ARCHITECTURAL METAL SCREEN SYSTEMS
Technical development, fabrication and project delivery for interior and exterior applications
Xinmao develops screen systems from architectural drawings and site information. The scope can include material selection, pattern development, panel subdivision, supporting frames, surface treatment, fixing details, production drawings, samples, fabrication and packing. Each quotation states the supplied scope and the information still required before production.
SYSTEM TYPES
Select the fabrication method after confirming pattern geometry, quantity, panel size, exposure and the required load path. Moving panels also require track or hinge capacity, stops, clearances and operating hardware.
ConstructionCut metal panel with a perimeter frame or concealed support
Typical applicationFeature partitions, lobbies, hospitality and retail
Items to confirmRemaining metal bridges, panel stiffness, sharp edges and pattern alignment
ConstructionSpecified hole size, pitch and open area, supported by a frame
Typical applicationRepeated architectural patterns, airflow and visual filtering
Items to confirmViewing angle, backlighting, required ventilation and support spacing
ConstructionWire mesh or vertical/horizontal members with secured edges
Typical applicationTextured dividers and semitransparent zones
Items to confirmEdge restraint, deflection, cleaning access and contact safety
ConstructionMetal frame with specified safety glass and accessible glazing components
Typical applicationDaylight with a clearer separation line
Items to confirmGlass selection, door hardware, acoustic target and applicable approvals
ConstructionPanel with feet, weighted base or designed removable anchors
Typical applicationFlexible interior layouts
Items to confirmStability, impact, trip hazards and accessible circulation
ConstructionScreen panels, secondary frame and structural stand-off brackets
Typical applicationFacades, terraces, privacy and equipment screening
Items to confirmWind, corrosion, drainage, access and the wall or slab behind it
MATERIAL SELECTION
Select the substrate from exposure, panel size, weight, surface appearance, cleaning and the supporting structure. Thickness and frame spacing still require project-specific checks.
Main advantagesLower sheet mass, good formability and efficient production for perforated, routed and folded panels. 3003-H24 is common for decorative sheet; 5052-H32 provides higher strength and improved corrosion resistance for exterior or larger panels. 6063-T5/T6 suits extruded frames and trims.
Suitable applicationsLarge interior screens, exterior screening, ceiling panels, facade elements and projects where lower assembly mass reduces demands on handling and supporting structure. Powder coating, PVDF and anodising provide different colour and weathering options.
Specify and verifyState alloy and temper, sheet or extrusion form, nominal thickness, frame alloy, finish system, coating or anodising class, isolation, drainage and repair method. Select thickness against the actual span, pattern, support arrangement and agreed loads.
Main advantagesHigher stiffness and strength at comparable thickness, direct metallic finishes and good resistance to wear. 304 suits normal dry interiors. 316L adds molybdenum for coastal, pool, humid or chloride-exposed locations. 2205 can be considered where chloride exposure or structural demand is higher.
Suitable applicationsHigh-contact interiors, entrance features, hospitality and transport projects, coastal or wet locations, fine laser-cut patterns and work requiring brushed, polished, etched or PVD-coloured metal surfaces.
Specify and verifyState exact grade, product specification and edition, delivery condition, thickness, original surface, grain or polish, weld finishing, PVD system, cleaning chemicals and access. Approve substitutions in writing; PVD colour does not compensate for an unsuitable grade.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
The project specification should identify the material standard, grade or alloy, temper, nominal thickness and permitted substitutions. Final panel and frame sizes depend on pattern, span, edge returns, stiffener spacing and project loads.
201: assess only against the approved specification and actual exposure; do not substitute it for another grade without approval. 304: a candidate for controlled interior conditions. 316L: consider where welding, humidity or chloride exposure requires review. 2205: consider where the exposure and strength brief justify a duplex grade. None of these labels alone establishes suitability. State the governing product specification, condition and thickness, then confirm chemistry and mechanical requirements against the identified material batch. Technical reference — BSSA surface-finish guidance, not a strength table or project certificate.
