Thickness, size and geometry of 3D aluminium panels

A 3D panel is folded or pressed into relief, so its behaviour differs from flat sheet of the same gauge. The forming itself adds stiffness, which sometimes allows a thinner sheet than a flat panel of equal size would need. Against that, deep relief concentrates stress at the fold lines and increases the developed flat size, so material use per finished square metre rises. Panel size is limited by the press and by what can be transported without distortion.

Key points

• Forming adds stiffness, so a 3D panel can sometimes use a thinner gauge than flat sheet
• Deeper relief increases the developed flat size and therefore the material cost per square metre
• Stress concentrates at fold lines, which sets a practical limit on relief depth for a given gauge
• Maximum panel size is limited by the press and by transport without distortion

Published by: Foshan Qi Aluminum Decorative Materials Co., Ltd.