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The Evolution of Aluminum Composite Panels

Views: 238     Author: Julong     Publish Time: 2023-11-29      Origin: aluminum panel systems manufacturer

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The Evolution of Aluminum Composite Panels

Aluminum composite panels (ACP) have been a popular material for building facades and cladding for more than two decades. ACP is constructed from two high-strength aluminum sheets sandwiched between a low-density insulating core. As a result, they are also referred to as sandwich panels.


Their original intention in designing and creating it was to use it as a signage material. ACP, on the other hand, is now used in a wide range of applications, including wall coverings, architectural claddings, interior decorations, false ceilings, and so on. So, here's a look at ACP's history and evolution, and how it became one of the most important building materials used in a wide range of construction and architectural projects.


1. History of ACPs

Aluminum composite panels (ACPs) were first introduced in 1969 as a joint venture between Alusingen and BASF. Later, Alusuisse bought Alusingen, which was later bought out by another international company called Alcan (now Rio Tinto) in 2000.


Despite its introduction in the 1960s, it was not until the mid-1980s that the mainstream architectural industry discovered the properties of ACP as a building material. Furthermore, in the early 1990s, ACP became widely used in commercial and residential buildings. It was later realized that it could save money while also improving architectural performance.


2. ACP Brands Throughout History

Aluminium Composite Panels were first marketed under the brand name "Alucobond®." From 1971 to 1991, Alusingen held a patent on the manufacturing process. The brand name (Aluminium-Composite-Binding) reflected the panel's construction, which involved bonding an aluminum alloy to a composite material. For the same reason, the original aluminum composite panels were also known as Alucobond.


Following the patent's expiration, many well-known construction industry names began the ACP manufacturing process. As a result, several significant brands such as Alcoa (under the brand name Reynobond), Mitsubishi (under the brand name Alpolic), Etem (under the brand name Etalbond), and others emerged.


3. Compositional Changes Over Time

Even though many ACP brands appeared, the product did not change fundamentally. Significant changes occurred in the aluminum panel composition, which was modified based on the panel's required features and intended use.


However, when some high-rise buildings caught fire due to the use of ACP sheets, the flammability of their core material was revealed. The core material has since been modified to produce a non-flammable material with a low risk of combustion.


The overall thickness of today's panels is in the 3-6 mm (0.12-0.24 in.) range, with aluminum facings ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 mm (0.008 to 0.032 in.).

The insulated core has been developed from a variety of materials, but each type of core now falls into one of three broad categories:

PE Cores: These flammable cores are constructed entirely of polyethylene (PE).

FR Cores: These cores are made of a composite material containing a high percentage of non-combustible mineral wool, rock fiber, or rock wool (70% to 90%).

AluminumAluminum Cores: These cores are made of solid aluminum or an aluminum honeycomb structure.


ACPs have been developed with a variety of paints and coatings to make them more suitable for a wide range of applications, as illustrated below:

Construction/FR PVDF resin and (XT/High Durable) polyester paint are used to coat architectural and construction panel sheets.

Panel Sheet Digital Printing and Signage The panel sheets are coated with Nano PVDF FEVE resin or high-quality polyester.


Since the changes in core and panel quality, several ACP products that have many architectural advantages over other building materials have been introduced:

a higher strength-to-weight ratio

Slimming down

The adaptability and flexibility of the material

Durability

Superior insulation features


4. Formation of ACP Panels

ACP has evolved from a signage material to a major architectural material. It is now used in a wide range of projects and environments, including cladding. Building Renovations, Curved Fascias, Container Constructions, Internal Wall Coverings, Architectural Claddings, Machine Coverings, and a variety of other services are available.


In the facade industry, panels are a popular material. It is the material of choice for constructing temporary elements such as trade show structures due to its lightweight properties. Julong produces high-quality aluminum composite panels according to building codes. Sandwich materials with an aluminum core, an FP core, and a PE core are examples of these, and they provide maximum structural integrity and fire hazard protection.


The use of the panels has advanced to the point where many famous architectural wonders are entirely made of them. Among them are the Spaceship Earth in Orlando, Florida, the L'Oreal Paris building in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Leipzig branch of the German National Library, the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Canada, and others.


Composite panels have progressed from a single company's monopoly material to one of the most widely used materials in the construction and architectural industries, not only in terms of composition and manufacturing but also in terms of applications. Because of their lighter weight and fire-retardant properties, they have been used so extensively that some modern cities are entirely made of them, along with materials such as glass and curtain walls.


5. An aluminum composite panel's composition changes over time

In ACP, the composition of the aluminum panels changed dramatically over time. The used panels are 3-6 mm (0.12-0.24in.) thick overall. The width of the aluminum facings ranges between 0.2 and 0.8 mm.

The core could be classified into one of three broad categories:

Cores of PE: These flammable cores are entirely made of polyethylene (PE).

FR cores are made of a composite material that contains 70%-90% non-combustible and fire-retardant mineral wool, rock fiber, and rock wool.

Aluminum forests are constructed from either a honeycomb structure or solid aluminum.


ACPs are also made with a variety of paints and coatings.

To coat construction/architectural panel sheets, construction/FR PVDF resin and (XT/High Durable) polyester paint are used.

Panel Sheet Digital Printing/Signage The panel sheets are coated with Nano PVDF FEVE resin or high-quality polyester.

Since the changes in core and panel quality, several aluminum panel sheet products that offer numerous architectural advantages over other building materials have been introduced:

The strength-to-weight ratio has improved

Slimming down

Adaptability and flexibility of materials

Durability

Superior insulation features

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