Distinguish 3003-H24 or 5052-H32 sheet from 6061-T6 plate and 6063-T5/T6 extrusions. Verify properties for the actual product form, thickness and temper; values from an extrusion table must not be applied to a different sheet alloy. Technical reference — Hydro EN AW-6063 Rev. 4, March 2023: p. 1, thickness-dependent extrusion properties under EN 755-2:2016; p. 2, typical physical properties at 20°C. This is reference information, not a Xinmao batch certificate.
Select thickness from clear span, pattern and minimum bridge width, open area, folds, stiffeners, supports, handling and agreed loads. Record the proposed thickness and engineering or mock-up review in the approved drawings. No universal indoor or exterior thickness range is established by this page.
For a flat patterned sheet, M = ρ × A × t × (1 − φ) + Mframe + Mhardware. Use density ρ in kg/m³, gross area A in m², thickness t in metres, open-area fraction φ between 0 and 1, and mass M in kg. As an illustrative calculation only, assumed density 2,700 kg/m³ gives solid-sheet areal masses of 5.4, 8.1 and 10.8 kg/m² at 2, 3 and 4 mm respectively. Technical reference — density reference, not proof of the ordered alloy. Calculate folds and cut-outs from actual CAD geometry and add frames and fittings separately; these estimates are not measured shipment weights.
The load path is panel → folds or stiffeners → frame → baseplate or hanger → anchor → structural substrate. Drawings should state thickness, dimensions, minimum bridge and edge distance, open area, grain, fold depth, welds, stiffener size and spacing, bracket geometry and anchor schedule.
Technical sources and arithmetic reviewed on 15 October 2026. Public reference data, illustrative calculations and project inspection records are different evidence types. Production acceptance follows the approved project specification and drawings; this page does not certify a material batch or assembly.
SURFACE TREATMENT
Colour approval alone is insufficient. Agree the applicable specification edition, pretreatment, coating build, thickness inspection, adhesion, exposure test conditions, colour tolerance and repair procedure. Technical reference — Aluminum Association architectural anodising classes, not every anodising system. Technical reference — coating-specification framework; neither link establishes Xinmao certification or a supplier licence.
Specified performanceSpecify the anodising classification system, alloy, surface preparation and required coating thickness.
Required recordsAgree specification edition, thickness sampling, sealing method and acceptance criteria; request the corresponding records.
Common rejection reasonUsing an interior class outdoors.
Specified performanceSpecify the approved powder system, pretreatment, coating class and agreed thickness.
Required recordsAgree adhesion and exposure test methods, specimen construction, duration and acceptance criteria; test hours are not service-life years.
Common rejection reasonPoor edge coverage or contaminated pretreatment.
Specified performanceSpecify the PVDF coating system and coat build for the actual substrate and exposure.
Required recordsAgree coat count, curing, both-face requirement, film-thickness method and project acceptance criteria.
Common rejection reasonComparing colour while omitting coat build.
Specified performanceSpecify the PVD system on an identified stainless substrate and approved surface finish.
Required recordsAgree colour range, adhesion and any corrosion test conditions. Film thickness alone does not establish corrosion performance.
Common rejection reasonUsing PVD to compensate for the wrong stainless grade.
ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION
The panel, frame, bracket, anchor and structural substrate form one load path. Confirm the receiving structure and design actions before the fixing detail is approved.
Determine design pressure from the project location, height, geometry, exposure and governing local design basis. Record the adopted code edition, pressure zones, load combinations and engineer approval. Open area does not justify a linear pressure reduction without an accepted model or test. No default pressure on this page is a project design value.
Record the anchor product and assessed substrate, diameter, embedment, concrete condition and strength, edge distance, spacing, group arrangement, installation controls and governing project design method. Check tension, shear, interaction and applicable steel and substrate failure modes against the selected product assessment and engineer-approved detail. A nominal anchor diameter alone does not establish capacity.
