ACM vs. Aluminum Plate Panels: How to Choose
Aluminum composite material (ACM) and solid aluminum plate are the two most common metal panel materials. Sure-Panel® fabricates both, in rainscreen and wet seal systems, so here's a straight comparison.
What they are
ACM: two thin aluminum skins fusion-bonded to a polyethylene (PE) or fire-retardant (FR) core. Sure-Panel ACM: 3, 4 or 6 mm, up to 59" × 193", flat or radius.
Aluminum plate: solid aluminum sheet, .063" to .250" (stainless steel 18–11 gauge). Up to 59" × 193". Can be perforated.
Comparison
Construction: ACM: Composite (skins + core); Aluminum plate: Solid metal
Weight: ACM: Lighter for its stiffness; Aluminum plate: Heavier per square foot at equal stiffness
Flatness at large sizes: ACM: Excellent; Aluminum plate: Good; thicker plate for larger panels
Impact / contact damage: ACM: Good; Aluminum plate: Better: resists dents in high-traffic areas
Perforation: ACM: Not typical; Aluminum plate: Yes
Curves: ACM: Radius panels; Aluminum plate: Radius and formed shapes
Fire: ACM: PE or FR core; see manufacturer's fire data; Aluminum plate: Solid aluminum
Approximate weights from our column cover spec: 4 mm FR ACM 1.56 lb/sf, 6 mm FR ACM 2.23 lb/sf; .080" aluminum 1.14 lb/sf, .125" aluminum 1.78 lb/sf.
When to choose ACM
Large, flat field areas, curved fascias, dealership and hotel facades, and projects where weight matters. See ACM dry joint rainscreen.
When to choose plate
Ground floors, entries, schools, fire stations, loading areas, perforated screens. See plate rainscreen.
Use both
Rapid City Fire Station #1 pairs about 5,750 sq ft of .080" aluminum plate rainscreen with about 920 sq ft of red ACM accents.
Lead time
Both are fabricated in Burnsville, Minnesota, in as little as 3–4 weeks (6–8 with drafting), shipped nationwide.
