Composite panels as a facade cladding system: What they are and why they are used
Composite panels are one of the fastest-growing facade cladding systems in Europe since they became popular in the 2000s. Their expansion went hand in hand with the development of sheet composite material, a sandwich-type material consisting of three layers: two outer sheets of aluminum or steel and a central core that bonds the two sheets together (for facades, FR or A2).
Thanks to the milling process, this type of composite sheet can be bent at virtually any angle, opening up a wide range of design possibilities for building facades.
What is the difference between a composite tray and a flat panel?
The difference between a standard composite panel and a tray is structural. The tray has concave edges along its entire perimeter, allowing for concealed installation on the subsystem’s hangers without fasteners visible from the outside. The result is a cleaner, more visually uniform facade compared to a system of panels with exposed fasteners.
The trays can be manufactured on-site using hand-held milling tools or in a factory under quality control, resulting in greater precision and consistency in the final product.
Advantages of Composite Panels for Facade Cladding
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Durability: Long service life, which depends primarily on quality installation. No repainting or additional treatments are required during its service life. -
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Quick installation: They are mounted on subsystem hangers without the use of liquid mixtures or wet processes, which significantly speeds up on-site installation. -
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Fire resistance: with an FR core (very limited contribution to fire spread, B-s1,d0), they are suitable for most facades; with an A2 core (non-combustible, A2-s1,d0), for the most demanding applications, depending on the class required by the CTE based on the building’s height. -
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Reduced weight: The use of aluminum minimizes the load on the facade and simplifies transportation and handling, which is particularly important in high-rise buildings. -
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Aesthetic versatility: the finishes allow for the imitation of different surfaces, and through digital printing, it is possible to transfer custom images or patterns directly onto the material.