Illustration only, checked 15 October 2026: assume a vertical rectangular screen 1.2 m wide × 1.8 m high, cantilevered from its base under uniform pressure p = 0.80 kPa, without an open-area reduction. A = 2.16 m²; F = pA = 1.728 kN. Taking the resultant at mid-height, Mbase = F × 0.90 m = 1.5552 kN·m. With an assumed 0.20 m tension-to-compression lever arm, total tension demand is 7.776 kN; two equally sharing tension anchors give 3.888 kN each. Four equally sharing shear anchors give 0.432 kN each. These are idealised demands, not anchor capacities or a buildable fixing design. The example excludes prying, plate flexibility, concrete edge and group effects, detailed load distribution and code safety checks. The engineer must verify actual pressures, restraints, baseplate, welds, frame, substrate, anchor capacities and combined actions.
Use laser cutting for complex custom geometry and stainless, punching for regular repeat production, and CNC routing for aluminium contours with lower heat input. State thickness, minimum bridge, edge distance, open area, grain, fold depth, welds and stiffener spacing.
Survey dimensions, levels, substrate and services. Control hole diameter, depth, edge distance and cleaning. Record adhesive curing or mechanical-anchor torque. Check frame plumb, welds and corrosion protection. Do not force panels into a distorted frame.
Avoid trapped-water pockets, provide drainage and inspection access, and use the specified isolation between aluminium and carbon steel. These details reduce galvanic corrosion and aluminium white rust.
Confirm the applicable jurisdiction, required fire classification and current standard edition with the project team. Assess the specified complete assembly, including infills, adhesives, coatings, backing, joints and installation conditions. Bare-metal properties do not establish the classification of a mixed-material assembly. Request the matching report and its scope; no assembly classification is asserted here.
Identify the coating category, application state, destination requirements and applicable standard edition before requesting VOC or restricted-substance records. Record the report number, test method, specimen or product identity and result. Liquid and powder systems require their applicable assessment methods; no blanket compliance claim is made here.
Verify heat number and certificate, thickness, frame against drawings, weld quality, anchor records, post-installed tests, locking, deburred edges, tall-screen stability, finish condition and close-out documents.
Agree a cleaning and inspection plan for the actual exposure, contamination, user contact, access and manufacturer instructions. Increase attention where salt or pool deposits accumulate, and inspect after damage or severe weather as appropriate. Record observations and adjust the interval rather than treating an unsourced calendar as a universal requirement. Technical reference — surface condition and maintenance context.
Do not release production when the material grade, frame, fixing substrate, anchor schedule or finish system remains undefined.
PROJECT DELIVERY
The process keeps material, panel design, finish and fixing decisions on one approved drawing revision.
Confirm location, exposure, dimensions, quantities, pattern, privacy, finish, applicable standards and supplied scope. Survey the receiving structure and site constraints.
Select material and thickness, set panel modules, open area, folds, stiffeners, frame members, joints, drainage and access. Establish design actions and the load path to the structural substrate.
Coordinate elevations, sections, fixing nodes, anchor schedule, movement and installation sequence. Approve the pattern scale, visible edges, colour range, texture and grain under project lighting.
Cut or punch, deburr, fold, weld, grind and trial-fit to the approved revision. Complete pretreatment and the specified powder, PVDF, anodised, brushed or PVD finish.
Check material certificates, dimensions, flatness, pattern continuity, welds, film thickness, adhesion, colour and packing. Label panels and hardware by drawing number and installation position.
Install anchors and frames to the approved procedure, align panels without forcing them, complete specified tests and issue as-built drawings, inspection records and maintenance instructions.
Changes to grade, thickness, panel division, frame spacing, finish or anchors require review before production continues.
PROCUREMENT PACKAGE
Suppliers can only be compared when they quote the same material, system build-up, testing and delivery scope.
List the stainless grade or aluminium alloy and temper, material standard, nominal thickness, sheet finish, frame material and any required isolation between dissimilar metals. Require material certificates and prohibit substitution without written approval.
List panel dimensions, quantities, pattern files, open area, folds, stiffeners, frame members, joints, visible edges, removable panels, doors or moving parts. State whether the supplier must develop the panel subdivision and frame.
