Metal Composite Panels, especially Aluminium Composite Panels, are gradually becoming one of the top choices for architects, space designers, and facade consultants. Of the many reasons, sustainability is a crux point. As Aludecor’s ACP sheets continue to be the first choice for any form of urban construction, there’s one pertinent concern among the designers and end users. It is the price.

Undoubtedly, ACP sheet prices differ from any other available façade materials – glass, wood, etc. As much as aesthetics is an important concern, it would be difficult to justify the cost of the application if it is just about the look. So, in this blog, we will look into the varied layers of factors that affect the ACP sheet price.

Factors that matter in ACP sheet pricing

Pricing depends on LME prices:

The rising cost of raw materials directly affects the ACP sheet price; in fact, not just ACP sheets but all metal composite panels such as Zinc Composite Panels(ZCP) and Copper Composite Panels(CCP). The primary raw material used in ACPs is an aluminium coil. It is most commonly used in signage and facade industries. Given the rise in the demand for ACP sheets for both commercial and residential projects, the prices of these sheets have also seen a wave in their pricing. The fluctuation of metal prices makes the raw materials less accessible, affecting the demand-supply chain.

Did you know? The thickness of Aluminium, Zinc or Copper used in making the ACP sheets decides the weight of the final product and LME prices are dependent on weight.

Additionally, on the account of the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been a fallout in the prices of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Aluminium is one metal that experienced a record-high price hike after the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

The prices are on the higher side year to date because about 6% of the world’s aluminium is produced in Russia. Source: Reuters

Lastly, the recession, stagnating economic conditions due to COVID and disruptions in the world supply chain due to intermittent lockdowns are the other significant causes that matter in deciding the cost of ACP sheets.

Conversion of a sheet to metal:

Aludecor uses the metal procured by Hindalco. But before it reaches the industry, there’s an elaborate process – from extraction, cleaning, crushing, filtering, cooling, and finally converting them into sheets takes a lot of time and resources. Depending on the cost of this entire process, there can be varying prices.

Read also: How Weather Conditions Affect The Selection of ACP Sheets

Mechanical properties of alloy:

The chemical composition and the temper chosen for the aluminium alloys decide the cost of the ACP sheets. The properties of the alloys are in accordance with EN 485-2 and simply said, the prices of AA1100 < AA3105 < AA5005 (< refers to less than).
The following table explains the difference in pricing better –

Quality of Paint:

Aludecor’s ACP sheets are painted in three different types: PVDF, SDP, and FEVE. As a general rule, the cost of paint ranges as FEVE> PVDF > SDP > Polyester (where > refers to greater than). These three, i.e. PVDF, SDP, and FEVE, are the different binders that contribute to the durability, gloss, toughness, and flexibility. Fluoropolymers such as PVDF and FEVE are ideal for exterior applications. Polyesters with high UV resistance, such as SDP, are also a good choice for external applications. PVDF or Polyvinylidene fluoride has unique properties such as exceptional resistance to weathering, resistance to UV, resistance to strong chemical and high thermal conditions, brilliant mechanical properties including toughness, impressive fungus and moisture resistance, high electrical resistivity, dirt resistance because of its low coefficient of friction and low refractive index.

PVDF: Acrylic ratio decides the weatherability quotient of any paint. Aludecor uses Kynar 500/ Heyner 5000 PVDF resin in a 70:30 PVDF / Acrylic resin ratio. This makes them resistant to all the above-mentioned factors.

Read also: PVDF Paints with 70:30 Ratio Ensures High Weatherability

Both PVDF and FEVE-based powders retain the colour and gloss exceptionally well. They can even keep up with the weathering performance requirements of AAMA 2605. Super Durable Polyester SDP is formulated in a way that it can exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2604-05. It helps to maintain both functional and cosmetic properties. These paints come with a warranty of more than 10 years.

These properties have a direct contribution to the cost of the ACP sheets. The warranty length is directly proportional to the price of ACP sheets.

Additional factors that can raise the cost of paint –

• For Aludecor, if you are going for special series or unique paint colours, the cost will vary from the existing range of colours.
• A vital factor impacting the ACP sheets’ pricing is the global rate of crude oil. Most of the items needed for paint production are petroleum-based; therefore, rising crude oil prices increase the manufacturing cost, directly affecting the final rate.
• The manufacturers of the paint resins also influence the ACP sheet price. For instance, Berger, PPG, Nippon, and AkzoNobel are costlier than Chinese resins.

Mineral Core or FR Core:

One of the salient features of Aludecor’s ACP sheet is its fire retardant feature. Aludecor uses Magnesium hydroxide (MDH) as a fire retardant property for producing FR Core. This means when heated to decomposition, an endothermic reaction releases to water of hydration that quenches the polymer and dilutes the smoke. It absorbs the heat and thus gives higher thermal stability and greater heat removal capacity. As a result, it is considered one of the most effective flame retardants. Understandably, this special core comes at a price as its production process differs from the other regular ACPs. This makes it a deciding factor for the product price.

What makes the price worth it?

Aludecor’s ACP sheet comes with the following advantages

1. Excellent flatness
2. Consistent and brilliant finish
3. Highest gloss retention
4. Coated with lead-free paints
5. Best flexibility with little crack risks
6. A pioneering initiative in double coat double baked line
7. Fire Retardant – ESL certified
8. Can withstand extreme Indian weather conditions
9. Sustainable and eco-friendly
10. Fast installation procedure
11. Low maintenance cost

You can find out more about the ACP sheet price with fitting by sending an enquiry. The experts can assist you with your concerns at 1800 102 0407 (toll-free).