What aluminium composite panels are, how they compare to stone, HPL, and metal cladding, and what NBC 2016 requires for fire safety. 300+ colours from authorised Aludecor distributor, Bangalore.
An aluminium composite panel (ACP) is a flat panel made of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a non-aluminium core, used as exterior cladding and interior wall panelling in commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. For ready stock, specifications, and purchasing, see the ACP sheets and panels page.
Aluminium composite panels combine low weight, design flexibility, and weather resistance in a flat, rigid board format that is faster and cheaper to install than traditional cladding materials.
An ACP board consists of two aluminium skins (typically 0.25 mm to 0.50 mm thick) bonded to a core material using a continuous lamination process. The result is a flat, rigid panel weighing 3.5 to 5.6 kg/sqm, roughly one-tenth the weight of natural stone cladding.
The core material determines the fire rating: PE (polyethylene, B2), FR (mineral-filled, B1), and A2 (90%+ inorganic, A2-s1,d0). NBC 2016 mandates FR minimum for buildings above 15 metres. For full fire grade details, see the ACP sheets and panels page.
PE (polyester) coating retains colour for 5 to 10 years and is suitable for interiors. PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride, 70% Kynar 500 resin) retains colour for 25 to 30+ years outdoors and carries a 10 to 15 year manufacturer warranty. Always specify PVDF for exterior aluminium composite panel cladding.
Available in 300+ colours and finishes including solid, metallic, wood grain, stone/marble, and specialty textures. Panels can be flat-cut, folded, routed, perforated, or CNC-shaped for curved or geometric facade designs with no loss of structural rigidity.
Rout and Return (cassette method): panels are routed on the back, folded into trays, and fixed to an aluminium subframe. Standard for exterior facades. Direct Fix: panels are bonded or mechanically fastened to the substrate. Used for interior wall panelling and signage.
The table below compares ACP cladding with four common alternatives on the parameters that matter most for facade specification: weight, fire safety, durability, maintenance, and cost.
| Property | ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) | Natural Stone | HPL (High Pressure Laminate) | Metal Sheet (Aluminium/Steel) | Wood Cladding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight per sqm | 3.5 to 5.6 kg | 40 to 80 kg | 5 to 8 kg | 3 to 10 kg (depends on metal and gauge) | 15 to 25 kg |
| Fire Rating (best available) | A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible) | Non-combustible | B-s1,d0 (varies) | Non-combustible (metal only, no core) | Combustible (Class C/D without treatment) |
| Colour Options | 300+ (solid, metallic, wood, stone, specialty) | Limited to natural stone colours | 200+ (solid, wood, stone) | Limited (anodised or powder coated) | Natural wood tones (limited) |
| Outdoor Colour Retention | 25 to 30 years (PVDF) | Permanent (natural) | 10 to 15 years | 15 to 25 years (powder coated) | 5 to 10 years (requires re-staining) |
| Panel Flatness | Excellent (factory-laminated) | Depends on cutting precision | Good | Prone to oil-canning at larger sizes | Irregular (natural material) |
| Installation Speed | Fast (lightweight, dry fixing) | Slow (heavy, wet/mechanical fixing) | Moderate (dry fixing) | Moderate (mechanical fixing) | Moderate (mechanical fixing) |
| Maintenance | Low (PVDF self-cleaning) | Low to moderate | Low | Low to moderate (may oxidise) | High (re-seal/re-stain every 3-5 years) |
| Recyclability | Fully recyclable (aluminium) | Not practically recyclable | Limited | Fully recyclable | Biodegradable |
| Best For | Commercial facades, retail, institutional | Premium/luxury, heritage buildings | Interior feature walls, soffit cladding | Industrial, transport, contemporary architecture | Residential accents, hospitality interiors |
| Cladding Material | Material Cost per Sqft (approx.) | Substructure Cost | Installation Complexity | Total Installed Cost (relative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACP (FR, PVDF) | Rs 150 to 220 | Aluminium subframe | Low to moderate | Baseline (1x) |
| Natural Stone (30 mm granite) | Rs 250 to 500+ | Heavy steel/concrete anchors | High (heavy, wet trades) | 2x to 3x |
| HPL (8 mm) | Rs 180 to 300 | Aluminium subframe | Moderate | 1.2x to 1.5x |
| Metal Sheet (2 to 3 mm aluminium) | Rs 200 to 350 | Steel/aluminium subframe | Moderate | 1.3x to 1.8x |
| Wood Cladding (treated) | Rs 150 to 400 | Timber/steel battens | Moderate | 1.2x to 2x (plus ongoing maintenance) |
Two regulations govern ACP fire safety in India: the National Building Code (NBC 2016) specifies which fire grade is required based on building height and use, and BIS IS 17682:2021 mandates ISI certification for all ACP panels sold in India.
| Building Category | Height / Use | Minimum ACP Fire Grade | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-rise commercial and residential | Below 15 metres | PE (B2) permitted | Lower fire risk; PE core is acceptable where fire regulations do not restrict it |
| Commercial and residential | Above 15 metres | FR (B1) minimum | NBC 2016 (Part 4) mandates fire-retardant core for mid-rise and high-rise buildings |
| Hospitals, airports, government buildings | Any height | A2 (A2-s1,d0) recommended | Non-combustible core prevents fire contribution in critical occupancy buildings |
| Metro stations, tunnels | Underground/enclosed | A2 (A2-s1,d0) required | Enclosed spaces require non-combustible materials for evacuation safety |
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Standard | IS 17682:2021 (Aluminium Composite Panels) |
| ISI Marking | Mandatory for all ACP panels sold in India |
| Phased Enforcement | Underway since October 2025 |
| Mark Contents | IS 17682 standard number, manufacturer licence number, BIS logo |
| Fire Test Standard | As per IS 17682:2021 fire performance classification |
| Implication for Buyers | Always verify the ISI mark and request a BIS test certificate for the specific batch |
Aludecor was the first ACP manufacturer in India to achieve FR A2 certification. As an authorised Aludecor distributor, Karnataka Metal Company supplies BIS-certified ACP panels across all four fire grades. For specifications by grade, see the ACP sheets and panels page.
Office tower facades
Showroom cladding, hotel entrances
Terminal wall cladding (A2 grade)
Hospital facade and interiors (AG+ grade)
Apartment elevation panels
University and school facades
Shop boards, channel letters
Factory office facades
Authorised Aludecor distributor for 17+ years. Aludecor is India's largest ACP manufacturer (10.08 million sqm annual capacity, 205-point quality testing) and the first Indian manufacturer to achieve FR A2 certification.
Solid, metallic, wood grain, stone/marble, and specialty finishes stocked at the Bangalore retail outlet on A.M Road. Walk in for colour comparison or request physical samples. For the full colour range, visit our ACP sheet dealers in Bangalore page.
We help architects and builders select the correct fire grade per NBC 2016 (Part 4) and IS 17682:2021. Full specification support from material selection to BIS test certificate documentation.
Aluminium composite panels for cladding + toughened glass for glazing + aluminium profiles for framing, all from a single source. Karnataka Metal Company is the only integrated glass and aluminium company in South India.
Buy a single ACP board from the retail outlet or place a bulk project order. Three standard sizes (4x8, 4x10, 4x12 ft) in 3 mm and 4 mm thickness. For pricing across all grades, see the ACP Sheet Price Guide.
TUV-certified ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 quality management. All Aludecor ACP panels carry BIS certification per IS 17682:2021.
Whether you are comparing aluminium composite panels for your first facade project or need a specific fire grade for regulatory compliance, our team can help with material selection, BIS documentation, and competitive pricing across all four Aludecor fire grades.
