Aluminum Plate or ACM: Which is Better for My Project?

Choosing the right material for your construction project can be a daunting task. It involves understanding the distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks of each available option. At Johns Architectural Metal Solutions, we deliver a range of products to help our clients achieve their unique vision. Both aluminum plates and aluminum composite materials (ACM) offer certain advantages that may be best suited to your project. Our team is here to help you learn more about our products so you can make an informed decision based on your project requirements. Contact our team for more information.

Aluminum Plates

Aluminum plates are solid pieces of non-laminated aluminum products available in standard-width sizes. Their application spans heavy-duty projects such as transportation, aerospace, and military product manufacturing. In construction, aluminum plates can be used to stabilize structures thanks to their rigid characteristics at super-cold temperatures. Furthermore, aluminum plates prove to be a practical choice for buildings requiring facades and cladding systems due to their lightweight properties, which results in ease of installation and lower labor costs.

Aluminum Composites

In contrast, aluminum composite panels are laminated products made from two thin sheets of aluminum that are bonded to a non-aluminum core. These panels come in an array of colors and finishes, offering more significant quantities of fabrications and design ideas for building claddings. Architects can utilize them in both exterior and interior applications, creating a sleek and modern appearance for demanding projects. In addition to their lightweight and high-impact strength, they possess corrosion resistance and sound insulation characteristics.

The Primary Differences

With the basics in place, let us now highlight the primary differences between these two products.

Standards and Regulations

While construction and building regulations change over time, it is crucial to consider the non-combustibility of aluminum plates when choosing the ideal material for the cladding system. However, efforts are being made to improve ACM panels’ fireproof characteristics, and they have managed to pass some regulatory tests.

Finishes and Colors

Although both ACM panels and aluminum plates can receive most of the finishes and colors available in the market, ACM panels dominate when it comes to efficient and quality finishes. They offer limitless finishes, including high-gloss, stainless steel, wooden, and various colors.

Fabrication Procedures

The fabrication procedures for traditional aluminum plates involve bending, cutting, and welding, which are considerably difficult for aluminum composites. However, modern machines allow experts to execute these methods with a higher pace and better accuracy.

Installation

When it comes to ease of installation, ACP materials dominate due to their lightweight characteristics. However, solid plate claddings are not excessively heavier than composite materials, making them an efficient choice for projects requiring hand-installing systems.

Call Us Today for Superior Metal Panel Solutions

Choosing between aluminum plates and ACM panels can be challenging, given the unique benefits of both. It all boils down to the specific requirements of your project. At Johns Architectural Metal Solutions, we are committed to helping you make the right choice. Contact our team today to discuss your ideas with us so that we can guide you in determining which material would best suit your project.