Perforated aluminum panels are made of pure aluminum or aluminum alloy through pressure processing (shearing, sawing), with regular cross-section and uniform thickness. They are named after the holes on the surface, and are also called perforated aluminum plates, perforated metal plates, etc.
This new material has both noise reduction and decorative functions. With its unique structural performance, it is widely used in architectural decoration, acoustic engineering and other fields.
① Strong durability
Perforated aluminum plates are resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, fire and moisture, and have good shock and chemical stability. They can still maintain their performance after long-term outdoor exposure. What’s more, their practicality is comparable to marble tiles.
② Excellent craftsmanship
Compared with other metal materials, perforated aluminum plates have a smooth surface without burrs. Also, they have superior visual and tactile textures, showing high-end quality.
③ Lightweight and convenient
Their base material are the lightweight aluminum plates and they are combined with perforated design to reduce deadweight. So they can optimize building load-bearing with their characteristics like simple process, easy installation and maintenance. They have both practical and economic value.
④ Green and environmentally friendly
Some perforated aluminum panels are 100% recyclable, which is an eco-friendly material and helps buildings obtain LEED certification. Besides, PVDF coated plates have strong oxidation resistance, resistance to harsh environments, and long service life.
⑤ Comprehensive functions
It can reduce the glass shading coefficient, filter sunlight, adjust room temperature, have good ventilation and light transmittance. The small apertures can also meet the needs. What’s more, it also has anti-theft functions.
⑥ Both viewing and safety
It can be opened flexibly to provide a wide field of vision, and act as a solid guardrail when closed, balancing viewing and safety needs.
⑦ Beautiful shape
The pattern is formed through a variety of perforation processes, with rich three-dimensional shapes and unique light and shadow effects. And so they are both practical and decorative.
⑧ Widely used
It is suitable for parking lot coverage, facility shielding and sign making. That enhances the visual appeal of the space and has both protection and temperature control functions.
In modern architectural facade and curtain wall systems, perforated aluminum panels are selected based on structural performance, aesthetic requirements, and installation system conditions.
This material choice directly determines facade efficiency, structural stability, and overall architectural expression.
From a perforated aluminum panel facade system perspective, material and technical classification forms the foundation of long-term durability, structural reliability, and facade performance.
High-purity aluminum panel, pure aluminum panel, aluminum alloy panel (most commonly used in facade systems), composite aluminum panel (welded structure), aluminum-clad aluminum panel.
Panel thickness directly affects wind resistance, flatness, and installation stability in architectural curtain wall systems.
In practical facade applications, considering processing cost, self-weight, and flatness requirements, 1.0–6.0mm is the most commonly selected range.
LZ’s LOVE spa / T-architects ©Minh Luu
Perforation technology defines facade visual identity, shading performance, and customization capability in architectural systems.
It includes both engineering-based selection methods and manufacturing-based punching classifications, depending on project requirements.
– CNC punching (mass facade production)
Suitable for large-scale architectural facade projects with repetitive patterns and cost-efficient production requirements.
– Laser cutting (custom architectural facade patterns)
Ideal for complex facade designs requiring high precision, detailed patterns, and strong architectural expression.
– Wire-cut perforation
Used for specialized architectural facade applications requiring structural detailing and unique metal shaping.
– Micro-hole perforation systems
Commonly applied in facade projects requiring controlled transparency, solar shading performance, and refined visual texture.
Laser and CNC perforation are the most widely used methods in modern architectural perforated metal facade systems due to their balance of precision, efficiency, and design flexibility.
This classification defines how perforated aluminum panels are fabricated at production level.
Selection depends on cost, material weight, and surface flatness requirements.
New Munch Museum
Perforated aluminum panels are available in multiple geometries, including flat, folded, wavy, serrated, and short-side folded types.
These configurations influence structural behavior, module design, and facade appearance.
Perforation ratio directly affects structural strength: higher perforation = lower strength
This relationship impacts:
The flat panel is the most widely used form in facade systems due to its simple fabrication and flexible perforation layout.
Advantages:
Limitations:
Folded panels improve structural rigidity through geometric deformation.
Common forms include concave–convex folding and zigzag folding.
Advantages:
Folded systems are widely used in high-rise buildings and large-span curtain wall applications, where both structural performance and cost efficiency are required.
Perforation patterns in aluminum facade systems are highly customizable, allowing control over transparency, shading, and visual texture.
Hole size, spacing, and density directly influence transparency, shading performance, and facade expression.
