Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) have become a staple of contemporary architecture — and for good reason. Lightweight, durable, and available in virtually any colour or finish, ACP offers designers enormous creative freedom while keeping installation costs competitive.
What Is ACP?
An ACP consists of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a non-aluminium core. The core material determines the panel's performance characteristics:
- Polyethylene (PE) Core — economical, suitable for interior and low-rise applications.
- Fire-Retardant (FR) Core — mineral-filled core that meets most building codes for mid- and high-rise facades.
- A2 / Mineral Core — non-combustible, required in many markets for buildings above 18 m.
Key Performance Parameters
| Property | PE Core | FR Core | A2 Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Rating | B2 / C | B1 / B | A2 |
| Weight (per m²) | ~5.5 kg | ~6 kg | ~7 kg |
| Max Panel Size | 1500 × 6000 mm | 1500 × 6000 mm | 1500 × 4000 mm |
| Best Use | Interiors, signage | Mid-rise facades | High-rise, public buildings |
Installation Systems
Dry-Fix Cassette System
Panels are folded into cassettes and clipped onto an aluminium sub-frame. This allows individual panels to be replaced without disturbing adjacent elements — a major advantage for maintenance.
Riveted System
A cost-effective approach where panels are fixed directly to the sub-frame with blind rivets. Suitable for flat facades with minimal panel movements.
Honeycomb-Backed Panels
For very large spans or special shapes, a honeycomb core adds rigidity while keeping weight low.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring thermal movement — ACP expands and contracts. Always allow the correct gap at joints.
2. Wrong sealant selection — use only neutral-cure silicone; acetoxy-cure can corrode aluminium.
3. Skipping the weather barrier — the sub-frame cavity must include a proper air and moisture barrier behind the panels.
Why Choose Sunwin?
Sunwin Facade Building Solutions offers ACP supply, fabrication, and installation across Pakistan and the GCC. Our panels are sourced from ISO-certified mills and tested to international fire and weather standards, giving clients confidence from design through to handover.
