CNC Metal Partition Screens — Where Engineering Meets Aesthetics
CNC metal partition screens are sheet metal panels laser-cut with decorative patterns, serving as both functional space dividers and design elements. Unlike traditional wood or glass partitions, metal screens allow light to pass through the cut-out areas, projecting striking shadow patterns onto adjacent walls and floors — especially dramatic when combined with backlighting.
The most popular pattern categories today fall into four groups:
- Geometric — Hexagonal grids, triangles, squares, diagonal lines, diamond lattice. Clean, modern aesthetic suited to offices and contemporary interiors
- Organic — Tropical leaves (monstera, banana leaf, fern), tree branches, coral, ocean waves. Popular for cafes, resorts, and restaurants
- Traditional Vietnamese — Lotus, chrysanthemum, cloud scrolls, double happiness, bronze drum motifs, seal script. Used in ancestral halls, temples, and Asian-themed restaurants
- Abstract — Freeform curves, randomized patterns, typography, brand logos. Each panel becomes a unique art piece
Applications range from indoor room dividers to outdoor facades: living room partitions, staircase balustrades, cafe frontages, garden gate panels, sun louvers, decorative ceilings, and feature walls in showrooms and hotels.
Material Options — Stainless, Aluminum, or Steel?
Choosing the right material determines roughly 70% of the cost, lifespan, and visual character of a partition screen. Each material has distinct characteristics suited to different spaces and budgets.
Stainless Steel 304 Hairline — Premium, Permanent
Stainless steel 304 is the premium choice for CNC partition screens. The hairline (fine brushed) finish creates an elegant appearance without any coating — stainless protects itself through a passive chromium oxide layer, providing complete corrosion resistance in indoor environments and most outdoor applications.
Advantages:
- No paint or coating required, zero surface maintenance
- Hairline finish effectively hides minor scratches from transport and installation
- 20+ year outdoor lifespan (avoid direct saltwater spray environments)
- Excellent formability — suitable for curved partition screens
Limitations:
- Highest material cost of the three options (3-4x the price of mild steel at the same thickness)
- Heavier than aluminum (density 7.9 g/cm3 versus 2.7 g/cm3)
- Laser cutting thick stainless requires higher power and slower speed, increasing cutting cost
Common thickness for partitions: 1.0 - 1.5mm indoor, 2.0mm outdoor.
Aluminum + Powder Coat — Light, Colorful, Easy to Install
Aluminum is the most widely used material for large-area CNC partition screens — building facades, sun louvers, decorative ceilings — because its light weight (one-third that of stainless) reduces structural loads and simplifies installation.
Aluminum requires powder coating or anodizing after cutting, since raw aluminum oxidizes and develops surface staining. The upside is that powder coating opens the full RAL color palette — choose any color: matte black RAL 9005, anthracite grey RAL 7016, traffic white RAL 9016, or any custom RAL code.
Advantages:
- 3x lighter than stainless — critical for ceiling-hung panels and high-rise facades
- Full RAL color freedom — match exactly to interior design or brand identity
- Mid-range material cost
- Will not rust (aluminum forms a protective oxide layer beneath the coating)
Limitations:
- Coating or anodizing is mandatory — adds a process step and finishing cost
- More prone to denting than stainless or steel at the same thickness
- Laser cutting aluminum requires different machine parameters due to high reflectivity
Common thickness: 1.5 - 2.0mm indoor, 2.0 - 3.0mm outdoor and facade applications.
Mild Steel + Powder Coat — Budget-Friendly, Rigid, Heavy
Mild steel (SS400, SPCC) is the most economical option. Material cost is roughly one-third of stainless 304, it laser cuts the fastest of the three materials, and it accepts powder coating better than any other substrate (no specialized primer needed). The trade-off: mild steel must be coated — left bare, it will rust within days in Binh Duong’s tropical humidity.
Advantages:
- Lowest cost — ideal for high-volume projects and budget-conscious installations
- Fastest, cleanest laser cutting
- Best powder coat adhesion (thanks to zinc phosphate pretreatment)
- Most rigid at equal thickness — minimal sagging when mounted
Limitations:
- Powder coating is mandatory — bare steel rusts immediately
- Heaviest of the three (density 7.85 g/cm3)
- If the coating is scratched deep enough to expose bare metal, rust will spread from the scratch point
Common thickness: 1.5 - 2.0mm indoor, 2.0 - 3.0mm outdoor (with frame support).
