AESS 4 Steel Façade Manufacturing for Shanghai East Railway Station
When structural steel becomes part of the visible architecture, manufacturing requirements go far beyond strength alone.
For the Shanghai East Railway Station project, JZM Facade is manufacturing approximately 600 tonnes of AESS 4 refined steel façade structural members for the externally visible façade framing.
The package includes large-scale architectural steel members where dimensional accuracy, welding quality, alignment and surface finish all contribute to the final appearance of the building.
What Makes AESS 4 Different?
Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel, or AESS, is designed to remain visible as part of the finished architecture.
At the AESS 4 level, particular attention is required across:
- Welds and joints
- Edge conditions
- Alignment
- Surface transitions
- Dimensional consistency
- Final coating quality
This means fabrication and finishing need to be considered as one continuous manufacturing process.
24-Metre Single-Span Façade Mullions
One of the most demanding elements of the Shanghai package is the production of 24-metre single-span AESS 4 façade mullions.
At this scale, maintaining alignment becomes increasingly important. Components are set out against approved drawings and positioned using purpose-built jigs before welding.
Controlled welding sequences help maintain geometry and limit heat distortion during fabrication.
The longer the member, the more visible small inconsistencies can become, making repeatability and process control essential.
Welding, Grinding and Architectural Finishing
Following fit-up and welding, the members move through a series of finishing stages.
Automated weld-line grinding is used to remove excess weld material and blend seams while maintaining the required profile.
Visible surfaces then undergo further grinding and polishing to refine transitions and create a more uniform architectural finish.
For AESS components, this stage is critical because the completed steelwork must satisfy both structural and visual requirements.
Protective Coating for C4-H Exposure
The 24-metre mullions receive the project-specified three-coat protective painting system designed for C4-H exposure and durability requirements.
The coating system combines corrosion protection with the refined appearance required for exposed architectural steel.
Consistency is important across the full length of each member, including weld transitions, edges and final coated surfaces.
Final Inspection Before Delivery
Before release for delivery, the completed members are inspected for:
- Dimensions
- Alignment
- Weld quality
- Surface appearance
- Edge and joint conditions
- Coating quality
These final checks help ensure the components meet project requirements before leaving the manufacturing facility.
Precision Manufacturing for Complex Façade Steel
The Shanghai East Railway Station project demonstrates the manufacturing control required for large-scale AESS façade components.
From precision fit-up and controlled welding through automated grinding, surface refinement and protective coating, every stage contributes to the final architectural result.
JZM Facade supports façade contractors and project teams with AESS steel, refined structural profiles, façade mullions, brackets, support systems and bespoke architectural steel components manufactured to project drawings and specifications.
Have an AESS or Complex Façade Steel Requirement?
Share your drawings, BOQ, specifications or project requirements with JZM for manufacturing review.
FAQs
What is AESS steel fabrication?
AESS fabrication refers to Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel where the finished steel remains visible and therefore requires close control over welds, joints, alignment, edges and surface finish.
Can JZM manufacture long façade mullions?
Yes. The Shanghai East Railway Station package includes 24-metre single-span AESS 4 façade mullions.
Does JZM manufacture to project drawings?
Yes. Components are manufactured according to project-specific drawings, materials, tolerances and finishing requirements.
Project Video
