Aluminium is an important material in the construction industry, and a new breakthrough in the design of composite panels created using it has resulted in safety improvements that will benefit everyone.
Basic Benefits
ACM, or aluminium composite material, has a number of advantages that make it a popular choice amongst architects looking to engage in projects that look modern and perform effectively as well.
It is light, long-lasting and simple to recycle in the long run, which makes it a sustainable option as cladding for buildings. It can also insulate a structure against sound from the street outside as well as keep in the heat more effectively than other solutions.
Since metal bonding adhesive from sites like http://www.ct1ltd.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive/ can be used on panels like this, it is also cheap and quick to install.
Enhanced Safety
Rather than combining a pair of aluminium sheets with a rigid internal material to create the panels, as in the past, manufacturers have now created a fresh type of panel which is more durable and resistant to fire and other hazards.
This is achieved by creating the core of the panels from a latticework of honeycomb-like structures from aluminium itself, with these metal hexagons providing support and strength usually found it in aerospace industry.
The Grenfell Tower tragedy has put cladding in the spotlight over the past year. This makes safety an essential issue and one which will be integral to future design decisions.
Adhesive Augmentation
Fire safety is just one aspect of why ACM panelling is increasingly common, with the ability to use acrylic adhesives to integrate this type of cladding without the need for mechanical fastenings being another key selling point.
Adhesive bonds do not require that the composite material is penetrated in any way, which helps to keep out the elements and prevent wear and tear over time. Furthermore, without screws, bolts and brackets, there is less likelihood of rust being formed and creating unsightly stains on the sides of buildings.
There are many different adhesive options available which are suitable for use with this type of panelling, although some are more appropriate than others as a result of the way the curing process is handled. In most cases the acrylic solutions are superior to polyurethane due to faster curing times.