Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) : Uses, Cost, Advantages, Disadvantages & Cost of ACP

ACP stands for Aluminium Composite Panel. Sometimes, known as a Sandwich panel.

3A Composites company introduced Aluminium composite panels for the first time in 1964 as a Joint invention with BASF.

  1. Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP)  

The aluminum composite panel stands as a composite material possessed with the thermoplastic polythene core and the fire-retardant core material is sandwiched between two slim aluminum sheets.

Polythene is not a fireproof material extraordinarily, it ignites and extends fire.

Hence before buying the ACP panel, make sure that the core material is fire invulnerable. Polythene core panel is employed in type C construction projects.

Mainly Construction projects are categorized into 3 types:

1. Type A

2. Type B

3. Type C

Type A is a considerable fireproof form of construction, it protects buildings above 4 floors. Type B covers 3 storage buildings and type C is the less fireproof form of construction in which one and two-storied buildings are protected.

In past research, it has been noticed that at the time of a fire, the aluminum composite panel with a plastic polyethylene core catches fire rapidly.

In a few countries like UAE, the workout of the non-compliant aluminum composite panel which contains polyethylene core is prohibited.

Aluminum composite panels with fireproof mineral-filled core material would normally be employed. It is necessary to know that none of the aluminum composite panels is fireproof, it is just fire code compliant.

Aluminium holds a low melting point of around 660 °C. During the fire, the temperatures will be roughly 800 to 900 °C, which will soften the skin and ignite the core.

The aluminum sheet is practicable to be covered with polyvinylidene fluoride that is PVDF or fluoropolymer resin that is FEVE or polyester paint. The normal thickness obtainable in the market of aluminum composite panels is 3 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm.

  2. Uses  

Aluminum composite panels are often employed for external cladding or facades of buildings and also for various uses in Signage, canopy shopfronts, bar and hotel, shopping mall, commercial buildings, offices, etc.

It is also employed for interior uses such as wallcovering, false ceilings, cupboards, wardrobe modular kitchens, table-top, column covers, and moreover.

It is even employed in the Aircraft industry where mechanical performance and weight reduction are necessary.

  3. Advantages  

The advantages of Aluminum composite panels are as follows:

a. No material is as flexible as an aluminum composite panel and it can give work to designs that are either too difficult or impossible with other material

b. It is a very rigid durable and strong material although it is very light in weight.

c. It is delightfully flexible and comfortable to operate with.

d. It is very easy to establish and can be installed actually fast.

e. It is a very cheap cladding material as compared to other alternatives obtainable in the market.

f. It delivers a broader combination of color

g. It is UV-invulnerable and chemical invulnerable.

h. ACP is environment-friendly and completely recyclable the panels are prepared from above 85% recycled aluminum material.

i. It is termite and fungal invulnerable.

j. It is Indestructible stain resistant and weather resistant.

k. Aluminum composite panels are obtainable in nearly 40 various colors and they can even be constructed in custom colors to match your building application.

l. Aluminum could be used to imitate the color and texture of natural stone and wood very easily.

m. Unique exterior strength within a range of temperatures from –52 to +80 degree Celsius and negligible thermal expansion.

n. It contains a soft and uniform surface finish.

  4. Disadvantages  

The disadvantages of Aluminum composite panels are as follows:

a. They are susceptible to dent during storms and hurricanes.

b. The joints have to be carefully sealed and adequate waterproofing has to be done so that there is no water penetration into the building during the rains.

  5. Warranty  

For aluminium composite panels commonly, companies offer a warranty of 5 to 10 years but nowadays some companies offer you a guarantee of 15 to 20 years as well.

  6. Installation  

There are various ways of installation of the aluminum composite panel it relies on where we are establishing the ACP whether it is exterior surface or interior surface in one of the forms ACP sheet is hooked on the base with the use of adhesive.

The general method employed for the installation of ACP is cladding. In this method, the gaps are drilled in the wall, and an aluminum framework is made with the use of screws then ACP sheets are either hinged on the Framework or screwed on the Framework in such a way that screws must not be observable from outside the interval between two sheets must be filled with the use of silicone gasket.

  7. Repairing and Maintenance  

The repairing & maintenance of aluminum composites is as follows:

a. Used a mild standard detergent.

b. All cleaning operations must be followed with clean water to avoid stains.

c. Driver the panel with a sponge or other absorbent material.

  8. Cost  

The cost of the aluminum composite panel relies on numerous things like its broad thickness, it’s core material, skin thickness, coating, etc.

Approximately the price of a 3M fireproof ACP sheet with polythene core and PVDF coating will be obtainable in the market at Rs 60 per square foot in India.

  9. ACP Sizes  

The common size by which ACP sheet is famous in the market is (8×4, 10×4, and 12×4) m.

Also obtainable in a customizable size on orders according to your requirements.

The Thickness in which ACP is Available is 30 cm core with 2.5 cm aluminum skin on two sides, 30 cm core with 5.0 cm aluminum skin on two sides, 40 cm core with 2.5 cm aluminum skin on two sides, 40 cm core with 5.0 cm aluminum skin on two sides.

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