Composite Aluminium Plates
Composite aluminium plates (ACM) consist of two aluminium sheets enclosing a polyethylene core, offering exceptional rigidity, flatness and lightness for facades and large-format signage.
- Structure: 0.3-0.5 mm aluminium + PE/FR + 0.3-0.5 mm aluminium
- Total thicknesses: 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm
- Weight: 3.8-7.6 kg/m² depending on thickness
- FR (Fire Retardant) version for regulatory compliance in construction
Additional information
- Difference between standard (PE) and FR (mineral) composite
- Fire classification: B1 (FR) vs B2 (standard PE)
- Machining: V-groove routing, cutting, bending, curving
Aluminium composite: structure and properties of ACM panels
Aluminium composite, also called aluminium compound or ACM (Aluminium Composite Material), is a sandwich panel formed by two 0.3-0.5 mm aluminium sheets covering a polyethylene (PE) or fire-retardant mineral (FR) core. The resulting composite plate has a total thickness of 3 to 6 mm, with a weight of only 3.5-7.5 kg/m², three to five times less than an equivalent solid aluminium sheet.
Aluminium composite combines the rigidity and flatness needed to cover large surfaces without undulations with the lightness required by a ventilated facade. Aluminium composite panels are easily machined: cut with a saw, milling machine or CNC router, and cold bent to form trays and cladding cassettes.
Composite panel for facades: architectural applications
The composite panel for facades is the most widespread system for ventilated facades on commercial, corporate and institutional buildings. Aluminium facade panels are fixed on an aluminium profile substructure that maintains a ventilated air gap between the enclosure and the cladding, improving thermal insulation and evacuating moisture by convection.
Composite aluminium panels can be lacquered in any RAL colour, including metallic, wood, stone and mirror-effect finishes. Large-format digital printing can also be applied to aluminium facade sheets for advertising facades or artistic murals.
Price of aluminium composite panels: determining factors
The price of an aluminium composite panel depends on the thickness, the type of core (standard PE or FR for fire regulation compliance), the surface finish (lacquered, anodised, PVDF) and the sheet dimensions. The price of aluminium facade panels also includes machining (cutting, V-groove routing, drilling) and, in many cases, the design of the facade module layout and the supporting substructure.
The composite aluminium panel with FR core and PVDF finish offers the greatest durability (warranties of up to 20 years against discolouration) and compliance with the fire reaction class required in buildings over 18 metres in height.
Aluminium facade panel: beyond architecture
In addition to facades, aluminium facade panels are used in large-format signage, advertising totems, column cladding, outdoor furniture and space dividers. Their flat, uniform surface is ideal for vinyl lettering, direct UV printing and mounting of three-dimensional letters.
Alumigraf works with composite aluminium plates for signage and lettering. Contact us for advice on material, finish and pricing.