What is Aluminium Composite (ACM)
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) is a popular three-layer composite sheet used in building materials. The sheet is made up of a plastic core layer with aluminium on both sides. The outer layer of the product has a decorative and protective coating. In recent years, ACM building materials have grown in popularity due to their modern, sleek appearance.
ACM materials have gained popularity in the construction sector over the last few decades. Designers love the variety that these materials offer and prefer to use them in their creations. While all ACM sheets will have a thin layer of aluminium, there are two choices for the core material. The first material is Polyethylene (PE). ACM panels that use PE cores are more affordable and lighter, making them a popular choice for buildings that are up to two stories tall.
For larger buildings, builders are opting for more specialised fire-retardant cores. While fire-resistant cores are more expensive, new fire safety requirements may necessitate the use of these panels in multi-story constructions.
Advantages of ACM and it's popularity
- Rigidity: Compared to a single-layer aluminium plate, the aluminium-plastic composite panel features a higher elastic limit, is more resistant to bending, and can maintain good flatness performance naturally over an extended period without requiring excessive external force.
- Lightweight: ACM is composed of aluminium and a small-density plastic core material, making it smaller and less hefty than other metals with the same thickness and rigidity.
- Colourful and Decorative: The layers of the aluminium-plastic panel can be manufactured in a variety of colours, and the design can be tailored to suit any application. Additionally, photocopying technology can replicate various textures, such as granite, wood grain, and metal patterns, to create a unique texture and high-quality pattern design.
- Durable: Aluminium-plastic composite board utilises a metal and core material thermal composite technology with strong bonding. The surface coatings vary based on the application environment, with fluorocarbon coatings providing superior weather resistance.
- Affordable: Pre-coating continuous coating and metal/core material continuous thermal compounding manufacturing are used in producing aluminium-plastic composite panels, thereby resulting in high production efficiency and low raw material costs. ACM is an economical alternative to typical metal veneers.
- Eco-friendly: The discarded aluminium-plastic panel contains recycled aluminium and plastic core components that have low environmental impact. Moreover, wood-aluminium composite panels and outdoor ornamental aluminium-plastic panels utilise fluorocarbon coatings, which are highly durable with low maintenance costs, resulting in low overall life cycle expenses.
- High Surface Flatness: The surface flatness of the aluminium-plastic composite panel exceeds that of a single-material metal sheet, particularly the large-sized sheet materials, owing to the continuous thermal composite production process. It has a flat and uniform appearance and is often used for architectural decoration.
Is ACM fire retardant?
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels come with different fire-resistant ratings. B1 is the common rating for most ACM panels. However, not every plastic aluminium composite panel is fireproof, and the fire-resistant performance is determined based on the non-combustibility grade. There are four types of non-combustibility grades; B1, B2, B3, and A2. B3 is the lowest grade with a flammable raw material rating, while B2 is classified as a combustible building material. Therefore, when choosing a fire-resistant material for your building, it is crucial to consider the product's fire rating feature.
- A2 fire protection rating is for non-combustible construction materials that are difficult to burn.
- B1 classification is for flame and fire-retardant building materials that have good flame and fire-retardant properties. When the material comes into contact with an open flame in the air or is exposed to high temperatures, the fire will not spread quickly. Once the fire source is removed, the combustion will stop as quickly as possible.
- B2 is the third fire-resistant performance class for flammable materials. These substances have unique fire-retardant properties. When exposed to a fire in the air or a high temperature, they will ignite, causing the fire to spread, similar to wooden columns, beams, staircases, and trusses.
- B3 classification for construction materials is the least efficient in terms of fire safety. They are flammable materials that do not have any fire-retardant properties. As a result, they are regarded as flammable and dangerous and are the worst choice for building claddings.
Where can you use ACM?
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) is popularly used in curtain walls, exterior wall decorations, advertising, and interior wall decoration. It's essential to note that the specifications of the building material vary depending on its intended use.
- ACM for Building Curtain Wall: When using ACM for building curtain walls, the top and bottom aluminium panels must have a minimum thickness of 0.50mm, and the total thickness must be at least 4mm. Typically, aluminium sheets from the 3000 and 5000 series are used, and it should be coated with fluorocarbon.
- ACM Material for Indoor Use: In most cases, upper and lower aluminium panels used for indoor purposes are made of an aluminium plate with a thickness of 0.20mm and a minimum thickness of 0.10mm, with a total thickness of 3mm. The coating is either polyester or acrylic. Additionally, ACM can also be utilised in airplanes, cabinets, and automobiles.
- ACM Materials for Exterior Wall Decoration and Advertising: For exterior wall decoration and advertising, the top and bottom aluminium panels should be rust-resistant and have a thickness of at least 0.20mm, and the total thickness should be at least 4mm. A fluorocarbon or polyester coating is typically used.
Conclusion
Whether used indoors or outdoors, Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) is an excellent choice for applications that require high strength, low weight, and a modern appearance. ACM panels come in various finishes and colours, and they can be cut, routed, and roll-formed, allowing architects and designers to create unique and beautiful designs. ACM is also easier to fabricate than bare sheet metal and can maintain its shape and appearance over time due to its flexible plastic core and durable aluminium layers, which ensure rigidity and stiffness in any weather condition.
Shop Collections
Aluminium composite is a lightweight, durable, and versatile material that has many benefits for signage applications. It can be printed on with a variety of methods, including digital printing, screen printing, and UV printing. This is why we have put together a selection of products in sizes that are suitable for any construction site project.
