Architectural Approved Applicator Conditions Checklist

A.A.M.A. Audit Overview

PURPOSE / GOAL: To receive and maintain status as an approved applicator for Protech Group SOL-AR™ Thermoset Powder Coatings, the Coater has requested to be audited by a qualified Protech Group Technical Sales Representative on a biannual basis (6-month intervals). If any of the specific conditions within this Audit Report are not met, the Coater needs to notify the Sales Representative and implement appropriate corrective action within 30 days.

Audit Type

Review Chemical Supplier’s Pretreatment Specifications to meet A.A.M.A. 2603/2604/2605 performance requirements. The Chemical Supplier is invited to be present.
Review Pre-treatment Logbook. Review daily titrations, temperatures and chemical additions. Insure levels are within Chemical Supplier's tolerances and that information is current. Insure that chemical indicators have not passed due dates.
Review record of powder inventory. Insure proper batch rotation, logging of boxes as they are introduced to the coating line.
Review record of results from control panels. Insure records are complete and current.

Chemical Supplier: Company Name / Contact Information
Substrate Type
Pretreatment Application Method
Pretreatment Stages
Verify that Chemical Stages are operating within ranges stated in the procedure and logbook.
Washer Condition – should be well maintained
Spray Washer: Check to make sure screens are not clogged and that nozzles are aligned and spraying properly.
Immersion System: ensure and note that eductor jet-pumps are moving the solution well throughout the wash tank and that the solution at the top is free of visible contaminants.
Check that rinses are overflowing (where allowed) and are operating within the limits stated in the logbook.
Check that substrates exiting the pretreatment system are water break free.
Check Dry Off Oven Set Temperature (˚F) and time, confirm to specification
Perform Datapaq Dry-Off Oven evaluation. Review results with customer.
Inspect parts post dry-off. Parts should be clean, dry and dust-free.
If applicable, check paint-ready material handling methods. Workers should be wearing clean, lint-free gloves. Handling equipment should not soil /contaminate the substrate.
Comment on time lag between dry off and painting operation and part temperature at spray booth.

Check Cure Oven Set Temperature (˚F) and time, confirm to specification.
Perform Datapaq Cure-Off Oven evaluation. Review results with customer.
Inspect parts post cure oven. Confirm cure (boiling water test, cross-hatch, MEK, etc.)
Boiling Water Test Instructions: Scribe parts/panels samples for tape adhesion test. Immerse the sample in boiling distilled or deionized water 99°C to 100°C (210°F to 212°F) for 20 minutes. The water shall remain boiling throughout the test. Remove the sample and wipe it dry. Within 5 minutes, perform tape adhesion test, document results.

Control panels or preferably cut-off sections of coated material should be done for every run, evaluated and filed for future reference with reference to Pre-treatment Logbook, Powder Product Code and Batch/Lot Reference #, as well as their internal contract / production reference.
Check for evidences that they run a boiling test for every new run and every hour on larger runs. Review logbook.
Review record of results for control panels and/ or cut-off parts. Check for sufficient cure properties and confirm proper film build (refer to Product Technical Data Sheet).

Physical Testing & Sample Descriptions

Obtain process panels / cut-off parts for corrosion resistance evaluation. A minimum of three specimens should be evaluated.
Description of process panels/parts taken for R&D Lab Testing
List Product Chemistry Type(s)
List Product Code(s) & Batch #'s
List Product Cure Schedule(s)

Check ground at powder application. Resistance should be less than 1 megohm from part-to hook contact point to conveyor.
Check powder storage conditions. Storage temperature should be less than 80˚F. Relative humidity should be less than 70%.
Review all other QC procedures and process log books. List Log Type (Online, Hard Copies, etc.).
Scan facility for potential contamination sources.