Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP)
It is rigid and strong enough to withstand Malaysia's hot weather, and it looks good, which makes it suitable for a wide range of uses such as awnings, wall cladding and interiors.
Why ACP
ACP for awnings
An ACP awning is a shade structure made from aluminium composite panel sheets mounted on a supporting frame of metal, aluminium or wood. It is usually installed over car porches, balconies, walkways and shopfronts to give weather protection and shade, while giving the building a clean, modern front. It comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, including metallic, solid colours and wood grain effects, to match the design of the building.
Compared with traditional canvas, polycarbonate or metal sheet awnings, ACP gives a flatter, more rigid surface with sharp edges and few visible fixings, for a sleek, contemporary look.
Specifications
| Application | Awning |
|---|---|
| Colour | Coloured on both sides |
| Thickness | 4mm panel, 0.12mm aluminium skin |
| Colour coating | PE coating |
| Core | Polyethylene (PE) |
| Alloy | A1100 |
| Standard width | 4ft (1220mm) |
| Lengths available | 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 16ft, 18ft, 20ft, 22ft and 24ft |
For custom widths of up to 2100mm and custom lengths, or if you have any questions, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do you keep stock of these ACP panels?
Yes, we keep stock of all the sizes above. Please contact us to check the latest stock availability.
I want an ACP awning, but I am worried it will block too much natural light. What should I do?
ACP blocks out all direct sunlight. If natural daylight is important for your space, we recommend a hybrid design that combines ACP panels with polycarbonate panels, like the awning above.
Can you cut the panels to custom sizes?
Yes. You buy the standard sizes and we cut the length for you. For example, if your awning is 22ft x 9ft 6in, you buy six panels of 4ft x 10ft and we trim each one to 4ft x 9ft 6in. You will need to trim the panel width yourself.
What other fittings or accessories do I need to install ACP?
For a standard awning, you need skylight aluminium bars, gaskets and cappings such as L angles or U channels. If you are not sure which accessories you need, or how many, please speak to us.
Is PE coated ACP durable enough for an outdoor awning in Malaysia?
PE coating is the standard, cost effective choice for awnings and performs well under normal outdoor exposure. For projects that need PVDF coated aluminium on both sides, we can supply it, subject to a minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Can I mix and match the colours on the two sides of the panel?
Not with our standard ready stock ACP: please see the colour chart for the colour combinations available. For projects that need a particular colour combination, we can supply it, subject to MOQ.
Have more questions? Please speak to us.
ACP for wall cladding and buildings
ACP is widely used for wall cladding, and you will see it on commercial buildings, factory fronts and residential condominiums. Building grade ACP has a thicker aluminium skin, which lets installers bend and fabricate the panels to the design. High rise buildings above a certain height need an ACP core that is fire retardant (FR) compliant.
Specifications
| Application | Wall cladding and buildings |
|---|---|
| Colour | Coloured on one side, with a coated back |
| Thickness | 4mm panel, 0.4mm or 0.5mm aluminium skin |
| Colour coating | PVDF coating |
| Core | Polyethylene (PE) or fire retardant (FR) grade |
| Alloy | A3003 |
| Standard width | 1250mm |
| Lengths available | 2440mm or 4660mm |
For custom requirements or more information, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PE coating and PVDF coating?
The coating is the paint layer on the front of the panel. It decides how long the colour lasts and how well it stands up to the weather.
PE (polyester) coating is a standard paint finish. Over time, the colour fades and chalks under long exposure to the weather.
PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) coating, often sold under the names Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000®, is a premium fluorocarbon paint with about 70% PVDF resin. It holds its colour and gloss much longer, and it resists UV, pollution, chemicals and dirt. It is the standard choice for building facades and long term outdoor cladding.
Why does building grade ACP cost more than other grades of the same size?
It uses thicker aluminium, 0.4mm or 0.5mm, so the fabricator can bend the sheet without the aluminium skin cracking along the bend. It uses PVDF coating, which lasts longer than standard PE coating. And its core is fire retardant grade, for safety and to meet regulations. All of these add to the cost of the panel.
Have more questions? Please speak to us.
ACP for signage, cabinets and interiors
ACP is popular well beyond building fronts and awnings. It is flat, rigid and easy to fabricate, which makes it a go-to material for signage, cabinets and interior fit-outs wherever a clean, printable and lightweight surface is needed.
- Signage: ACP is one of the most widely used boards for outdoor and indoor signboards and directional signs. It takes printing and painted lettering well, and it cuts and routs cleanly for channel letters and cut-out logos.
- Cabinets and furniture: because it is rigid, flat and resists scratches and moisture, ACP is used for kitchen cabinet doors and panels, wardrobe doors, office furniture and modular partitions. It gives a modern, seamless finish (including wood grain and metallic finishes that look like natural materials), it does not warp or swell in humid conditions (an advantage over MDF and plywood), and it is easy to clean and maintain.
- Interior design and fit-outs: ACP is used for wall panelling, false ceilings, column cladding, reception counters and decorative partitions in commercial fit-outs. Designers like its flat, joint free look in large sizes, its wide range of colours and finishes to match a brand or theme, its light weight (less load on studs and frames), and the way it can be curved, folded or CNC routed into custom shapes and patterns.
Specifications
| Application | Signage, cabinets and interiors |
|---|---|
| Colour | Coloured on one side or both sides |
| Thickness | 3mm or 4mm |
| Colour coating | PE coating |
| Core | Polyethylene (PE) |
| Standard size | 1220mm x 2440mm |
For custom requirements or more information, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cut the panels to custom sizes?
Yes. You buy the standard sizes and we can cut them to the sizes and quantity you need. Cutting charges apply.
Do you provide printing or sticker lamination?
No, we do not provide these services.
Beyond ACP: where versatility meets imagination
ACP is especially well suited to special designs and custom fabrication, because it behaves more like a workable architectural material than a rigid sheet of metal. It can be cut, folded, curved and shaped with standard fabrication tools, and it still holds a crisp, flat finish once installed. That is why it is a favourite for bespoke signage, architectural features and interior design.
For custom requirements or more information, please contact us.
Project references
Jobs that used our aluminium composite panels.
Frequently asked questions
What is aluminium composite panel (ACP) used for?
ACP is a rigid, flat, lightweight and weather resistant sandwich panel made of two thin aluminium skins bonded to a core that is not aluminium. The core is usually polyethylene (PE), fire retardant (FR) or mineral filled (A2). ACP is commonly used for awnings, building facades and wall cladding, signboards, and cabinet or interior fittings. See each section above for more information. If you are not sure which type of ACP suits your use, please contact us.
Can ACP be used indoors and outdoors?
Yes, ACP is an excellent weatherproof material. Outdoors it is commonly used for building facades and awnings, which have to cope with Malaysia's hot weather. Indoors it is common in furniture such as kitchen cabinets, and for toilet doors, where humidity is high.
What thicknesses and sizes are available?
See each section above for the thicknesses and sizes available. If you need custom sizes (subject to MOQ), please contact us.
What is the difference between aluminium composite panel (ACP) and aluminium composite material (ACM)?
Both names refer to the same product: two thin aluminium skins bonded to a core that is not aluminium. The core is usually polyethylene (PE), fire retardant (FR) or mineral filled (A2). Which name is used mostly depends on the region and the context:
- ACP is the common term in Asia, the Middle East and Australia, and among contractors.
- ACM is used more in North America and the UK, and in technical specifications, fire codes and building regulations.
Need a quotation for aluminium composite panels?
Send us the product, sizes and quantity, and we will reply with pricing and stock.