An aluminium composite panel (ACP) consists of two thin aluminium skins bonded to a core.
The core, aluminium skin thickness, surface coating and overall panel construction influence its performance. ACP panels are used for architectural finishes, signage and other applications where a flat, lightweight panel is required.
Temporary protection during handling and fabrication; follow the product instructions for removal.
The visible finish and coating system are selected for the intended exposure and appearance.
A metal facing bonded to the core. Skin thickness is specified separately from total panel thickness.
The layers are bonded together. Core formulations differ between standard and fire-rated products.
The rear facing completes the panel build-up; its finish depends on the product specification.
Do not treat coating names as fire classifications. In particular, PE may refer to a polyester coating or to a polyethylene core; specify which you mean.
| Specification | What it describes | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) core | A polymer core used in some ACP products. | Do not assume fire-rated performance; check the relevant product evidence and intended use. |
| Mineral-filled core | A core formulation used in certain fire-rated ACP products. | Confirm the complete panel, test standard and reported classification. |
| Polyester (PE) or PVDF coating | The coating on the aluminium surface. | Confirm intended exposure, finish and the applicable coating specification. |
| Decorative or functional finish | A wood, stone, metallic or other specified surface finish. | Check compatibility with the required core, panel construction and application. |
A2 and B1 labels must be read with the applicable standard and product report. A core-only test is not automatically a classification for the finished panel or installed wall system.
Explore Fire-Rated Panel Options →| Parameter | Meaning | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|
| Overall panel thickness | Total thickness of the composite panel. | Do not use this value alone to judge strength, suitability or fire performance. |
| Aluminium skin thickness | Thickness of each aluminium facing. | Confirm separately from total panel thickness. |
| Sheet dimensions | Width and length of the supplied sheet. | 1220 × 2440 mm is a common nominal format; confirm available sizes for your selected product. |
| Core and coating | Separate choices within the panel build-up. | Specify the application, exposure and required supporting documents. |
| Finish and fabrication | Colour, appearance and any cutting or machining. | Confirm references, drawings and tolerances before production. |
Available dimensions and thicknesses vary by product. Obtain the current specification for the panel being quoted rather than treating this guide as a universal supply schedule.
Facade and ceiling applications require the appropriate panel specification and system design.
View Application →Review surface finish, graphic method, flatness and machining requirements.
View Application →Anti-static applications require defined resistance criteria, test conditions and panel construction.
View Application →Your specification checklist
Use these five points to organise the requirements for your panel enquiry.
Compare ALCADEX Product SeriesDefine the intended use and indoor or outdoor exposure.
State the required fire standard and supporting documentation.
Confirm overall thickness, aluminium skins, core and coating.
Choose the finish and provide dimensions or processing drawings.
Specify quantities, packing requirements and destination.
ACP stands for aluminium composite panel. Both aluminium and aluminum spellings refer to the same metal.
ACP names the finished panel; ACM stands for aluminium composite material. The terms are often used for the same panel category, but compare actual product specifications rather than names alone.
ACP has aluminium skins bonded to a non-aluminium core. Solid aluminium sheet is metal throughout. Equal overall thickness does not mean equal weight, stiffness or fabrication behaviour.
No. Core formulations and tested performance vary. Ask for the report and classification that correspond to the selected panel, and confirm suitability for the intended use.
No. Overall thickness is only one factor. Aluminium skin thickness, core, bonding, panel dimensions and support arrangements also matter.
Suitable products can be cut, routed, grooved or drilled according to approved fabrication requirements. Confirm tooling, dimensions and tolerances for the chosen panel.
Follow the coating supplier’s or panel manufacturer’s care instructions. Check cleaner compatibility and avoid damaging the finish with unsuitable abrasives or chemicals.
Recovery depends on the panel composition and available separation and recycling facilities. Confirm local acceptance rather than assuming every composite panel can enter ordinary metal recycling.
Talk to the ALCADEX team
Send your panel specifications, quantity and destination. Include drawings if factory processing is required.