Fixing & Jointing

Sawing

Can be easily cut using a normal saw, fret saw or an electric tool. When large quantities of the boards are to be cut, the use of a circular hand saw is advisable.

Drilling

Use masonry drills to countersink or drill screws. Use low/high speed drills for better results. Place the board under the drilling location for a clean hole. Do not use hammer action.

Planing & Sanding

The edge can be planed or smoothed with a surform, rasp or file. Use cponventional papers for sanding.

Fixing

SCREWING For screwing, it is recommended to use self drilling, self countersunk screw in stainless steel. Screw diameter should be from 3.5~4.2mm, length should be 2.5 to 3 times the panel thickness. Fixings at 200mm nominal centers, perimeter of panel fixings should be 10~15mm from the edge of the board and all edges should coincide with support structures. Thinner boards can be stapled with 16 gauge, 6mm crown x 25mm long rust-proof staples.

Cutting

ROUGH CUTTING Can be easily cut either longitudinally or traversely. A cut should be made on the face side of the board by means of a cutter or a knife. A line may be ruled prior to cutting. The rule can be drawn down the board at the required distance and can be scored with the knife at the end of the rule. The boards should then be pressed with both hands, cut and snap over a straight edge. For smooth and clean cut, use a circular saw (at least 120 carbide teeth) and set the speed above 3000 rpm.

Nailing

NAILS Can be manual or power nailing using a flat headed, preferably stainless steel nail. Diameter should be 2.2 or 3.1mm, length 3 to 3.5 times the panel thickness. For power nailing, tools should be set to 3-4 bars and then finely adjusted to achieve required penetration. It is essential to position the boards steadily against the background structure.

Support Structures

SUPPORT On timber or steel for 6mm, 8mm and 9mm supports should be 400 centers. for 10mm, 12mm at 600 centers.

Jointing

TRILITE RMS are suitable for fixing to both timber and metal framing. Studs are recommended to be placed at 407mm centers. Enough gap in between joints of 2 boards is required, which is normally at 4mm. Be sure to handle the fillings of the gaps for partitions. Before filling, each gap must be clean and removed of all dusts (including steel brush), otherwise the contact point between the sealants and the board is separated without bonding together and may result in surface cracking. Should be constructed according to local building regulations & practice.