Decorative aluminum panels are lightweight, durable, and versatile architectural elements used for interior and exterior design. They offer excellent corrosion resistance, easy installation, and customizable finishes.
Both single-curved and double-curved aluminum panels belong to the category of special-shaped panels in aluminum curtain wall systems. They break through the limitations of traditional flat panels, enabling complex, streamlined three-dimensional shapes. This provides modern architecture, especially landmark buildings, with strong modeling capabilities and aesthetic appeal.
I. Single-Curved Aluminum Panels
Definition
Single-curved aluminum panels are curved in only one direction. They can be imagined as a segment of a "cylinder" or "cone." Geometrically, they are formed by sweeping a straight line along a curved path.
Production Process
Sheet Metal Processing: Processes such as cutting, bending, and rolling are applied to flat aluminum panels. Rolling is the core process for producing single-curved panels, where a plate rolling machine or press brake is used to bend the panel in one direction to achieve the desired curvature.
Stiffener and Bracket Installation: Stiffeners and mounting brackets are welded or riveted to the back of the panel to ensure strength and installation stability.
Surface Treatment: After shaping, surface treatments such as spraying (fluorocarbon coating, powder coating), roller coating, or anodizing are applied to meet color and weather resistance requirements.
Product Features
Modeling Capability: Can achieve simple curved shapes, such as arcs and waves, offering more dynamism and a modern look compared to flat panels.
Relatively Simple Production Process: Lower cost compared to double-curved panels.
Easy Installation: The regular curvature makes installation and adjustment relatively straightforward.
Good Mechanical Properties: Enhanced strength along the curved direction.
Application Scenarios
Single-curved aluminum panels are commonly used in architectural components that require curvature but not highly complex shapes.
Column Cladding: Wrapping square columns to create a cylindrical appearance.
Curved Roofs/Eaves
Wave-Shaped Sunshades/Decorative Walls
Streamlined Walls and Ceilings in large public buildings such as subway stations, airports, and stadiums.
II. Double-Curved Aluminum Panels
Definition
Double-curved aluminum panels are curved in two different directions, forming more complex shapes such as "spheres" or "saddle surfaces." Geometrically, they cannot be generated by simply sweeping a straight line and are more free-form three-dimensional surfaces.
Production Process
The technical requirements and complexity of producing double-curved aluminum panels are far higher than those for single-curved panels.
3D Modeling and Unfolding: Professional 3D software such as Rhino or CATIA is used for precise modeling, and the complex 3D model is unfolded into a 2D planar layout.
Cutting: Based on the unfolded 2D drawings, precise cutting is done using CNC laser cutting machines or CNC shearing machines.
Forming: This is the most critical step. Large multi-axis CNC roll bending or stretch forming machines are used to gradually shape the aluminum panel into the target double-curved surface through precise digital control. This process requires highly skilled technicians and extremely accurate equipment.
Welding and Polishing: For complex components that cannot be formed in one piece, separately processed parts are welded together and finely polished to ensure smooth, seamless joints.
Reinforcement and Surface Treatment: Stiffeners are installed, and surface treatments are applied.
Product Features
Exceptional Modeling Capability: Can achieve almost any complex 3D surface, perfectly realizing the most imaginative designs of architects.
Seamless and Smooth Appearance: Creates a cohesive and visually striking building envelope.
Complex Production Process and High Cost: Every step, from design and unfolding to forming, requires high-precision equipment and specialized expertise. The production cycle is long, material waste is high, and thus the cost is significantly higher.
Challenging Installation: Each double-curved panel is unique, requiring precise measurement and positioning during installation, which demands a highly skilled construction team.
Application Scenarios
Double-curved aluminum panels are primarily used in iconic buildings with extremely high aesthetic and design requirements.
Landmark Buildings: Such as museums, theaters, and art centers
High-End Commercial Complexes: Used to create unique entrances, domes, or special-shaped facades.
Aerospace and Automotive Industries: Occasionally used for streamlined shells or concept models.
High-End Interior Decoration: Such as artistic ceilings and walls in luxury hotel lobbies and sales centers.
