What are WAV Metal Wall Panels?

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Rick Zand|September 19, 2024
Nate holding a WAV panel

When it comes to metal wall panels, wave panels like those produced by New Tech Machinery’s (NTM) WAV™ Wall Panel Machine are gaining popularity in the architectural world. These panels, known for their unique ribbed design, are commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings like schools, hospitals, and large storage facilities. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of WAV panels, their characteristics, and why they’re a valuable option for manufacturers and contractors looking to expand their operations.

If you’re a metal panel manufacturer or contractor looking to expand beyond metal roofing, WAV siding may provide you with the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Its versatility makes it perfect for a variety of projects, as it has practical industrial applications as well as contemporary visual appeal. So, you can use the same panels you run for a warehouse in more creative ways for a modern apartment or office building by mixing materials and metal panel sizes.

In this article, you’ll learn about:

WAV Panel Types

The WAV Wall Panel Machine supports six different WAV profiles, including two 16” profiles, the WAV-16-4F and the WAV-16-4C. It has four ribs compatible with 22—and 24-gauge grade 50 steel and 0.032 -0.040 aluminum.

Additionally, it offers two 12” profiles and two 8” profiles, each with one rib designed for 24-gauge and 22-gauge steel. Aluminum is not recommended for the 12” and 8” profiles.

WAV 16-4F

The most popular WAV panel is the 16-inch-wide panel with four ribs spaced evenly at 4” apart. Once the WAV wall panel is installed, the ribs create a continuous wave-like pattern, which is visually appealing and structurally sound as the metal wall is reinforced by the panel ribs. Additionally, the wider area coverage of the panel makes installation faster, as fewer fasteners are needed compared to narrower panels.

The WAV 16-4F panel uses 24” wide material for a finished panel width of 16”. The WAV-16-4F is like a fastener flange but without pre-punched slots. You just fasten the panel through the flange. Because of this, NTM recommends panel lengths stay at 25’ or less. If your project requires longer panels, you may want to consider the WAV-16-4C.

industrial building with flush wall and wave metal wall panels

WAV-16-4C

The WAV-16-4C uses a 22 ¼” wide stretch out for the same finished width of 16”. This panel uses a clip system that allows for thermal expansion and contraction, creating an advantage over the WAV-16-4F.

Why Choose the 16-inch Panel?

When asked why the 16-inch, four-rib panel is the most popular, it primarily comes down to appearance. Architects and builders may prefer the look of evenly spaced ribs on wider panels. Plus, the 16-inch width speeds up installation compared to the narrower 8-inch and 12-inch panels. While aesthetics often drive this choice, the functionality and efficiency of the 16-inch panel also make it a top pick for many projects.

Variations in Width: 8-1F and 12-1F Wave Panels

For those searching for a slightly different look, there are narrower options available: the 8-inch and 12-inch-wide panels. These panels have just one wide rib instead of the four ribs as found in the 16-inch panel. The overall appearance of these narrower panels creates a bolder, more streamlined look on walls. While they might take longer to install due to their smaller width, they offer a distinct visual alternative to the standard 16-inch panel.

WAV clip

Fastening Options: Fastener Flange vs. Clip System

Wave panels come with two main fastening options: the fastener flange system and the clip system. The flange version, which is more common, allows for fasteners to be inserted through the flanged end of the panel, securing it to the wall.

The clip system, on the other hand, offers a significant advantage. Instead of fastening the panel directly to the wall, clips are used to attach the panel, allowing for natural expansion and contraction. This is particularly important for longer panels, as it helps prevent issues like oil canning (the visible waviness on the panel’s surface due to thermal movement) or loosening of fasteners over time. The clip system is ideal for projects requiring longer panels because it accommodates the normal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.

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Considerations for Longer Panels and Building Aesthetics

Issues With Panel Length

One thing to note is that with larger panels—especially those over 25’—there is a greater risk of oil canning if the panel is fastened too tightly and doesn’t allow for expansion and contraction. For projects requiring longer panels, the clip system is a better option, as it allows the panel to “float” and move with temperature changes, reducing the chance of oil canning. For this reason, it’s not recommended to install wave panels over 25’ in length with the WAV 16-4F that uses a fastener flange.

Combining Panel Sizes for a Unique Look

Some builders and architects get creative by mixing and matching panel sizes. For example, alternating between 16-inch four-rib panels and 8-inch one-rib panels can create a unique, customized look for the building’s exterior. This technique is often used to give buildings a fresh, modern look we’ve seen on contemporary apartment and office building designs.

Also, mixed materials, like WAV panels with board and batten or stone or brick, can add a textured touch to any structure.

WAV panels

NTM’s WAV Wall Panel Machine

The demand for wave panels continues to rise, particularly in large-scale commercial and industrial projects. NTM’s WAV machine helps you to meet the demand for their increasing popularity, and many builders see them as a worthwhile investment. Some contractors have even paid off their WAV panel machine after just one big job, making it an immediately profitable addition to their business.

The WAV machine can fabricate panels up to 150’ per minute with electric power, or 75’ per minute with gas. Owners can choose to operate their machines with either an electric motor or gas engine or both. The WAV is hydraulically driven, using 24 polyurethane drive rollers. It runs 22- or 24-gauge steel and .032 to .040 aluminum (WAV-16-4 Profile only). Offering six profiles, it can form 16”, 12”, or 8” WAV panels. The WAV comes standard with a hydraulic shear and 16 HP gas engine and/ or 460V 3-phase electric power motor. 

(product) WAV™ Wall Panel Machine
WAV™ Wall Panel Machine

WAV features:

  • Ability to produce 16″, 12″, and 8″ wide WAV-style profiles
  • UNIQ Automatic Control System
  • Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
  • Various trailer options are available as well as in-plant machine stand (A trailer or stand is required with the purchase of a WAV machine).
  • Ability to run 22 or 24 ga. Grade 50 steel with all profiles (16″ profiles can be produced in 0.032″ or 0.040″ aluminum as well)
  • Hydraulic Shear
  • Hydraulic Drive
  • Equipped with 16 HP Gas Engine and/ or 460V 3-Phase Electric Power
  • Industry’s best warranty

Starting price: $195,000

The WAV Wall Panel Machine can be used in-plant and onsite.

WAV building

What’s next?

Wave metal wall panels offer a range of options to suit different architectural needs, from the popular 16-inch panel with four ribs to the narrower 8-inch and 12-inch versions. With the choice between fastener flange and clip fastening systems, and the ability to combine different panel sizes for a unique look, wave panels are versatile and practical for many projects. As their popularity grows in commercial and industrial sectors, wave panels are becoming a go-to option for architects and builders looking for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

NTM’s WAV Wall Panel machine can deliver quality metal panels for large-scale projects. Find out more about the WAV, or any of our machines and accessories, by contacting us.

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