Processing Techniques Of Aluminium Composite Panels And Uses

Sandwich panels are used in applications that require high structural rigidity and low weight. It consists of two sheets with a core that are sandwiched together. A soft but thick layer of the core is used along with the strong but thin face sheets.

One type of sandwich panel is the Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP). It consists of two 0.5 mm thick aluminium sheets with 3mm of polyethylene core. The total thickness of the panel is 4mm. The outer side of the aluminium sheet is coated with PVDF.

Uses

ACPs are mainly used for facades and external cladding of buildings such as commercial complexes and corporate buildings, signages and insulation. ACPs can be installed in any building to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the elevation of a building.

ACP is lightweight, easy to maintain and does not increase the dead load of buildings. At the same time increase the beauty of facades. It can be used in the exterior and the interior of buildings. It is very economical therefore its installation does not depend on the scale of the building.

In the winter season, the aluminium ventilated cladding systems can be used to protect the outer side of the building from rain which can deteriorate its heat-saving property. As the system is ventilated it has an air gap which serves as a retainer of warmth. This prevents the loss of energy.

During the summer season, the aluminium ventilated cladding systems partially reflect the solar radiation and ensure natural ventilation. This prevents overheating of the buildings.

Processing techniques used

The following processing techniques can be used with ACP:

Cutting and sawing

The ACP can be easily cut using a saw with a carbide tip. Guillotine shears can also be used but it can cause a tilt at the point of shear.

Jointing

If the thickness of the polyethylene core is 0.3 mm then it can be folded easily, ACP with a higher thickness are difficult to fold. If the thickness of the polyethylene core is 0.1 mm or thinner then the panel will crack at the first impact.

The tip should be chosen first according to the folding type of jointing gaps which are opened by using machinery.

Bending

ACP can be easily shaped and bent using single-roll press machinery. First, the bending angle should be determined and then a mould of a specific radius is used. The two ends of the shaping mould should be rounded and not sharp. Soft buffing material can be used to avoid crushing. The ideal mould width is determined using a formula.

Wind load calculator

You need to calculate the wind load using the formula. This will help to know how much load the ACP can withstand.