Many people search for “Alucobond” when what they really mean is aluminum composite panel. It’s similar to “fibre cement” or “pladur”: a well-known brand name ends up becoming the generic term for an entire type of material. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what it is, what it looks like on the inside, what sizes and colors it comes in, and what equivalent alternatives are available for your facade or sign.
What is Alucobond?
Alucobond is a registered trademark for aluminum composite panels (ACM, or aluminum composite material). It consists of two thin sheets of lacquered aluminum bonded to a core, resulting in a flat, rigid, and very lightweight material used for cladding facades, making signs, or lining interiors.
There are several manufacturers of composite panels offering equivalent products. Therefore, when someone requests “Alucobond” for a facade, what they actually need is a composite panel with the core, thickness, and finish appropriate for their project. We do not sell the Alucobond brand; we supply equivalent aluminum composite panels —with A2 and FR cores for facades and PE cores for signs and interiors—cut and machined to size.
What is it made of?
All aluminum composite panels have the same structure:
- Two 0.5 mm aluminum sheets (on the facade), with 5005 alloy on the visible side and 3005/3105 on the back.
- A core that can be mineral-based (A2, non-combustible), mineral-filled thermoplastic (FR, flame-retardant), or polyethylene (PE).
- A lacquer finish on the visible side, typically PVDF 70/30 for exterior use, and a protective primer on the back.
- A protective film that is removed after installation.
More details on what a composite panel is.
Dimensions and Thicknesses
The dimensions are similar across all manufacturers. For reference, the composite panel we supply:
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard thickness for facades | 4 mm (0.5 mm sheets) |
| FR Thicknesses | 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm |
| Standard plate | 1,500 × 5,000 mm |
| Available upon request | Widths from 800 to 2,000 mm and lengths from 2,000 to 6,000 mm |
| Weight at 4 mm | 7.3 kg/m² (FR) · 9.3 kg/m² (A2) |
All the data in the composite panel technical data sheet.
Colors and finishes
Just like well-known brands, composite panels are available in a wide variety of finishes: smooth, metallic, anodized, wood-grain, stone-grain, and concrete-grain, brushed, Corten, mirror-finish, and iridescent, as well as any RAL, Pantone, or NCS color upon request. Check out our composite panel color chart and request a physical sample before making your decision.
Alucobond A2, FR, and PE: Which core do I need?
The key isn’t the brand, but the core, because it determines the reaction to fire:
- A2 composite panel (A2-s1,d0): non-combustible, for high-rise buildings and public buildings.
- FR composite panel (B-s1,d0): the most commonly used in ventilated facades and building renovations.
- PE composite panel: for signs and interior use only; not suitable for building facades.
Price of Alucobond and composite panels
The price depends on the core, thickness, finish, and quantity, plus machining, shipping, or installation. As a general guide, the composite panels we supply range from 40 to 60 €/m². See the composite panel pricing page for more details.
How to Assemble It
On the facade, it is installed as a ventilated facade on an aluminum substructure, using one of four possible systems: suspended tray, tongue-and-groove, riveted, or glued. We explain this in the section on composite panel installation systems.
Frequently asked questions
Are Alucobond and composite panels the same thing?
Alucobond is a brand of aluminum composite panels. Other manufacturers produce panels with the same structure, cores, and performance characteristics, so they can be used as alternatives as long as they meet the fire rating required by the project.
How do you say “alucobond” in English?
The material is called an aluminum composite panel (ACP) or aluminum composite material (ACM).
Where can I buy composite panels?
We supply it cut and machined to your specifications, assemble it in Catalonia, and ship it throughout Spain and worldwide. Request a quote with your measurements.
Alucobond® is a registered trademark of its owner. This article is for informational purposes only; we have no affiliation with that brand.