Common perforation shapes include round, square, diamond, slot, hexagonal, triangular, and custom irregular patterns.
These variations enable different levels of transparency and architectural surface detail in facade design systems.
Common fabrication methods used in perforated aluminum facade production include:
These methods are applied according to production efficiency, material specifications, and project complexity.
Perforation rate refers to the ratio of open area to total panel surface.
It is a key parameter affecting facade performance, including:
Typical performance parameters:
Aperture size and spacing directly define visual texture and light control.
Most commonly used specification:
Combined control of aperture, spacing, and perforation rate determines facade visual density and light permeability.
Due to the relatively thin structure of perforated aluminum panels, a supporting subframe system is required for facade installation.
Typical structural system:
Main structure → Subframe (keel system) → Perforated aluminum panel
Common connection methods include:
Modern facade systems mainly adopt mechanical fixing solutions, which allow easier installation, maintenance, and future replacement while ensuring structural stability.
The cost of perforated aluminum panels is primarily influenced by three key factors: alloy composition, panel thickness, and perforation pattern complexity.
In facade applications, the typical cost of perforated aluminum panels ranges from 800–1500 RMB per square meter.
Note: This range is indicative only. Final pricing varies depending on market conditions, project scale, and technical specifications.
The perforated aluminum sheet has a rich variety of hole types and arrangements, and has both beautiful shapes and excellent decorative effects. It can fully meet the creative needs of architects and designers and give the building a unique style.
It is not only elegant in color, but can also be used in public buildings such as hotels and cinemas and mid-to-high-end residences to optimize sound quality. Besides, it is also suitable for noise reduction in workshops, factories, civil air defense basements and other places. It is a popular product in the decoration market in recent years.
The library of Chongqing Real Estate Vocational College combines glass curtain wall with perforated metal panel to create a distinctive facade.
The interior of the library’s large roof incorporates the concept of “starry sky”. Four patterns are designed on the perforated aluminum panel. After density changes and careful arrangement, it presents a “nebula” effect.
All aluminum plates are spliced with a standard size of 2000mm×1200mm. The inner surface of the north roof consists of four perforated aluminum panels and one solid aluminum panels, a total of five patterns.
Among them, the four perforated plates are divided into four categories, ABCD, according to the density of the opening rate. On this basis, four types of perforated aluminum panels corresponding to 180-degree rotation, A’B’C’D’, are added, and a total of nine types of aluminum plates are distributed in an orderly manner.
Real picture of entrance perforated aluminum panel application ©PH-Alpha Design
Perforated aluminum plates have become an ideal material for interior decoration due to their strong plasticity.
Take the design practice of Wutopia Lab as an example. In a renovation project of an old industrial area in Shanghai, it cleverly uses perforated aluminum plates to create a three-dimensional green landscape.
The designer uses perforated aluminum plates as “brush and ink” and uses the freehand landscape technique to organically connect the building facade, landscape, lobby, office area and roof. And that constructs a three-dimensional, coherent and complete green landscape scroll, showing the unique charm of perforated aluminum plates in shaping space art.
Shanghai Gaohe Yunfeng Office Building Interior ©CreatAR
The perforated aluminum panel on the top of the lobby of Chongqing Longhu Chenlinjian and the tree-shaped projection design fully show the philosophy of life and the immeasurable sense of ritual in life.
The stair railings of Hangzhou Yunhe Vanke Center Innovation Experience Center are made of orange perforated aluminum panels. This bold color and strong sculptural stair system visually creates the impression of supporting a floating circular building inside. And it becomes the visual focus in the space, guiding people to walk up and down inside the building.
Atrium staircase of Hangzhou Canal Vanke Center Innovation Experience Center © Lu Yong
The balcony of the apartment below is innovatively designed with perforated aluminum panels. The panel system was fully manufactured when it was delivered to the site, and can be installed very quickly and easily. Not only is the lighting and ventilation good, but privacy and fall protection can also be guaranteed.
©Ong Chan Hao
When selecting perforated aluminum panels for a project, you need to pay attention to the following items:
Start by defining the facade’s primary function:
▶ Focus on balancing transparency and solar control, not just aesthetics.
Panel geometry should follow the facade scale:
▶ Structural span should drive panel selection, not the other way around.
Thickness should be matched with structural demand:
▶ Avoid overdesigning thickness, as it increases cost and weight.
Before fabrication, define:
▶ Early coordination reduces installation errors and long-term maintenance issues.
SunFrame’s team can assist you in selecting, fabricating, and installing high-performance facade systems and innovative material solutions for your facade projects.
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