Stainless Steel + PVD — Gold, Rose Gold, Black Titanium
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a vacuum-applied metallic color coating applied directly over stainless steel, producing finishes like Ti-Gold, Rose Gold, Black Titanium, and Antique Bronze. The PVD layer is only 0.3-0.5 microns thick but harder than conventional electroplating, with 10+ year color retention in indoor use.
Applications: Hotel lobbies, jewelry showrooms, upscale restaurants, luxury residences — where aesthetics are the top priority and budget is not constrained.
Note: PVD is an outsourced process. We laser cut and fabricate the panels, then send them to a specialized PVD facility. This adds 3-5 days to the production timeline.
Pattern Design — From Concept to Cut File
We cut any pattern from a vector file — DXF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), vector PDF, or CDR (CorelDRAW). If you have a reference image (Pinterest photo, design inspiration), our team will redraw it into a production-ready vector file.
Popular Pattern Styles
| Style | Description | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Honeycomb (hexagonal grid) | Uniform hexagonal openings, 40-60% open area | Offices, minimalist cafes |
| Tropical leaves | Monstera, banana leaf, stylized ferns | Resorts, spas, tropical-themed restaurants |
| Ocean waves | Repeating parallel curves | Seafood restaurants, pool villas |
| Islamic geometry | Complex symmetrical patterns, infinite repetition | Middle Eastern restaurants, boutique hotels |
| Lotus / chrysanthemum | Traditional Vietnamese motifs | Ancestral halls, temples, Asian restaurants |
| Bamboo | Stylized bamboo stalks and falling leaves | Tea houses, zen spaces, gardens |
| Logo / typography | Brand names, slogans, identity graphics | Storefront facades, showrooms |
| Freeform curves | Unique artistic designs | Feature walls, decorative art installations |
Design Rules — Minimum Bridge Width
The “bridge” is the metal remaining between cut-outs. If bridges are too narrow, the panel loses structural integrity, warps easily, and laser cutting may cause edge burning.
| Material | Minimum Bridge Width |
|---|---|
| Stainless 304 (1.0mm) | 1.5mm |
| Stainless 304 (1.5mm) | 2.0mm |
| Aluminum (1.5mm) | 2.0mm |
| Aluminum (2.0mm) | 2.5mm |
| Mild steel (1.5mm) | 1.5mm |
| Mild steel (2.0mm) | 2.0mm |
Note: Patterns with very fine details (lines under 1mm, acute angles under 30 degrees) need adjustment before cutting. Our engineering team reviews every design file and flags any modifications needed before production begins.
Open Area Ratio
The ratio of cut-out area to total panel area directly affects three things: light transmission, structural rigidity, and price.
- 20-30% open — Very solid, strong visual privacy, high rigidity. Minimal light passes through; the pattern primarily serves as edge decoration.
- 40-50% open — Balanced between privacy and airflow. Most popular for room partition screens.
- 60-70% open — Airy, significant light transmission, pronounced shadow-casting effects. Best for purely decorative applications where privacy is not needed.
Higher open ratios mean more cutting and longer laser time, which increases cost. However, more material is removed, so raw material cost per panel decreases. These two factors roughly offset each other at the 40-50% range.
Size and Thickness
Standard Panel Dimensions
Standard raw sheet metal comes in 1220 x 2440mm (4 x 8 feet) sheets. This is the maximum size for a single seamless partition panel.
For larger installations (e.g., a 3-meter-tall facade or a 5-meter-long feature wall), panels are divided into modules that join together. Patterns are designed so the motif continues seamlessly across module joints — once installed, the 1-2mm gap between modules is virtually invisible.
Thickness Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Thickness | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted decorative (no load) | 1.0 - 1.5mm | Light, cost-effective, sufficient rigidity with rear frame support |
| Freestanding room divider | 1.5 - 2.0mm | Needs rigidity to stand straight without sagging |
| Staircase balustrade | 2.0 - 3.0mm | Must handle leaning loads, safety requirements |
| Outdoor sun louver | 2.0 - 3.0mm | Wind resistance, rain exposure, thermal expansion |
| Building facade | 2.0 - 3.0mm | Wind load bearing, building code compliance |
| Garden gate/fence | 2.0 - 3.0mm | Impact resistance, security function |
Rule of thumb: Thicker equals more rigid, but also heavier and more expensive in both material and laser cutting cost. For large panels (over 1000mm unsupported width), increasing thickness by 0.5mm significantly reduces mid-panel sagging.
