Laser and Waterjet Cutting for Architectural Metal Screens

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A laser cut metal screen is a patterned sheet of steel or aluminum cut with a laser or waterjet from a digital drawing, then finished and fixed to the building. Laser cutting suits thinner sheets and fine detail, while waterjet handles thicker plates and materials that heat could distort. The process starts with a measured site survey and an approved drawing before any metal is cut.

Choosing between laser and waterjet cutting

Both methods turn a digital pattern into a physical panel, but they suit different jobs. Laser cutting uses a focused beam that melts and blows away the metal. It is fast and precise on sheets up to a moderate thickness, and it produces very fine geometry and tight corners.

Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive. It cuts thick plate without heat, so the material keeps its original properties and does not discolor at the edges.

Laser: thinner sheets, fine patterns, clean edges
Waterjet: thick plate, heat-sensitive materials, large openings

Measuring the site before design

A screen is only as good as the measurements behind it. Our team visits the building, checks the openings, floor levels, wall straightness and fixing points. Measurements are taken on site, not from the architectural plan alone, because built openings often differ from drawings.

Note the orientation of the facade, the required daylight and view, and any wind loads on the panels. These details shape the pattern density and the thickness of the sheet.

From pattern to production drawing

The architect's pattern is converted into a production drawing that defines every cut path, panel split, and joint. We check that the pattern holds structurally once the material is removed. Thin bridges between cut-outs must be wide enough to carry handling and wind forces.

You receive a written specification and drawing for approval. Nothing goes to the cutting table until the drawing is signed off.

What the drawing should show

Panel sizes and joint positions
Material type and thickness
Fixing method and hidden brackets
Finish: hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating

Cutting and fabrication in the workshop

After approval, the file is loaded to the laser or waterjet machine. Test pieces help confirm kerf width and edge quality before full production. Cut parts are deburred, flattened where needed, and checked against the drawing.

Where panels must be welded into frames, we control heat and distortion so the pattern remains true. Parts are then grouped and labeled for installation sequence.

Finishing for long life outdoors

Exterior screens face sun, rain and salt air, so finishing matters as much as cutting. Hot-dip galvanizing gives strong corrosion protection for steel. Powder coating adds color and an additional protective layer, and it can be matched to the architect's chosen shade.

Aluminum and stainless steel options are selected based on the setting and maintenance expectations. We discuss the right finish during the design stage so there are no surprises later.

Installation and final checks

Installation begins with fixing points prepared in the structure. Panels are lifted into place, aligned, and fastened with the agreed hardware. Gaps, plumb and level are checked on each unit before the next is set.

Final inspection compares the installed screen to the approved drawing. Any adjustments are made on site. For railings and guarding elements, exact dimensions and loads are confirmed with the engineer against the Israeli standard SI 1142.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser cutting or waterjet better for a metal screen?

Neither is better in every case. Laser is well suited to thinner sheets with fine detail, while waterjet is preferred for thick plate or materials sensitive to heat.

Do I need to send measurements before the design is drawn?

Yes, site measurements are strongly recommended before production drawings are finalized. Built openings often differ from the architectural plan, and measuring on site prevents costly corrections.

Can a laser cut screen be galvanized or powder coated?

Yes. Steel screens can be hot-dip galvanized for corrosion protection and powder coated in the color the architect specifies.

How do I know the pattern will stay strong after cutting?

The production drawing is checked to confirm that the remaining material between cut-outs is sufficient for handling, wind loads and fixing. Structural questions are confirmed with the engineer.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common error is finalizing a pattern before checking whether thin bridges between cuts can carry wind and handling loads. Another is specifying a finish after the design is set, which can change edge treatment and dimensions.

Our recommendation

Share your pattern file early and ask for a production review before the design is locked. Agree on material, thickness and finish at the same stage so the drawing reflects the real build.

Summary

Laser and waterjet cutting each have clear strengths for architectural metal screens. Good results depend on accurate site measurement, a checked production drawing and the right finish for the exterior.

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