Honeycomb panels are great for flatness, but their weak point is always the edge. A poorly sealed edge in a humid climate can wick moisture into the core long before the face ever fails. Always check the edge closure detail in the shop drawing, not just the face spec.
@thomasY02972864 Well said — that 25–100 mm slab-edge gap is the detail most often left unsealed on site, and it is exactly where fire and smoke travel first. Perimeter fire stopping is one of those line items that pays for itself the first time it is tested. Good to see it getting the spotlight.
On large-format facade panels, stiffener placement matters more than stiffener count. Two well-placed hat channels beat four random ones — kills oil canning without adding weight. Always check the stiffener layout drawing before you sign off.
Learned the hard way: not every sealant plays nice with PVDF coatings. Solvents in cheap sealants can soften the finish and leave permanent stains. Always confirm compatibility with the coating supplier before caulking — a compatibility letter costs nothing, a recoat costs a lot.
@azahner The waterjet-cut lace pattern is stunning — getting that level of detail in aluminum while keeping the panel structurally sound takes real skill. Perforated metal facades like this seem to be the direction a lot of cultural projects are heading.
Small thing that saves big headaches: don't let the protective film bake on finished panels for weeks. Sun UV cures the adhesive and it becomes a sticky residue nightmare. Peel within 30 days, or right after installation if the schedule allows.