Aluminium composite panels comprised of two aluminium skins or sheets or panels bonded to a single plastic or a non-aluminium core. The bonding is achieved by means of an adhesive layer on both sides of the plastic or a non-aluminium core. The front side of the aluminium composite panel has a coating on the aluminium skin onto which a protective film is placed. Because many layers make up a composite panel, they are also referred to as Sandwich panel. Such panels are used for any purposes where high structural stability and rigidity are needed while keeping the load weight to a minimum.
Aluminium composite panels have typical properties that make it a perfect replacement for conventional cladding materials such as marble, granite, concrete etc.
Advantages of Aluminium Composite Panels
- They provide a hi-tech look. This modern look increases the perceived value of commercial or residential projects making them easily saleable.
- Flatness – The continuous laminating process employed in manufacturing the aluminium composite panels provide them with excellent flatness. This property eliminates distortion or deflection. Technologies have become so advanced that a flatness of up to 2 mm per 1200mm length i.e. 0.16 % of its length is now possible.
- Easy availability – Since the panels are locally manufactured, their availability is assured. It can be ordered and delivered at short notices, according to the progress of any project. This factor reduces the financial burden of the builder.
- Size advantage – Aluminium composite panels can be ordered in any cut-to-size, thus eliminating wastage.
- Reduced dead weight – Aluminium composite panels are very light in weight helping to reduce the dead weight of the building. It weighs less than 1/10th of any conventional cladding materials like marble or granite. These sandwich panels are a preferred cladding material in earthquake-prone zones as they are considered a safe alternative.
- Colour uniformity – The exterior skin of the panels are color coated using a coil coating process. They are not powder coated with spray guns and hence there are no visible grain lines. The color coating process provides the best color uniformity and is often superior to powder coated surfaces.
- Water and corrosion resistance – Kynar 500-based PVDF coating assures superior resistance against corrosion and water. It can withstand extreme environmental conditions too.
- Sound resistance – The multiple layers in an aluminium composite panel gives it the soundproof properties.
- Thermal resistance – The plastic core used is usually made of Polyethylene. This material is one of the best known insulating materials. Aluminium composite panel’s polyethylene core does not allow heat to penetrate the building. This results in major energy saving. Aluminium composite panels have fire retardant properties too.
- Impact resistance – They are resistant to reasonable impact loads. This quality is due to the unique composite construct of strong aluminium skins bonded to a visco-elastic (plastic) core.
- Maintenance – The sandwich panels are completely maintenance-free. The PVDF coating retains its finish usually over 15 to 20 years. Hence no maintenance is usually required. Regular cleaning with mild detergent is enough to keep the finishing new.
- Versatility – Aluminium composite panel can be flexed to any shape as required. Concave, convex and bent structures can be created, by using standard wood or aluminium working machines.
- Speedy installation – Aluminium composite panel are easy to install due to their light weight properties. This factor generally contributes to reduced project execution time.