Even if you are an expert in custom house building or just a client trying to purchase a suitable construction material for a project, your priority is probably the materials quality and the cost. You have apparently gotten disappointed since you haven’t found a material with high quality and a reasonable price. However, there is a solution for every problem; and the solution for your puzzle is aluminum composite material panels (ACM Panel). Being in the market for more than five decades, ACM panels have proven themselves to be one of the best decorative, construction, and siding material in the business. What makes them distinctive from other elements is the ACM panel cost, which can considerably change your idea about the aluminum composite panel price.
Aluminum composite panel was invented in the 1960s. The material was patented to 3A Composites, the company that created the panels. Soon, after the patent was done, more and more companies started to develop ACM panels. As far as quality is concerned, they have shown to be one of the best even though there were some issues. As far as the price is concerned, the ACM panel cost is reasonable and moderate. However, some factors can affect the ACM panel cost. To give you more information, we will talk about those elements; therefore, we try to make your purchase more enjoyable, informative, and perceptive.
The core role in ACM Panel cost:
If you read the previous paragraphs thoroughly, you can see that we mentioned some issues for aluminum composite materials. These materials use different cores for the clients’ purposes. Polythene, mineral-filled, honeycomb, unbroken, and flexible cores are some to mention. Every one of these cores has different properties that can affect the ACM panel cost.
Polythene core:
Polythene core is the most used one in aluminum composite materials. They are not only cost-effective but also durable and rigid. Moreover, they can be bent to some degrees. However, it is advisable to use them for low-rise buildings since they can spread the fire quickly. That’s the reason that polythene cores are usually used for interior decoration and not external cladding. Furthermore, before purchasing these products, you need to ensure that your country permits to use these materials.
Fire retardant core:
Since the polythene cores can cause issues for the client, we advise fire-retardant cores. These cores have different fire degrees, such as B2, B1, A2, and A1. In case of emergencies, fire-retardant bases are not combustible and don’t spread the fire. ACP fire-retardant core is the ideal material for external cladding, interior decoration, signage, aircraft, and transportation.
Other core materials:
Although honeycomb core and mineral-filled cores have a different structure to fire-retardant cores, they can be used interchangeably. However, for each manufacturer and provider, these cores might serve various purposes. Therefore, before acquiring ACM panels from your provider, contact them, and receive more information regarding the core material.
Unbroken and flexible cores can be used for applications that require flexibility and flatness. Advertisement panels, external cladding, siding, and transportation are some examples of flexible cores. Again, you need to reach your provider for more information regarding the core material and its application.
ACM Panel structure:
The ACM panel structure can hugely affect the ACM panel cost. First and foremost, the structure of the panels can vary according to their usage. However, most ACM panels use protective film to maintain the color and keep them durable for the long term.
Apart from the protective film, another layer is used for the paint finish, which has the most significant role in ACM panel cost. The paint finish layers consist of different materials based on the ACM application. The coating could be single-layer polyethylene (PE), double layer PE, polyvinylidene fluoride (PDVF), or nano PDVF. Each of these layers has different usages, and of course, results in a change in the ACM panel cost.
The internal use of aluminum composite panels, such as interior decoration or false ceilings, can use single or double-layer PE. They are affordable, durable, and flexible, making them ideal for the previously mentioned usages. On the other side of the coin, for the external application of aluminum composite materials, the PDVF or Nano PDVF is used since they are resistant to fire and more enduring. It is also recommended to use Nano PDVF for external cladding, considering they barely get dirt or can be cleaned effortlessly.
FEVE coating is the ultimate coating of ACM panels. This type of surface has a strong resistance to UV rays. Furthermore, in some countries that require UV coating because of their weather, FEVE coating is suggested; however, this is not advisable for cold climates.
ACM panel sizes:
Before purchasing an ACM panel, you need to have the measurement of your project. Even if it’s not possible for you to measure the sizes, your provider can easily give you an idea about how much ACM panels you need to complete the project.
The minimum thickness of aluminum composite panels is 1mm, and the thickest one is 4mm. For outdoor usages such as advertisement panels and external cladding, 4mm thickness is recommended. On the other hand, for internal decoration and utilization, the former is required.
The thickness is not the only factor in size that affects the ACM panel cost. Other factors, such as the lengths and width, are also crucial. The standard length of ACM panels varies according to manufacturers and the application. Generally, the standard length is 2440mm, but it cal also be customized according to the client’s needs. The range of aluminum composite panels is not limited; however, the maximum extent is 5000mm for more reliable transportation and delivery.
The width is another factor affecting the ACM panel cost. The standard width of aluminum composite panels is 1220mm, even though some other sizes, such as 1000m, 1250mm, 1500mm, and 2000mm, are also available. Though you might not be able to measure the size of the project, it is advisable to contact your provider for this information.
Color choice:
]One of the well-known properties of aluminum composite panels is their colors and textures. ACM panels are available in various colors and finishes, making them unique in the world of composite materials. Wood, marble, mirror, brushed, and metallic finishes are just some to mention. However, if you choose to have a custom finish, or logo on the panels, it costs you more. Bear in mind that the color and finishes are not an essential factor in ACM panel cost, unlike other previously mentioned ones that were more prominent.
Transportation:
The transportation cost could be the final factor that concerns the ACM panel cost. There is no standard price on the transportation cost, and it could vary from provider to provider. Even some companies might have free-delivery programs. To be sure, contact your supplier and get more information regarding this issue.
The verdict; Is ACM panel cost reasonable?
Aluminum composite panels have made the life of architects, constructors, and custom house builder more simple. The advantages of ACM panels can overtake their price without any considerations. Some of these advantages are flexibility, durability, water-resistant, and being available in a variety of colors and finishes. Although they are considered to be cost-effective, remarkable factors can influence the ACM panel cost.
ACM panel cost is affected by different factors, as we mentioned previously. But, it is the usage and the application that determines the price of the panels. We tried to give you the overall idea of the ACM panel cost; however, you can contact us for more information so that our experts can help you further. Keep in mind that aluminum composite panels are cost-effective, and even the most pricey ones will worth every penny of it.
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