Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) is also called a sandwich panel because it is comprised of multiple layers to solidify and produce a robust product. The total thickness of each ACP Sheet varies depending on whether it will be used outdoors (PVDF) or indoors (PE). In this article, we will walk you through each layer of this aluminum wall cladding.
What’s in an ACP Sheet?
1. Protective Film
The protective film serves as the materials’ protection during transportation, handling, and pre-installation. While the material is known to be weather resistant and durable, it is not resistant to scratches, so proper covering is necessary to maintain its pristine condition until installation. For best results, only remove this protective film after installation.
2. Paint Layer
ACP is coated with advanced surface finishes such as Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVDF) and Polyester (PE) through a high-performance continuous roller coating system. To produce this layer, it undergoes several processes to ensure a fine sheen and durable finish. The paint layer is applied just like how paint is applied. It starts with primer to improve paint adhesion. Depending on whether the ACP is to be used for interior and exterior purposes a weather-resistance fluorocarbon resin top coating is applied to improve its UV resistance and color retention properties. To finish, a clear coat is applied to protect the main color pigment against environmental factors. Each paint layer is baked in high temperatures to cure the paint thoroughly.
3. Aluminum Skin
The Aluminum Skin layer of ACP is responsible for the material’s protection, strength, and decorative sheen. The aluminum skins undergo chromate treatment on both sides to enhance the material’s paint adhesion and corrosion resistance. Chromate treatment is widely used in various industries apart from construction because it creates a protective film on aluminum. The layer is approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm thick.
4. Polymer Adhesive Film
A polymer adhesive film is a solid-form adhesive sheet made from polymers, which is heated to a molten state for bonding materials like metal, plastic, and glass. Even in high pressure and temperature it offers superior bonding strength and resistance to water, chemicals, and UV light.
It is crucial to the manufacturing of ACP because it bonds the aluminum skin to the polyethylene core by infiltrating and reacting with surfaces of the material. It is also reinforced with fire resistant properties to improve the fire performance of the material.
5. Non-Toxic Polyethylene Core
The polyethylene core comprises about 75-79% of the material, and is therefore the most important component in the material. The core determines the material’s structural integrity, weather resistance, and stability. Although it is responsible for the material’s strength, the polyethylene core of Alutech ACP remains lightweight, which reduces the structural burden on the building where it will be installed, and makes aluminum cladding installation easier. The core is made with a thermoplastic, non toxic material composed of various raw materials like fire retardant polyethylene and other additives. It is melted and blended together in a process of heat extrusion and compression. It will then be compressed in a flat sheet.
Why use Alutech ACP Sheet?
Each Alutech ACP is manufactured to suit the industry building standards and the aesthetic of the modern urban community. Alutech is available in all Polylite stores nationwide, now running with over 60 branches in the Philippines. Aside from being an aluminum composite supplier, Polylite is popularly known for polycarbonate roofs and acrylic panels. Check the price and swatch selection in Polylite’s official website or you may also contact us in the following details:
(02) 8808-7659