The Panda Process

Step 1: Choose

Different builds have different needs, whether from a performance or from a function perspective. Share your vision for how you want your window or door to function—whether you prefer it to swing, slide, stack, fold, or pivot—and our team of experts will assist you in selecting the perfect product for your needs. With more than 80 state-of-the-art options available, we have a window or door that will meet all your design, function, and performance needs.

Choosing the right window or door is about more than just filling a hole in the wall - it’s about creating spaces you’ll love spending time in. Our products will help you transform any space into your perfect retreat - whether that means keeping you cozy indoors, filling your space with natural daylight year-round, providing unobstructed views, or seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor areas.

Step 2: Customize

Every product is fully customizable to suit your needs. Select features and customize as much or as little as you want. We’ll guide you every step of the way and help you make informed decisions so that your window or door looks and functions as you envisioned.
Options include, but are not limited to:

• Products: 85 state-of-the-art products including Sliding, Folding, Stacking, Swinging, and Pivoting
• Materials: Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Architectural Bronze, and Wood
• Sizes: Can exceed 22’ in height and 12’ in width
• Configurations: Straight, Staggered, Segmented, Curved (i.e. panoramic or radius), Corner, Pocket, Stacking (HSWs), and Custom Parking (HSWs)
• Sill Options: Recessed, Recessed Drainage, Surface, High-Performance, Thermally Broken, and ADA-compliant
• Handle Options: Dozens of choices
• Finish Types: Powder Coat, Anodized, Kynar Paint, and Faux Wood
• Color Options: 25+ standard colors and the ability to color-match any custom color
• Glass Options: Low-E, Gas Filled, Tempered, Laminated, Impact Resistant, Double- or Triple-Glazed, Tinted, Obscured, Spandrel, and many more
• Glass providers: Cardinal, Guardian, Vitro (formerly PPG), and Viracon
• Premium Features: Automation, smart home integration, Keyless Entry Systems, Fingerprint readers, Keypad-enabled Smart Locks, Smart Glass Technology, and more
• Add-ons: Screens, PandaSHADE, between-the-glass blinds, and PandaTEK Cladding

We'll guide you through the different options and help you select the features that best suit your build and budget. If you prefer a hassle-free approach or minimal customization, our team will help you specify the standard features.

Step 3: Confirm

After you've finished specifying your products, we'll send you a Sales Order for your approval. This document will include all the specifications you've selected, including the exact dimensions of the products we will manufacture. Double-check that everything listed on the Sales Order matches your desired build. Once you've reviewed and confirmed the details, sign the Sales Order and submit your deposit. After that, our team will start working on detailed engineering plans, also known as Shop Drawings. Before we begin manufacturing, we'll send you these Shop Drawings for your final review and approval.

Step 1: Review

Once your order is received, a Project Manager carefully reviews it to confirm we have all of the required hardware and materials to complete your order. If there are any unique components needed, such as custom colors, glass, or non-standard hardware, they are promptly ordered at this stage.

Step 2: CNC

Once all of the required components are ready, the manufacturing process starts by retrieving the necessary extrusions from inventory. A technician then programs a CNC machine to precisely mill and the cut the extrusion according to the exact specifications needed.

Step 3: Finish

Once the extrusions are cut and milled to the required dimensions, they are fed through high-density rotating brushes to remove any fine aluminum residue and eliminate scratches. Next, they are placed on a conveyor that automatically moves through the state-of-the-art powder coat line. The entire process, from cleaning to curing is automated.

First stop is a six-step cleaning process that involves eco-friendly chemicals, soaps, and rinses to remove surface oils and contaminants. Proper cleaning ensures optimal adhesion between the powder coat and the extrusion, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish.

Next, the freshly scrubbed extrusions move into an oven to dry. After the extrusions have been thoroughly cleaned and dried, they are ready to be powder-coated. A robotic arm uniformly sprays electrically charged powder coat particles onto the extrusions. The freshly coated extrusions are then transferred into an oven where they are cursed at 390°F. Once the curing process is complete, extrusions are removed from the conveyor belt and prepared for Assembly.

For orders that specify Anodized or Kynar Paint finishes, the cut and milled extrusions are sent to a vendor that specializes in those specific finishes.

Step 4: Assembly

After painting the extrusions, it's time to assemble the raw materials into the beautiful windows and doors they are destined to become. A team of skilled technicians meticulously assembles each window and door using Panda's proprietary procedures and hardware. First, they construct the frame, then carefully install the custom-ordered glass. Next, they add all the necessary components like handles, hinges, rollers, gussets, gaskets, and felt to finish the product.

For thermally broken products, the Assembly phase involves joining the two extrusion halves with a non-conductive polyamide isobar. This creates a fully insulated thermally broken profile, enhancing energy efficiency.

After the product is fully assembled, it undergoes a thorough inspection process on our Test Wall. We operate it multiple times and make final adjustments to ensure it functions smoothly. Once it meets all quality control standards, we'll provide you with photos and videos of your products before we package your order. Photos and videos will be uploaded to the Order Lookup page under resources, or emailed to you directly.

After passing inspection, we take special care to wrap the product in a blend of soft and rigid packaging materials to protect it during transit. Your order is then carefully placed into custom-built crates, reinforced for extra protection, and tailored to snugly fit your products. Whether shipping domestically within the U.S. or internationally, rest assured that your order will arrive safely.

Once the package is properly labeled and prepared for shipping, we generate a final invoice for the remaining balance. Once we receive the final payment, your order is promptly shipped to the designated address.

Upon receiving your order, carefully examine all items in the shipment and promptly register the product to activate the Limited Warranty.

The wood supplied is stain-grade quality and arrives unfinished, providing you with the flexibility to apply your desired finish for your project. To prevent swelling and warping caused by fluctuations in temperature and moisture, it is essential to apply a high-quality to all wood surfaces within 7 days of delivery.

After installation, take care to protect the door, glass, and sills from accidental damage during construction.

Keeping your Panda products looking their best is easy. Follow the Care & Maintenance Guide for cleaning procedures, schedules, and best practices to follow. By maintaining them properly, your Panda products will provide a lifetime of use and beauty.