Precision manufacturing process of Aluminum Sheet Panel

After selecting the appropriate aluminum alloy coil, the precision manufacturing process that transforms it into an architectural artifact begins.

1. Sheet Metal Processing Stage

✅ Cutting: High-precision CNC gantry shearing machines or laser cutting systems are used to cut the large aluminum coils into the dimensions required by the design. Laser cutting enables more complex and precise profile cutting for the Aluminum Sheet Panel.

✅ Punching/Grooving: CNC punching machines create various mounting holes, ventilation holes, and decorative holes in the Aluminum Sheet Panel. Grooving is used to create sharp bend angles or special shapes.

✅ Bending: This is a crucial step for forming. Using CNC bending machines and through precise calculation of bending coefficients and sequence, the flat sheet is processed via multiple bends into the desired three-dimensional, box-like shape. The accuracy of bending directly determines the product’s assembly precision and aesthetic quality of the final Aluminum Sheet Panel.

✅ Welding: For larger panels requiring added stiffness ribs (typically made from 1100 aluminum sheet or 3003 aluminum sheet) or complex multi-angle components, TIG/MIG welding is employed. This ensures structural strength and prevents deformation of the Aluminum Sheet Panel.

2. Surface Treatment Stage

✅ Pre-treatment: This foundational step guarantees coating longevity. It includes:

🔹Degreasing (removal of oils)

🔹Alkaline Etching (surface cleaning)

🔹Acid Washing (removal of oxides)

🔹Chromating (formation of a dense chemical conversion coating). This layer significantly enhances coating adhesion and provides primary anti-corrosion protection. After chromating, the Aluminum Sheet Panel takes on a light yellow tint.

✅ Coating:

Coating Process: Electrostatic spraying is typically used. This technique gives the paint particles an electrical charge, causing them to be uniformly attracted to the oppositely charged surface of the Aluminum Sheet Panel.

✅ Coating Types:

🔹Powder Coating: Solvent-free and environmentally friendly, it produces a relatively thick layer with strong texture, a wide color range, and good impact resistance. Often used for interior Aluminum Sheet Panel applications.

🔹PVDF Coating (Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® based): The gold standard for exterior curtain walls. This process uses polyvinylidene fluoride resin-based coatings, cured at high temperatures (above 230°C) to form the finish. It offers exceptional UV resistance, weatherability, and resistance to acids/alkalis, typically guaranteeing over 15-20 years without fading or chalking for the Aluminum Sheet Panel.

🔹Curing: After spraying, the Aluminum Sheet Panel enters a curing oven. Baking at a specific temperature allows the coating to level and fully cure, forming a hard, durable protective film.

3. Quality Control and Packaging

Finished products undergo rigorous inspection, including:

🔹Dimensional checks

🔹Coating thickness measurement (using a thickness gauge)

🔹Adhesion test (cross-cut test)

🔹Color difference assessment

🔹Solvent resistance testing

🔹Qualified Aluminum Sheet Panels are separated by protective film or paper and packaged in wooden crates or framed boxes to prevent scratches or deformation during transportation and installation.