Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) is a widely-used term, describing flat panels that consist of a non-aluminium core bonded between two aluminium sheets. Aluminium sheets can be coated with PVDF or Polyester paint. ACPs are frequently used for external cladding of buildings (building facades).
The main advantage of ACP is that it is very rigid and strong despite its light weight. Due to the ability of painting the aluminium in any kind of colour, ACPs are produced in a wide range of metallic and non-metallic colours as well as patterns that imitate other materials, such as wood or marble.
Applications of ACPs are not limited to external building cladding, but can also be used in any form of cladding such as partitions, false ceilings etc. Aluminium Composite Panels are also widely used within the signage industry as an alternative to heavier, more expensive substrates.
The more usual industry term is ‘ACM’ for aluminum composite material. Because similar panels are made with stainless steel, copper, and titanium facings, a more generic term is MCM [metal composite material]. Of primary concern is the fact that only one manufacturer of such panels actually makes the system components for mounting cladding panels on a building. Most MCM manufacturers simply make the panels and do not warrant the performance of the cladding assemblies, which are the responsibility of fabricators that may or may not have done appropriate testing and have engineering staff needed for successful performance of the cladding system.