Aluminum composite sheets have recently begun to enjoy widespread attention from architects and builders alike. The panels are durable, long-lasting, and can be bent or folded into nearly any design. They are also available in a wide range of colours and textures and thus can be used to protect as well as beautify different surfaces. Naturally, the surge in demand has seen a rush to supply, and subpar products have flooded the market. This has posed a serious problem for builders and architects; a panel of inferior quality cannot live up to its requirements, causing structural damage, creating an eyesore, and incurring undue expenses.
So how can you guarantee the quality of the ACP sheets you purchase? Fortunately, with a little bit of work pre-and-post purchase, you’ll eliminate the risk of buying bad ACPs.
CHECK FOR PRE-SALES HELP
An authentic manufacturer will be willing to go an extra step to help out potential clients. For instance, AluDecor provides services for architects and fabricators such as BIM and Design Assist that create virtual designs prior to the actualization of a project. Such tools help in understanding exactly what kind of aluminium composite panels will be best suited for the construction. With BIM and Design Assist, you will also receive assistance with installation and shop-drawing.
CHECK FOR THE TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
This is the Holy Grail of ACP manufacturers. The Technical Data Sheet contains all information regarding the entire range of products. Each ACP is tested against the parameters laid out in this sheet, and will help you decide on the type and thickness of ACP sheets your project requires.
CHECK FOR TEST REPORTS & FACTORY PRODUCTION-CONTROLLED CERTIFICATIONS
An ACP is launched in the market only after undergoing extensive testing carried out against the parameters laid out in the Technical Data Sheet. Ask for the test reports; they should match the information provided in the TDS.
TEST FOR FIRE SAFETY
FR cores, also known as mineral cores, have high levels of inorganic content (Magnesium DiHydrate and Aluminium TriHydrate) mixed with LDPE. The presence of these minerals shows down the propagation of fire. Always check the aluminium composite panel in accordance to the fire-rating required by the building. Some buildings are more prone to catching fire, and the ACP you choose will take that into consideration. For instance, AluDecor’s FireWall ACPs have a fire rating of Class B and Class A2 in accordance to EN13501-1. For both, either the ACPs will self-extinguish or will not catch flame at all, and smoke production is negligible to none, keeping visibility unimpaired, and there are no visible molten droplets.
CHECK FOR TOLERANCE
Check the ACPs against the Technical Data Sheet for panel thickness, length, width, bow, squareness, and core and sheet thickness. There is a minimal accepted tolerance for each outlined in the TDS, and the measurements should match.
PERFORM THE BASIC MECHANICAL TESTINGS
Upon receipt of the product, perform all the required basic tests. Go through the Technical Data Sheet for the parameters and check for weight, elongation, paint thickness, adhesion, and peel strength. Tally against the technical data sheet to ensure that all measurements match with the physical product. For instance, if you’ve purchased the FR ACP for exterior application, the weight should match with the TDS specs and you can go for ISO 1716 testing for heat release.
CHECK FOR POST-PURCHASE SERVICES
This is extremely important, and speaks volumes of the manufacturer. A reliable manufacturer truly cares for its clients, and they would be ready to assist you with whatever query you have even after you have completed the purchase.
There are a lot of manufacturers in the market of aluminium composite panels, and this has made it quite difficult to pick a reliable brand. Contact the manufacturer you have in mind directly. Ask the relevant questions and judge their responses based on how much your queries are resolved.
