Composite Panel Guide
What Is an Aluminum Composite Panel?
Composite panel is a sheet consisting of two lacquered aluminum sheets bonded to a mineral, fire-retardant, or polyethylene core. Lightweight, flat, and easy to machine, it is the material of choice for ventilated facades, signs, and cladding.
We’ll explain what it looks like on the inside, the different types of cores, their advantages, and what they’re used for.
- Sheets
- 2 × 0.5 mm aluminum sheets
- Cores
- A2 · FR · PE
- Weight (4 mm)
- 7.3–9.3 kg/m²
- Finishes
- Over 100 and custom RAL colors
Definition
What Is a Composite Panel?
Aluminum composite panel (also known as aluminum composite, ACM panel, or, by a well-known brand name, “Alucobond”) is a sheet consisting of two thin sheets of lacquered aluminum bonded to a core. The result is a flat, rigid, and very lightweight material that can be cut, milled, folded, and curved to clad facades, make signs, or finish interiors.
What defines each panel is its core: its weight, rigidity, and, above all, its fire performance depend on it. That is why there are three types: A2, FR, and PE.
- Protective filmis removed during installation
- 70/30 PVDF Coatingcolor and UV protection
- Aluminum 50050.5 mm
- Core A2, FR, or PEgives the panel its name
- Aluminum 3005/31050.5 mm
- Protective primerback cover
Types of cores
A2, FR, and PE composite panel
| A2 | FR | PE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Mineral | Mineral-filled thermoplastic | Polyethylene |
| Reaction to fire | A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible) | B-s1,d0 (fire-retardant) | No classification for facades |
| Weight at 4 mm | 9.3 kg/m² | 7.3 kg/m² | The lightest |
| Use | High-rise buildings and public buildings | Cavity walls, renovations, columns, canopies | Signs, booths, and interiors |
For facades, the Technical Code requires a minimum fire reaction class based on the building’s height and use. Class FR covers most ventilated facades, and Class A2 covers the most demanding ones. Class PE must not be used on facades. See differences between building cores.
Properties
Advantages of Composite Panels
Very light
7.3 kg/m² for the 4-mm FR. It places little load on the structure and is installed using an aluminum substructure.
Flat and rigid
Bending stiffness of 2,400–2,610 kN·cm²/m: flat surfaces even on large parts.
Easy to work with
It is cut, milled, and folded into trays; it is curved using rollers and can be perforated or engraved.
Weather-resistant
70/30 PVDF coating, which offers the highest resistance to UV rays and aging. Operating temperature range: −50 to +80 °C.
More than 100 finishes
Plain, metallic, wood, stone, Corten steel, mirror… and any RAL, Pantone, or NCS color upon request.
Low maintenance
Clean with water and mild soap. The aluminum and core are recyclable.
Uses
What is composite panel used for?
- Ventilated facades in new construction and renovation projects.
- Corporate branding: car dealerships, gas stations, supermarkets, banks.
- Signs and signage.
- Canopies and overhangs, parapets, slab edges, and balconies.
- Lined with columns, including curved ones.
- Wall coverings for commercial spaces, stores, and offices.
More examples of composite panel applications.
How We Work
From the panel to the facade
- Select the core, thickness, and color based on the building and applicable regulations.
- Breakdown: The facade is divided into panels or sections using standard-size sheets (typically 1,500 × 5,000 mm).
- Shop machining: CNC cutting, milling of fold lines, and tray folding. See machining.
- Installation: aluminum substructure and mounting via suspension, tongue-and-groove joints, riveting, or gluing. See installation systems.
- Remove the film no later than one month after installation.
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Composite Panels
What is aluminum composite panel?
A panel consisting of two 0.5-mm-thick sheets of lacquered aluminum bonded to a mineral (A2), fire-retardant (FR), or polyethylene (PE) core. It is lightweight, rigid, and easy to machine.
Are composite panels and Alucobond the same thing?
Alucobond is a registered trademark for aluminum composite panels. That is why many people refer to any composite panel as “Alucobond.” The material we supply is an equivalent aluminum composite panel, available in A2 and FR cores for exterior facades. More details on Alucobond: What It Is and Alternatives.
How much does the composite panel weigh?
At 4 mm, the FR weighs 7.3 kg/m² and the A2 weighs 9.3 kg/m². The FR ranges from 5.8 kg/m² (3 mm) to 10.4 kg/m² (6 mm).
Is the composite panel flammable?
It depends on the core. The A2 core is non-combustible (A2-s1,d0), and the FR core has very limited combustibility (B-s1,d0). The polyethylene (PE) core does burn and should not be used on facades.
How much does the composite panel cost?
As a general guide, between 40 and 60 €/m² depending on the core, thickness, finish, and quantity. See the price of the composite panel.
Do you have a project involving composite panels?
We'll advise you on the core, color, and mounting system, and ship it to you fully machined.