MD Formatura consists of a pattern of shapes that are converted. These shapes may have similar repeating images or different images. With equal shape images, a pattern can be created by converting parts in two different directions, creating an image with shading. By using different shape images, this effect can be enhanced by various images, sizes, and directions.

The possibilities are endless and unique to each project. If you want inspiration, see our projects section for examples of how MD Formatura has been used before.

We use the term open area to describe the open area relative to the closed surface frontal. This percentage can be determined from building principles, such as acoustics, sun protection or light transmittance, and from aesthetic points of view. When converting the shapes, the open area increases. Therefore, in a converted state, the open area is larger than in an unconverted state.

The shape size is a variable factor in the design of the MD Formatura pattern. Often, shapes are chosen between about 50 and 120 mm, but this depends on your project. For example, for a small-scale interior application, a smaller shape is often chosen. For a large-scale facade, the effect of the MD Formatura will come into its own with a larger shape.

The shapes are placed on a fixed pitch. There are different pitch patterns, such as a triangular pitch, rectangular pitch, etc. The pitch determines the number of shapes per m2. When pitching increases, the number of shapes decreases exponentially. The number of shapes per m2 partially determines the cost of a panel.

An important starting point for MD Formatura designs is always that there must be enough strength and stiffness in the panel after shaping and converting. This is preferably done through a continuous network of sheet material between the punches. The strength is partly determined by the span of the continuous lines across the panel. Also, the relationship between the material to be shaped and the thickness of the gaps between shapes of a network plays a part. Preferably, a network is held with gaps of at least 10 mm. Given the many factors that play a part in the strength of the panel, this is project specific.

In a significant number of designs in which MD Formatura has been used before, the bended portion in the pattern turns around an axis; the bridge. This bridge attaches to the continuous network in the panel. Preferably, this bridge has a width of about 5 to 6 mm. With this principal, there is an optimal ratio between particle strength and the risk of severe warp or cracking of the material. Of course, this is project specific. Dimensions, material and material thicknesses also play a significant role in this.

The starting point for a 2 or 3 mm set panel is a margin of approximately 12 mm. This is the distance from the side of the shape closest to the edge to the side of the panel. With the edges of a panel non-bended, this edge distance may be smaller, up to about 5 mm. However, MD Formatura panels are often bended double to give the panel sufficient strength and stiffness.

When using different sizes of shapes, keep in mind that the margin will be larger next to the smaller shapes, if you want the rows of shapes aligned. You can deviate from this margin, but this creates a risk the panel could deform. This means the material and material thicknesses are also important. Also, the panel becomes constructively less strong when applying shapes to the edge of the panel. We look at these factors on a case by case basis.

It is possible to make MD Formatura of the following materials:

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Corten steel

Aluminum is often preferred due to its favorable characteristics such as the ratio between weight and strength.

Thicknesses range from 1.5 to 4 mm, partly depending on the type of MD Formatura. The choice of material also determines the weight and strength of the panels, as well as the desired appearance.

The following surface treatments are available for MD Formatura:

• Thermal galvanizing (steel)
• Powder coating (steel, aluminum)
• Anodizing (aluminum)

The choice of surface treatment depends on the desired appearance (color, shine) and the material type, but the method of detailing also affects the surface treatment required.

Tolerances of MD Formatura panels depend on your project. For example, will the panels be bended to cassettes, or will they be flat? Will the panels be secured by an MD Verti mounting with panels fixed with screws or, an MD Resto mounting, with panels hung blindly? Tolerances are inevitable, and it is necessary to take this into account in advance during the detailing. Given the many factors that play a part in determining tolerances, we recommend that you ask about tolerances for your specific project.

The dimensions of the panels are custom-made and specific per project. But it is advisable to take into account standard coil widths of 1000, 1250 and 1500 mm. This is the cut-out size, so remember to factor in the set aside for the cassette panels. The recommended panel length is 4000 mm due to the capacity and dimensions of the machining apparatus.