2 feet wide by 10 feet
• Module Option (2) – 33 panels at 3 feet wide by 10 feet
• Material Required for Option (1) – 20 sheets at 62 inches by 122 inches = 1,051 square feet
• Material Required for Option (2) – 33 sheets at 50 inches by 122 inches = 1,398 square feet
• Material Differential = 347 square feet
• Cost Differential – 347 square feet X $4.00/square foot =
  $1,388 or $1.40 per square foot

Therefore, just by changing the module, cost savings of $1.40 per square foot results. When you add this to the savings because of panel size, the savings can become significant.

Ted S. Miller is the president of The Miller Clapperton Partnership Inc., Austell, Ga. For more information, visit www.millerclapperton.com.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/how-modules-affect-mcm-panel-pricing/

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