ACP Cladding

The standard size in which aluminum composite panels are available is 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm, depending upon the thicknesses for polyethylene and aluminum sheets. Aluminum composite panels are mainly used in covering the front of the buildings. They are used externally as well as internally in buildings.

Features of ACP Cladding

• ACP Cladding is light in weight as aluminium is one of the lightest metals. Unlike steel, ACP cladding put less weight on buildings where large distances or area are to be clad.

• Aluminium is also resistant to corrosion and thus makes up a durable and reliable panel as well as aids in processing.

• ACP cladding is coated with a layer of hard material which makes them strong and long-lasting surface and also acts as a shield which keeps the surface from reacting with air.

• The cladding is available in a good number of colours and patterns and so you can choose the one that compliments your place. They can easily be imitated with the colours of natural stones.

• ACP cladding is fire resistant and thus ward off any danger associated with a sudden outbreak of fire.

• Despite being light in weight, ACP cladding offers a great combination of rigidity and surface flatness as well as thin sheets.

• They also offer phenomenal stability even on the exterior surface and that too within a large range of temperatures from -50 to +80 VII.

• They are also resistant to damage by water and are laden with a solid waterproofing treatment. So, intermittent rains will in no way destroy the properties of this metal.

• The black PE core with UV blocker increases UV resistance.

• ACP Cladding is also environmentally friendly and is fully recyclable. They can be easily reused and easily maintained because of their eco-friendly properties.

• Both the PVC foam sheet and ACP cladding have same rigidity but ACP is 3mm thick and weights 2 times less than 10mm PVC.

Major Applications of ACP Cladding

Traditionally ACP cladding was used only for external purposes for instance on the exterior surface of the buildings. But now they are increasingly being used for both interiors as well as exterior surfaces.

A case in point for interior use is decorative material of wall panels, bathrooms, making false ceilings, kitchens, ducting, doors, balconies in home and hotels etc. ACP cladding is prolifically used in shops and commercial offices to be used as a cover for columns and beams, signage and signboards, machines and other equipment etc.

On the other hand, external applications of ACP cladding include cover for the outer structure of the building, facades of the building, insulation, etc.

A general impression is that the use of ACP cladding is limited to construction purposes. However, over the years, these are widely being used as a backing material for mounting fine art photography which imparts an acrylic finish.

Since it is light in weight and at the same time is a sturdy material, ACP cladding is also used for temporary structures for trade show booths and related foundations. Its features to the likes of durability, efficiency, light-weight, rigidity, and other features have made it helpful to form structures like spaceship also.

Some other applications of ACP Sheets include:

• For furniture

• Transport

• For shop fronts

• For bars, discos, and hotels

• Digital & Screen Printing

• Manufacture of the point of sales displays

• Industrial applications

Types or varieties of ACP Cladding

As we know that aluminum can be replicated with any color, it becomes available in the market in a wide range of metallic and non-metallic colors like white, lemon, silver and gold, red, black etc.

With the help of technology, ACP claddings are also available in a broad spectrum of textures such as marble, POP, wood, brushed panel, mirror finished and many more. We find that marble and POP finish are extensively used in the interiors of home and hotels.

Whereas, wood and ACP finish is widely used in commercial places such as offices.

Manufacturers of ACP Cladding in India

India is home to a large and voluminous Aluminium Composite panel industry to the tune of Rs. 1500 crores. This mammoth industry caters to the appetite of more than 400 million square feet. The industry is seeing a surge in its growth and clocks at a steady rate of about 28% to 30% per year.

This market is dotted by some key players who have rendered innovative, sustainable, and durable ACP claddings over a period of time. Let us see the four best manufacturers in India.

1. ALSTRONG

   This is a noted company which uses Japanese and Korean technology to create Aluminium Composite Panels. Alstrong comes in various designs, colors, and textures. They adopt a coil coating integration method in the painting of Aluminium Composite Panels.

2. VIVA

   This is one of the biggest players in the aluminium market. VIVA uses double extruders in its production method which has amplified its manufacturing capacity and reduced the energy consumption by 25%. It is engaged in introducing new ranges to the customers on a regular interval. 

3. ALUDECOR

   This is a name that resonates with good quality product coupled with quality research. It is the first company in India which used the technology of Double Coat Double Bake method that imparts longevity to their product.

   It is available in a wide variety of colors and textures. They have launched an innovative product called Copper Aluminium Composite panels in the market.

4. ALUCOBOND

   Alucobond manufactures high-quality products which have a unique appearance as well as they are resistant to fire damage. Their ACP claddings have very good flatness and are weatherproof and impact resistant. They produce high weather resistance, scratch resistant, and highly rigid ACPs.

Benefits/Advantages of using ACP Cladding

Owing to the amazing properties of Aluminium, ACP claddings cater to a large number of activities across different industries. A number of advantages are accrued to using Aluminium and as compared to other materials, ACP cladding is more reliable to construct solid foundations.

Let us see what are the advantages of using ACP cladding:

• When pitted against other materials, ACP cladding is found to be more economical as they can be easily maintained and are less prone to damages related to air and moisture.

• Even though Aluminum is one of the lightest metals, it is the most rigid, durable, and strong material which has been widely used in building constructions that last for a long time.

• The material of ACP cladding is easily available in standard sizes in the market which makes their transportation easy and hassle free. The application is also very easy as compared to others.

• ACP Cladding is resistant to stain, weather and water corrosion. It is unbreakable and hence its durability. You can use this material for a long time and it will not wither away due to corrosion.

• It shows excellent mechanical properties owing to its light weight.

• ACP cladding is available in various colours and textures. Aluminium can easily be painted with the colour and finish of natural stones and wood.

• It is rigid and flat at the same time and becomes highly formable.

• It can be easily and quickly processed.

• It is highly resistant to weathering and chemical damage.

• ACP cladding has noise and thermal insulation.

• They are cost effective as compared to other materials in the market and require the least maintenance.

• They are non-toxic and environment friendly. If you use it in your homes, it will not interfere with a wholesome living environment inside your house.

Disadvantages of using ACP cladding

When we compare the advantages of ACP cladding with its disadvantages, we find that the latter are only a few and aluminum makes up a wonderful construction material.

However, on the flipper side, there are two main disadvantages associated with ACP cladding:

• ACP claddings are quite prone to dents during heavy weathers such as storms and hurricanes. However, there are ACP claddings which are reinforced with special threads by the manufacturers that keep any such damage at bay. Thus, the issue of dents is fixed to a great extent.

• The joints have to be meticulously sealed and careful waterproofing is to be done so that water does not penetrate into the building during rainfall.