Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP) are a type of sandwich panel consisting of two aluminum sheets bonded to a core material made of polyethylene (PE) or fire-retardant core (FR) core.
This results in a lightweight, yet durable material commonly used for indoor and outdoor signage.
The PE core is made of thermoplastic polyethylene, while the FR core is made of a non-combustible mineral-filled core. They also differ in cost and weight, PE core is cheaper and lighter, and it hit the market before the FR core, so it is preferable. However, it has limitations. ACP made with PE core is not ideal for high-rise buildings like ACP made with FR core.
Aluminum composite panels are a flexible material that can be easily shaped into different forms or shapes, which you can’t get with other materials, from billboards to shop signs to large format outdoor signage even those prone to high winds, because of its high weather and UV resistance.
The global market size of aluminum composite panels is expected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from USD 5.6 billion in 2021 and this is as a result of the lightweight and flexible offers.
There are many advantages of Aluminum Composite Panels that make them the go-to signage material choice for many business owners.
Let’s look at 9 reasons why aluminum composite panels are the best signage material on the market today!
Aluminum composite panels are resistant to weather and other environmental factors that can damage other materials. Wood, for instance, can easily be destroyed by moisture or insects such as termites. Metals fade over time and are susceptible to rust and corrosion; glass is brittle and can shatter if exposed to high winds or extreme temperatures.
ACP, however, are corrosion weather and climate resistant because they are generally pre-treated to withstand any weather condition. This is why they have a longer lifespan than wood, metal, glass, and other materials. ACP can last well over ten years after installation both indoors and outdoors.
Aluminum composite panels are well-known for their affordability compared to other materials because less material is used in producing each panel (e.g., two aluminum sheets and a polyethylene or fire-resistant core).
Moreover, ACP is highly durable and require minimal maintenance as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. ACP won’t fade, degrade, or be eaten by termites, which means there’s no need for constant repainting or replacement. Once installed, you can go for years without incurring any additional costs. All you need to do is to wash and clean them regularly!
Aluminum composite panels weigh less than other materials, making them versatile and easily folded into different shapes. The lightweight design also reduces installation costs.
ACP cost less to transport and take little time because they are made of PE or FR core sandwiched between two thin aluminum sheets. The installation process is also simple and can be done in various ways; you can choose the most popular method, welding, or go for other options, such as gluing or user profiles, rivets, or screws.
Another reason aluminum composite panels are the best signage material in the market today is that they can be customized to suit any application. They can be made in different colors and finishes, such as wood, metal, steel, etc.
There are many advantages of using ACP over using other signage materials. All you need to do is to tell your supplier the color you want, and there you have it. This is our specialty at Canada Plastic and Belting, Inc.—we will assist you in getting ACP of your desired colors and sizes.
ACP has low maintenance requirements compared to other signage materials. Let’s quickly examine them.
People often consider the cost of materials before buying them and pay little attention to the cost of maintenance in the long run. As seen above, other signage materials are very demanding to maintain. Glass is not only expensive but also brittle, less impact resistant, and requires regular cleaning to get rid of the dust particles it gathers. Wood also changes with respect to the change in humidity. It absorbs moisture and expands when the air is humid and shrinks when the air is dry.
Aluminum composite panels are very easy to clean, which saves you time and money. To clean aluminum composite panels, you only need a damp, soft cloth, no squeegee or hard brush, and 20-30 degrees Celsius water with a neutral detergent or minimal soap because ordinary water cannot clean ACP.
Also, note that the location and the amount of contamination will determine the frequency and method of cleaning.
As explained at the beginning of this article, ACP core comes in two forms: polyethylene and fire rated. The FR core is composed of about 70% inorganic materials, and the remaining 30% is made of polymer.
ACP can be designed with fire-resistant cores, such as mineral-filled cores, to improve their fire resistance. The highest available grade of the fire-retardant aluminum composite panel is A2; it is made with more than 90% inorganic mineral content, and its fireproof properties are like that of metals.
Aluminum composite panels can be considered sustainable signage material for several reasons. Firstly, aluminum is highly recyclable, and ACPs are often made with recycled aluminum.
Additionally, the panels are lightweight, reducing transportation’s carbon footprint during installation. The ACP panel can also prevent heat from escaping and wasting energy, reducing energy consumption.
It is a well-known fact that attractive signs that are visually appealing, creative, and well-designed can capture customers’ attention and communicate messages effectively. Aluminum composite panels have high reflectivity, making texts or logos more visible and bold, especially in low-light conditions.
ACP gives room for creativity as they can also be customized to different colors and shapes, allowing for creative and eye-catching designs that enhance branding and improve visibility to suit the branding needs of your business
If you are ready to up your branding game, aluminum composite panels are the way to go. ACP signage is highly reflective, helps you get your customers’ attention with eye-catching and memorable signage, makes you stand out among your competitors, and lets customers notice your business miles away.
Besides these amazing benefits, ACP is also cost-effective compared to other signage materials. They are fabrication friendly, can be cut or folded to different sizes and shapes, and can replicate different finishes.
Canada Plastics & Belting, Inc. is your go-to shop for aluminum composite material for both interior and exterior signage and other ACP applications such as cladding, beam wraps, roof edges, wall partitions, false ceilings, machine coverings, container constructions, etc. Contact us today or call us at (416) 291-3036 for a free quote.
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