Aluminum cladding

What is aluminum cladding?

Aluminum cladding refers to aluminum sheets or panels with different colors and designs that are installed on the exterior of buildings. This technology not only provides protection to the structure but also enhances its visual appeal. The lightweight and hardness characteristics of aluminum make it an ideal choice for cladding, offering numerous benefits to architects, contractors, and property owners.

With the continuous development of modern construction technology, there is an increasing demand for innovative building materials. Aluminum cladding has become an essential material in the field of modern architecture, as it perfectly combines durability, versatility, and aesthetics.

Types of aluminum cladding

Considering cost factors, aluminum cladding can be implemented using different materials, namely pure aluminum sheet cladding panels, aluminum honeycomb cladding panels, and aluminum-plastic composite cladding panels.

Aluminum sheet cladding panel

Aluminum sheet cladding panels are a decorative protective layer for exterior walls, made by using aluminum sheets with a thickness of 2.5mm or more, processed through bending, welding, polishing, and painting, and fixed to a steel frame using corner brackets and screws.

Aluminum honeycomb cladding panel

Honeycomb cladding panel consists of two aluminum sheets bonded to a honeycomb core, creating a composite structure. The honeycomb panel is lightweight, provides sound insulation, thermal insulation, high strength, and impact resistance. It has a greater thickness compared to traditional aluminum panels. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes it an ideal choice for various applications. The honeycomb core provides structural integrity while reducing weight.

Aluminum-plastic composite cladding panel

Aluminum composite panel is a lightweight flat panel composed of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a non-aluminum core. It is a durable and lightweight material widely used in the construction and signage industries. The aluminum sheets provide a protective layer, while the plastic core adds strength and flexibility. This panel offers excellent weather resistance, fire resistance, and ease of maintenance. It is commonly used for exterior wall cladding, interior decoration, and advertising boards. Aluminum-plastic composite panels are more cost-effective compared to aluminum panels and honeycomb panels, but they have a shorter lifespan.

Specifications of aluminum cladding

Dimensions

Common sizes include 4×8′ and 5×10′, but we can customize or cut them into different sizes according to your requirements.

Thickness

For outdoor use, aluminum panel cladding usually has a thickness of 2.5mm or more, while the thinnest for indoor use is 1.5mm.

The standard thickness for honeycomb panels ranges from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch, but custom thickness can be made based on specific requirements.

The standard thickness for aluminum-plastic composite panels(ACP/ACM) is 4.0mm, with a standard width of 1220mm and standard lengths of 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 18′, and 20′. Custom sizes are available as per requirements.

Coating thickness

The coating thickness of aluminum cladding typically ranges from 15-30μm, and multiple coats can increase the thickness. STEK can customize the coating thickness according to specific requirements.

Surface

STEK color aluminum adopts advanced manufacturing techniques to apply different colored paints on the surface of aluminum wall cladding, and custom patterns can be created to achieve a 3D effect, adding depth and visual interest. The options include:

• Solid color aluminum cladding (Pantone or RAL color)
• Wood grain finish aluminum cladding
• Stone grain finish aluminum cladding
• Brushed finish aluminum cladding
• Color-changing finish aluminum cladding
• Anodized finish aluminum cladding

Aluminum cladding offers an infinite range of colors, including colored, metallic, and special effect finishes. Panels can be custom painted or surface-treated to achieve the desired color for each design concept.

Advantages of aluminum cladding

Aluminum sheet cladding has several advantages that set it apart from other cladding materials.

Firstly, it is renowned for its durability and lifespan. Aluminum cladding has a lifespan of over 50 years, with the surface paint lasting for more than 20 years. It withstands the test of time, ensuring that the building remains protected and visually appealing for decades.

Additionally, aluminum cladding exhibits excellent resistance to weather conditions, corrosion, and fire, with low maintenance requirements, making it a reliable choice in various climates and environments.

The coating on the surface of aluminum cladding is crucial as it enhances the performance of the aluminum sheets. STEK Color Aluminium understands the importance of this coating and combines layering techniques with aluminum sheets to produce visually appealing and durable aluminum cladding panels.

The paint used for coatings is typically PVDF or PVDF powder, although some users may opt for polyester paint for cost reasons. Compared to polyester paint, PVDF coatings offer better performance and longevity.

PVDF coatings have excellent weather resistance, ensuring that the wall cladding retains its color and appearance even under harsh conditions. This characteristic makes STEK’s aluminum cladding suitable for projects in different geographical locations.

Aluminum cladding system solutions:

Aluminum cladding is widely used in modern architecture, and the cladding system provides a comprehensive solution for building exteriors. It involves using aluminum sheets to cover and protect structural elements of buildings. The system offers various advantages, including enhanced weather resistance, insulation, and aesthetics. The cladding system provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as rain, wind, and UV radiation. It also improves energy efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.

Aluminum cladding supplier

STEK’s aluminum cladding products are exported to more than 50 countries, and hundreds of projects have utilized our products. With 15 years of experience, we have accumulated rich expertise in aluminum cladding production and installation, enabling us to provide suitable solutions for various building systems. If you have any requirements, please contact our sales team.

FAQ: