A tile holder cannot be selected from a “30 mm panel” label. Overall thickness does not define the terracotta cavity, rear groove, edge geometry, holder engagement, rail or fastener interface. Every feature must match one controlled panel-and-support assembly backed by current project-specific evidence.
Treat 30 mm as an archive label, not a match
Nominal thickness describes only one dimension and may itself be defined differently across product families. It does not reveal the position, depth or shape of rear cavities and grooves, edge thickness, internal webs, surface build-up or manufacturing tolerances that control holder contact.
Request a current compatibility schedule linking the exact panel code and section to the holder, rail and every connected part. Confirm whether item 1-3 remains current. If several panel formats or orientations are used, document accepted and excluded combinations separately.
Connect that schedule to production samples, quotations, purchase orders and delivery labels. If a panel body, extrusion, tooling or supplier changes, require a documented comparison and project review instead of assuming that the nominal thickness preserves compatibility.
Document cavities, grooves and ceramic edges
Cavity
Record complete internal geometry, webs and the relationship to the intended contact zone.
Groove
Show lips, shoulders, depth, width, orientation and controlled tolerances on the current drawing.
Edge
Identify ceramic edge relationships and special conditions at cuts, ends, corners and openings.
Holder
Define every hook, bearing face, slot, hole and engagement feature with its revision.
A front photograph and nominal panel thickness cannot reveal these interfaces. Use production-intent samples for coordination, but link them to the same drawings, body, manufacturing route and evidence. A hand fit does not qualify other batches or product families.
Match holder, rail and fastener interfaces
Draw the complete path from panel through holder, rail, brackets, fasteners and anchors to the verified substrate. Name each component and material condition. Identify intended support, restraint, adjustment and movement roles without assuming that one clip performs every function.
Coordinate holes, slots, bearing faces, fastener access and rail orientation. A look-alike rail, improvised fastener, added packer or altered holder changes the assembly. Product availability is not evidence of compatibility or engineering approval.
Obtain the current holder alloy, temper, finish and fabrication information and review material contacts for the project environment. Isolation pieces, gaskets or packers must also be identified components whose geometry and durability are coordinated with engagement.
Stack tolerances and verify engagement
Build a tolerance analysis covering panel body and groove, holder, rail, supports, anchors and substrate survey at nominal and limiting conditions. Review typical fields, corners, openings, ends, returns and transitions. Use only current system criteria for acceptable engagement and adjustment.
Define how the critical interface can be observed or measured before concealment. Do not invent a generic engagement number or rely on alignment from the front face. Unreviewed grinding, bending, drilling, packing or forced assembly can alter ceramic contact and load transfer.
Protect ceramic edges and plan service access
Review contact zones, local edge conditions and relevant failure modes through current calculations, tests or assessments for the exact configuration. Coordinate handling, assembly access and adjacent work so uncontrolled contact or field alteration does not damage the panel interface.
Define whether and how a panel or holder can be inspected and replaced within the selected system. Identify adjacent components affected, protection of drainage layers and the required review after reinstatement. Replaceability cannot be inferred from a clip photograph.
Review access at typical fields, corners, bases, heads and openings. Keep compatible, labelled spares where required by the maintenance plan. A later look-alike holder or panel needs a controlled interface and evidence assessment before it enters the wall.
Require matched evidence and a trial assembly
Current calculations or tests should name the exact panel section, holder, rail, fasteners, brackets, anchors, substrate and boundary conditions. Record applicable project actions, movement, exposure and failure modes. Evidence for another nominal thickness or groove does not transfer automatically.
Use production-intent parts in a representative assembly to review fit, tolerances, access, inspection, drainage and replacement. The trial can define observable workmanship criteria within its scope but cannot replace structural, weather, fire or durability evidence.
Control identity through installation and handover
At receiving, reconcile labels, drawings, revisions, material and finish records, compatible-panel schedule, packing list and lots. Quarantine unmarked, deformed, damaged or substituted parts. Record holder identity, orientation, engagement evidence and special-zone decisions before concealment.
Use the current terracotta rainscreen range and project references only as system context. Handover should retain as-built locations, approved interfaces, inspections, maintenance access, replacement logic and traceable compatible spares.