Methods and systems for machining metal panels

A method of machining a metal panel to impart a 2-dimensional representation of an image and a 3-dimensional representation of a dimensional design on the metal panel, the method comprising:

• receiving an image file for the image;
• converting the image file to an intermediate file comprising a series of marks that vary according to the image;
• manipulating the intermediate file to accommodate features of a building surface to be covered by the metal panel;
• converting the intermediate file to at least one image control file;
• receiving a dimensional design file for the dimensional design;
• converting the dimensional design file to at least one dimensional design control file;
• cutting the metal panel in accordance with the image control file to transfer the representation of the image on the metal panel;
• and
• cutting an outline of the dimensional design on the metal panel while leaving a hinge in the outline in accordance with the dimensional design control file to transfer the representation of the dimensional design on the metal panel;
• and
• pushing portions of the metal panel inside the outline so as to depress portions of the representation of the dimensional design relative to the hinge;
• pulling other portions of the metal panel inside the outline so as to lift portions of the representation of the dimensional design relative to the hinge.