Aluminum composite panel is an engineered material made up of aluminum and plastic, typically blended with other materials to improve specific properties.
Aluminum composite panels are a thin-film technology product offering the latest in thermal performance, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The panels are available in a various of shapes and sizes for window applications, including curved profiles, A-frames and V-houses. They can be provided complete with optional framing, moldings and extruded profiles to achieve the best fit-out options.
Viable solution for green world
The composite panel technology ensures that they are a viable solution for green buildings as it prevents the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere (low carbon), providing extended thermal performance compared to laminated glass windows while contributing towards customer goals on-demand energy management, further reduced maintenance costs and consistent product appearance throughout time.
Widely used all over the world
Aluminum composite panels are widely used across the globe in large and small commercial, industrial and residential buildings such as dorms, hotels etc. These windows have a long manufacturing life cycle, which can last for 2 decades or more. To appreciate the thermal performance of aluminum composite panels it is important to understand their property features viz.(compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus & total energy absorption). Once understood these properties will form the foundation on which to design performance of glazing system. Performance designers will also prefer using aluminum composite panels as they are lightweight and do not appreciably weigh down our buildings. An additional benefit is that these designs can allow windows to be replaced without compromising building window construction integrity, while at the same time providing aesthetics in new window installations whilst maintaining thermal efficiency & gaining benefits from airtightness.
Can you bend aluminum composite panel?
Aluminum composite panel can be bent, however the panels will not return to their original shape once bent. Saad Ali, a research scientist with The Dow Chemical Company said “The bending moment of an aluminum composite panel is due primarily to the microscopic cracks in the filler and/or adhesive that are introduced during fabrication.”
Ways to prevent deformation of the panels
There are several ways to prevent permanent deformation of an aluminum composite panel when subjected to lateral force : using an adhesive that is not subject to hot temperatures, using a high-grade filler material, and/or using a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is activated by heat.
To prevent the deformation of panels during installation or during service conditions, Saad Ali., recommends following these guidelines:
1) Preheat the panel before installing it by heating both sides to over 200 degrees F (93 degrees C).
2) Verify the panel density and its thermal conductivity at installation time. Shrinkage in density or change of thermal-conductive values can compromise the mechanical integrity of a unit during exposure to hot or cold ambient conditions
3) If you are installing panels under special adverse environmental conditions, consider using a pressure-sensitive adhesive with motion detection capability that activates when subjected to extreme temperatures (usually >140 degrees Fahrenheit). The adhesive-enabled panel will still alert you when it reaches a fixed temperature—usually 140 degrees Fahrenheit but not always.
Lens rib patterns, sometimes called grating or ribs, are used to reinforce and stabilize the aluminum composite panels while they are being laid. Lens rib can also be used to achieve visual effects like those of marble and walnut veneer tiles because its trim is darker than that of glass mineral tooth filler.
How can you use aluminum composite panel
Aluminum composite panels can be found in used aluminum siding. It is a low-maintenance exterior building material that often has no maintenance for at least the first ten years of use, and most manufactures recommend its full 25-year regret at an additional cost to prevent premature failure from moisture damage.
Gutters made with high quality “paint grade” metal or plastic are also available as alternatives to downspouts (resulting in less clogging from leaves, etc.). They can be snapped to the gutter and ceiling or roof structure. These downspouts are 4mm thick aluminum, making it nearly invisible in most light conditions (about 99% of sunlight). The weight is not much higher than a wood material, but there are zero maintenance implications because they won’t rust, corrode, or shrink.
Aluminum composite panels (ACP) also make up for balconies – sometimes promoted as weather-resistant – which has an issue with overheating and heat degradation in the summertime. The HVAC industry has created a new product called ACP balconies that is more weather-resistant since it uses aluminum plastic instead of wood so any moisture erosion will not penetrate from side to side like wood. This means fewer air conditioning problems are associated with stretching up during hot temperatures, mould growth on the edges due to excess rain damage, and condensation can be kept at bay. Sealing with silicone caulk can also keep moisture in and mould out.
Conclusion
Aluminum composite panels (ACP) has become a popular alternative to wood-plastic for both residential applications and commercial roofs thanks to its longevity, beauty, and lightweight weight which means fewer labour costs that is why people all over the globe are now moving towards these panels instead of wood.