State pretreatment, coating or PVD system, colour reference and approved range, gloss or texture, minimum film thickness, both-face requirements, adhesion and corrosion testing, repair method and sample size.
Identify the structural substrate, brackets, baseplates, anchors, welds, site drilling, pull testing, waterproofing reinstatement, access equipment and responsible installer. A quotation that says “standard fixings” is not sufficiently defined.
State responsibility for calculations, shop drawings, samples, mock-ups, coordination drawings, anchor selection, professional review where required and response to site dimensions. Set approval hold points before material ordering and production.
Require material certificates, dimensional inspection, weld and finish records, coating test results, anchor installation records, post-installed anchor tests where specified, packing list, as-built drawings and maintenance instructions.
State delivery address, shipment method, crate limits, panel labels, protective film, lifting points, site storage conditions, replacement quantities and responsibility for damage during unloading and installation.
Compare the same drawing revision and separate panels, frames, brackets, anchors, engineering, samples, testing, packing, freight and installation. Confirm lead time starts only after drawings, samples and commercial terms are approved.
Record every exclusion and provisional item. Unpriced engineering, anchors, samples, packing or testing can change the final project cost after award.
SPECIFICATION DECISIONS
These answers define the decisions that affect material selection, fabrication, installation and acceptance.
Assess any proposed 201 grade against the identified product specification, actual exposure, surface finish and cleaning plan. Do not assume equivalence between different designation systems or substitute it for the approved grade without written review.
Consider candidate 316L or duplex grades when the exposure and design brief justify them, but do not infer suitability from the grade name alone. Confirm chloride conditions, fabrication, finish, maintenance and the applicable product specification with the project team.
3003-H24 is commonly used for decorative and perforated sheet. 5052-H32 provides higher strength for exterior or larger panels. 6061-T6 suits plates, brackets and structural edges. 6063-T5 or T6 is commonly used for extruded frames and trims.
Select thickness against the actual span, pattern, bridge width, open area, support arrangement, handling and agreed loads. Put the proposed thickness, engineering checks and any mock-up requirements into the approved drawings. Indoor or exterior use alone does not establish a safe thickness.
Open area affects pressure, but the reduction is not automatically equal to the percentage removed. Hole geometry, depth, frame members and surrounding surfaces affect the response. Use the project wind basis and an accepted calculation method or test.
Record the anchor product and assessed substrate, diameter, embedment, concrete condition and strength, edge distance, spacing, group arrangement, installation controls and governing project design method. Check tension, shear, interaction and applicable steel and substrate failure modes against the selected product assessment and engineer-approved detail. A nominal anchor diameter alone does not establish capacity.
Tile, screed, plaster and gypsum board are finish layers. Transfer the load to concrete, structural steel, designed masonry support or engineered backing. Survey the substrate before the bracket and anchor detail is approved.
Check the base metal, visible grain, colour range, gloss or texture, coating build, edges, weld areas, joint appearance and cleaning response. View the sample under project lighting and record the approved sample identification.
Assess all components in the assembly. Bare metal does not establish the classification of acrylic, timber, foam, adhesive, PET felt, sealant or backing materials used with it. Confirm the applicable requirement and evidence before specifying the assembly.
Agree a cleaning and inspection plan for the actual exposure, contamination, user contact, access and manufacturer instructions. Increase attention where salt or pool deposits accumulate, and inspect after damage or severe weather as appropriate. Record observations and adjust the interval rather than treating an unsourced calendar as a universal requirement. Technical reference — surface condition and maintenance context.
Approve the material schedule, panel drawings, pattern file, joint positions, frame, fixing nodes, finish sample, visible edge treatment, tolerances, mock-up requirements, inspection plan and current drawing revision.
Collect as-built drawings, material certificates, finish and coating test records, anchor installation records, required site tests, inspection reports, spare-part list and cleaning and maintenance instructions.
TECHNICAL ENQUIRY
Send the available project information below. Unknown values can be listed for technical development so they remain visible in the quotation and approval schedule.
Drawings, pattern files and finish references can be sent by email after the form is submitted.
