EN 
FR 
DE 
RU 
ES 
AR 
JA 
KO 
Aluminum is widely utilized in the fabrication of curtain walls, interior and exterior finishes, and advertisement works due to its lightness, appearance, and durability. The most general sheet materials constructed from aluminum are aluminum composite panels and aluminum veneer. Most project purchasers are confused when purchasing: What’s the difference between aluminum composite panels and aluminum veneer? Which is suitable for my project? As a professional aluminum composite panels supplier, Shinkwang will provide an in-depth examination of the differences between the two on the grounds of structure, performance, cost, and application.
Structural Comparison of Aluminum Composite Panels and Aluminum Veneer
To understand the differences between the two panels, we must first understand their “internal construction.” This structure determines the material’s weight, rigidity, processing methods, and even cost.
Aluminum composite panels (ACP)
Consists of two aluminum sheets sandwiching a non-aluminum core material (such as LDPE or fire-resistant FR). Typical thicknesses range from 3–6 mm, while aluminum sheets typically range from 0.21–0.5 mm. The surface coating can be PVDF, PE, or Nano materials, while the backside has an anti-corrosion coating.
Aluminum Veneer
Made from a single layer of aluminum sheet, typically with a thickness between 2.0 and 4.0 mm. The surface is often treated with spray coating or fluorocarbon coating. The sheet is solid metal without a sandwich structure.
Performance Comparison between Aluminum Composite Panels and Aluminum Veneer
Different structures directly impact performance. For project customers, weather resistance, fire resistance, weight, and workability are key factors influencing purchasing decisions.
| Project | Aluminum Composite Panel | Aluminum Veneer |
| Weight | Light (approximately 60% of the weight of aluminum veneer for the same area) | Heavier |
| Strength and Rigidity | Enhanced rigidity through a composite structure, offering strong impact resistance. | Single-layer metal panels offer high overall strength but are susceptible to deformation. |
| Weather Resistance | PVDF coating maintains colorfastness for 15–20 years. | Fluorocarbon spray coating offers excellent weather resistance, lasting over 20 years. |
| Machinability | Easy to cut, bend, and punch, suitable for complex shapes. | Difficult to form, suitable for simple flat or curved surfaces. |
| Fire Resistance | FR core material can reach B1/A2 rating. | Metal is non-combustible and offers excellent fire resistance. |
| Sound and Thermal Insulation | The core material offers some sound and thermal insulation properties. | Metal conducts heat quickly and offers no sound and thermal insulation benefits. |
Price Comparison of Aluminum Composite Panels and Aluminum Veneer
For engineering projects, budget is a key factor in material selection. Different manufacturing processes and material costs contribute to significant price differences between ACP and aluminum veneer.
Aluminum composite panels: Low cost and high performance-price ratio, suitable for large-scale curtain walls, advertising, and interior and exterior decoration projects.
Aluminum veneer: Expensive, especially when the thickness and coating requirements are high; the cost increases significantly. It is mostly used in high-end projects or for special features.
Applications of Aluminum Composite Panels and Aluminum Veneer
Material selection depends on the actual application. Different performance and price points give ACP and aluminum veneer their respective advantages in different applications.
Common Applications of Aluminum Composite Panels
- Large Commercial Curtain Walls
- Subway, Airport, and Gas Station Facades
- Interior Partitions and Decorative Panels
- Outdoor Billboards and Signs
Common Applications of Aluminum Veneer
- High-end Office Curtain Walls
- Specially Designed Facades
- Exterior Buildings with Extremely High Weather Resistance Requirements
- Eaves and Ceilings of Large Public Buildings
Shingkwang Practical Purchasing Recommendations
Faced with the advantages and disadvantages of both materials, how can you quickly make the right choice? Here are some practical tips to help you strike a balance between cost and performance.
- If the project has a limited budget, a large area, or a complex design, custom aluminum composite panels are the preferred choice for their cost-effectiveness and flexible processing.
- For high-end projects, localized design, or extreme environments such as coastal areas with high corrosion, consider aluminum veneer for its longer-lasting weather resistance.
- Both materials can be combined within the same project to control costs while ensuring performance.
Conclusion
In the majority of projects, aluminum composite panel (ACP) is the popular option because it is light in weight, fashionable in appearance, simple to process, and cost-effective. Being a professional producer, Shinkwang not only wholesales aluminum composite panels with different specifications and coating forms, but also provides a custom ACP solution according to your multi-typed architectural and decorative requirements.
Contact us now for samples and wholesale quotations to start your cost-saving building materials sourcing process!