Frame Border — When Is It Needed?
Thin panels (1.0-1.5mm) or high open-area designs (over 50%) typically require a metal frame border to maintain flatness and provide structural support. Frames are usually made from square steel or stainless tube, 20x20mm to 40x40mm, either welded or attached with concealed screws.
Thicker panels (2.0mm and above) with low open ratios (under 40%) are usually rigid enough to install without a frame — angle brackets or concealed bolts are sufficient.
Surface Finishing
The surface finish determines the final appearance and weather resistance of the partition screen. The right choice depends on the base material, installation location (indoor versus outdoor), and the desired design style.
Stainless Steel — Hairline, Mirror, or PVD
| Finish | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline (fine brushed) | Unidirectional brush lines, hides minor scratches | Most popular — interiors, staircases, cafes |
| Mirror | Full reflection, requires perfectly clean surface | Hotel lobbies, showrooms, accent features |
| Bead blast (matte) | Uniform matte, no reflection | Minimalist, industrial aesthetic |
| PVD gold / rose gold / black titanium | Vacuum-applied metallic color | Luxury spaces, premium interiors |
Stainless hairline and mirror finishes require no additional coating for indoor use. For outdoor installations near the coast (within 5km of saltwater), grade 316 stainless should be specified instead of 304 to prevent chloride corrosion.
Aluminum — Powder Coat or Anodize
| Finish | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Matte powder coat | Smooth non-reflective surface, any RAL color | Facades, sun louvers, modern architecture |
| Gloss powder coat | Shiny, slightly reflective | Interiors, showrooms |
| Textured powder coat | Grained surface, hides imperfections | Outdoor, high-traffic areas |
| Natural anodize | Thick aluminum oxide layer, silver metallic tone | Industrial aesthetic, architectural |
| Colored anodize (black, bronze) | Dyed within the oxide layer | Premium interiors, facades |
Super durable polyester powder coat lasts 10-12 years in direct outdoor exposure. Anodizing lasts longer (15+ years) but color options are more limited.
Mild Steel — Powder Coat Mandatory
Mild steel has no “bare” option — powder coating or wet paint is required. Standard polyester powder coat delivers durability, aesthetics, and the full RAL color palette. For outdoor use, specify super durable polyester.
For detailed information on RAL colors and coating process, see: Powder Coating in Binh Duong.
Installation — Three Common Methods
Panel design includes all mounting details — screw holes, slide channels, or mounting tabs are integrated into the cut file, ensuring fast on-site installation with no additional drilling required.
1. Concealed Mounting with Z-Clips
Z-clips are fixed to the wall; the partition panel hooks onto the clips from above. No fasteners are visible from the front — the panel appears to float on the wall surface. Ideal for wall-mounted decorative screens and feature walls.
Wall offset: 15-25mm (provides space for LED strip backlighting if desired).
2. Frame-Mounted
The panel is attached to a square tube steel or stainless frame using concealed screws or tack welds. The frame is anchored to the floor, ceiling, or wall. Suited for freestanding room dividers, staircase balustrades, and gate panels.
3. Ceiling-Suspended
Panels hang from the ceiling using stainless steel rods or wire cable. Ideal for restaurant and cafe partitions — dividing space without touching the floor creates an open, airy feel.
Important: For ceiling-hung panels, panel weight is the critical factor — prioritize aluminum (lightest) or thin stainless (1.0mm). A 2.0mm mild steel panel at 1200x2400mm weighs approximately 45kg — the suspension system must be rated accordingly.
Real-World Applications
Restaurants and Cafes
CNC partition screens divide seating areas while maintaining visual openness. Tropical leaf patterns in matte black powder-coated aluminum are a leading trend at cafes in Thu Dau Mot and Ho Chi Minh City. Panels can also function as acoustic barriers when combined with felt or wood backing.
Offices
Geometric grid screens in white or light grey powder-coated steel divide workspaces without creating a closed-in feel. An open ratio of 50-60% allows natural light to reach across the entire floor plate.
