PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
How to prevent oil canning or panel waviness in ACP installations?
Oil canning—visible waviness in flat metal panels—occurs when residual stresses and thermal loads distort the skin. To prevent this in ACP installations, PRANCE recommends using minimum 4 mm panel thickness and adding stiffening ribs or embossed beads for rigidity. During fabrication, panels are stress-relieved through controlled heating cycles to reduce internal tension.
Joint spacing and clip placement also influence flatness. We design reveal widths no greater than 8 mm and anchor clips at regular intervals—typically every 400 mm—to distribute loads evenly. Installing panels with slight negative camber countersact solar-induced expansion.
Proper storage and handling on site—keeping panels flat on A-frame racks and avoiding direct sunlight before installation—further reduce oil canning risk. By combining material selection, fabrication controls, and installation best practices, PRANCE ensures smooth, uniform ACP facades free of visual distortion.