DONN® AX™ Acoustical Suspension System
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A cost-effective alternative.This Ceiling Suspension System is a 15/16" all-aluminum system that provides excellent corrosion resistance and a cost-effective alternative to extruded systems. It is recommended for use in high humidity environments.
The DONN AX Ceiling Suspension System is a cost-effective alternative to extruded systems, providing excellent corrosion resistance. All components (bulb, web, and face) are made of double-web aluminum and are connected with plug-in positive-lock insertion for quick installation and removal without tools.
DONN acoustical and drywall suspension systems have the highest average recycled content in the industry. In fact, many of the component are available with High Recycled Content (HRC). HRC suspension components are classified as containing over fifty percent total recycled content. Total recycled content is based on product composition of post-consumer and pre-consumer (post-industrial) recycled content per FTC guidelines. Look for the green HRC symbol to quickly identify HRC components.
Its patented Quick-Release™ cross tees are easy to remove without tools, decreasing renovation costs. They have override ends that rest on the main tees for better appearance (no exposed edges) without sagging or twisting, and they cantilever during installation and withstand dropping out.
Special corrosion resistant, stainless steel locking tee ends provide pullout tension values in excess of 3200 lbs. When used in conjunction with USG aluminum M7A wall molding, it provides maximum system performance.
Lifetime limited warranty when used with USG ceiling panels. Available in Flat White.
| Title | Size | Add to Submittal |
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| DONN® Suspension Systems Brochure - AC3163 [PDF] | 268 KB |
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| Title | Size | Add to Submittal |
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| DONN® Suspended Ceiling Installation Guide - R38 [PDF] | 815 KB |
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| Title | Size | Add to Submittal |
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| DONN® Suspension System AX MSDS (English) - 42-100-001 [PDF] | 124 KB |
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| DONN® Suspension System AX MSDS (French) - 42-100-001 [PDF] | 128 KB |
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| DONN® Suspension System AX MSDS (Spanish) - 42-100-001 [PDF] | 131 KB |
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| Title | Size | Add to Submittal |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Systems Catalog - SC2000 [PDF] | 42,936 KB |
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| Ceiling Systems Catalog Supplement - SC2000A [PDF] | 29,752 KB |
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| DONN® Suspension Systems System Catalog - SA904 [PDF] | 238 KB |
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| Title | Size | Add to Submittal |
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| DONN® Ceilings Warranty - SC2102 [PDF] | 92 KB |
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Installation
Q: How far apart should hanger wires be spaced when installing grid?
A: Hanger wires should be spaced between 4' and 6' depending on how much load the grid will carry. Hanger wires that are spaced closer allow the system to carry heavier loads.
Q: What is the best way to suspend a ceiling system beneath an existing grid system?
A: What is the best way to suspend a ceiling system beneath an existing grid system?
Q: How do you remove cross tees without a tool?
A: To remove a cross tee, push up on the main tee with your thumbs (where the cross tee is connected) and rotate it until the cross tee pops up and out of the slot.
Q: Do you mechanically attach the SHEETROCK ® Brand Liner Panels to the USG H studs?
A: No. The panels just slide into place.
Q: How do you take main tees apart without a tool?
A: Facing the main tee splice place your left hand near the left side of the splice and right hand near the right side of the splice. Using a shearing motion, push with your left hand and pull with your right hand. This disconnects the main tee splice. Be sure to straighten the end tabs before attempting to reconnect.
Q: What gauge hanger wire is needed to install grid?
A: For residential installation 18-gauge wire is required. For commercial installation 12-gauge wire is required.
Q: How is the spacing of wire hangers determined for fire-rated assemblies?
A: All systems must be installed and tested in compliance with ASTM C636.
Q: How much force is required to insert a cross tee with a quick release clip?
A: It takes 12-14 pounds of force to install a cross tee.
Performance
Q: What are the best grids to use in an area that is accessible to moisture?
A: DONN ® AX™ or ZXLA™.
Q: What is the standard warranty of grid?
A: Ten years. See complete warranty for details.
Q: Which grid is the best grid to use in a Clean Room environment?
A: DONN ® CE is the best grid for a Clean Room environment.
Q: What is the warranty for a system, that uses USG tile and grid together?
A: There is a lifetime warranty on any ceiling system that is used in conjunction with our tile and grid. All grid is lifetime when used with USG tile, however not all tile is lifetime when used with USG grid. See complete warranty for details.
Technical
Q: How is the load test data collected for ceiling grid?
A: Load data and spans are based on simple span tests in accordance with ASTM C635, with a deflection limitation of L/360.
Q: When installing grid, what is the minimum clearance needed from the overhead structure?
A: Minimum clearance is 3", which allows ceiling tiles to be inserted and removed freely
Additional Resources

Quick Facts
- Fire Class A
- Colors: [Flat White 050]
- Edge/Profile: [AX - Aluminum Exposed 15/16"]
- Humidity Resistant
- 91% Recycled
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