Staircases
CNC staircase balustrades replace traditional wrought iron railings. Stainless steel hairline 2.0mm with geometric patterns, mounted on a square tube steel frame. Meets safety requirements (no opening larger than 100mm for homes with children) while serving as a design focal point.
Building Facades
Aluminum powder-coated panels at 2.0-3.0mm, mounted on extruded aluminum framing, create an exterior building skin. Dual function: decoration plus solar shading. Patterns are designed to block direct afternoon sun while still admitting diffused daylight to the interior.
Garden Gates and Fences
Mild steel 2.0-3.0mm with powder coating, geometric or botanical patterns. Combined with 40x40mm square tube steel framing for structurally sound gate and fence panels. Super durable polyester coating lasts 10+ years in Binh Duong’s outdoor conditions.
Decorative Ceilings
Aluminum panels at 1.0-1.5mm, cut with decorative patterns, hung on standard suspended ceiling grid systems. LED lighting above the panels casts shadow patterns onto the floor below — particularly striking in hotel lobbies, car showrooms, and shopping centers.
Feature Walls
Stainless hairline or powder-coated aluminum panels mounted to a wall with Z-clips, offset 20-30mm from the surface. LED strip lights behind the panel create a backlit halo effect that highlights the pattern. Popular in office lobbies, meeting rooms, and reception desks.
Pricing Guide
CNC metal partition screen pricing depends on four main factors: material, thickness, pattern complexity, and surface finish.
Price by Material (VND/m2, includes laser cutting)
| Material | Simple Pattern | Medium Pattern | Complex Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild steel 1.5mm + powder coat | 450,000 - 600,000 | 600,000 - 800,000 | 800,000 - 1,100,000 |
| Mild steel 2.0mm + powder coat | 550,000 - 750,000 | 750,000 - 950,000 | 950,000 - 1,300,000 |
| Aluminum 1.5mm + powder coat | 550,000 - 750,000 | 750,000 - 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 - 1,400,000 |
| Aluminum 2.0mm + powder coat | 700,000 - 900,000 | 900,000 - 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 - 1,600,000 |
| Stainless 304 hairline 1.0mm | 700,000 - 900,000 | 900,000 - 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 - 1,600,000 |
| Stainless 304 hairline 1.5mm | 900,000 - 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 - 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 - 2,000,000 |
Prices shown are reference estimates, excluding frame and installation. Final pricing depends on the specific design.
Pattern Complexity Classification
| Level | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Uniform repeating geometry, predominantly straight lines, wide spacing between openings | Square grid, round holes, diagonal lines |
| Medium | Combination of curves and straight lines, moderate detail | Simple leaves, waves, hexagons, basic Islamic patterns |
| Complex | Many small curves, fine details, non-repeating patterns | Detailed tropical leaves, intricate lotus, logos with small text |
Complex patterns require 2-3x the laser cutting time of simple patterns — this is the primary driver of the price difference between categories.
Additional Charges
| Item | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Steel square tube frame (welded, powder coated) | +150,000 - 300,000 VND per linear meter |
| Stainless square tube frame (welded, hairline) | +250,000 - 500,000 VND per linear meter |
| PVD finish (gold, rose gold, black titanium) | +300,000 - 500,000 VND/m2 |
| Pattern design from reference image | 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND per design |
| On-site installation (Binh Duong, HCMC) | Quoted per project |
Volume Discounts
| Total Area | Discount |
|---|---|
| Under 5 m2 | Base rate |
| 5 - 20 m2 | 5-10% off |
| 20 - 50 m2 | 10-20% off |
| 50 - 100 m2 | 20-30% off |
| Over 100 m2 | Project pricing |
Get a Quote for CNC Partition Screens
Send us the following information for an accurate quote:
- Overall dimensions — Width x height, number of panels
- Material and thickness — Stainless, aluminum, or steel? Preferred thickness?
- Pattern — Vector file (DXF, AI, PDF) or reference image
- Surface finish — Hairline, powder coat (RAL code), PVD?
- Installation method — Wall-mounted, freestanding, or ceiling-suspended? Frame required?
Do not have a design file yet? Send a reference image along with dimensions — our design team will create the vector file and send a preview before cutting begins.
Contact us for a quote or send files via Zalo.
Learn more: laser cutting service | powder coating in Binh Duong | CNC bending service