Aluminum Composite Panel or ACM panels are popular construction materials that are used for cladding systems. Architects and builders have been utilizing these products to create aesthetic buildings for decades. However, due to the various beneficial properties of ACM panels, their popularity is still growing. Some of the few essential advantages of ACP materials are affordability, durability, versatility, lightweight characteristics, and functionality. Aluminum Composite Panels feature unique designs that can satisfy renovation projects with ventilated cladding systems. They can fit into all fields of architectural projects, including commercial and residential buildings. However, some issues will occur on aluminum composite boards after years of usage, needing to be repaired or replaced. What will happen to the old panels? Thanks to the recyclability of these panels, it is easy to recycle ACP materials and use them in new projects. This article will provide everything that you should know about the aluminum composite panel recycling process.
Basics of Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP or ACM)
Aluminum composite panel suppliers and manufacturers use aluminum plate systems for developing ACM panels. Aluminum is one of the most found elements in mother nature, making it easier to extract it from the ground for industrial utilizations. The substance is available in many silicates, and then it is extracted from the mineral called bauxite. Manufacturers utilize complex and particular procedures to obtain pure aluminum. Due to the anti-corrosion characteristic of aluminum, building material suppliers use them to create various supplies and cladding systems to provide long-lasting building facades. One of the materials that are perfect for architectural application is aluminum composite panels made from the combination of aluminum and fire-retardant core (mineral fill).
ACM Panels Applications and Usages
ACM panels are famous for modern and contemporary building cladding systems or ventilated facades. Aluminum composite panels cladding systems consist of layers that solve insulation problems and make them facade materials for building facades. Additionally, they provide efficient thermal behavior for the buildings and can save a considerable amount of energy. ACP facade panels allow the construction to feature a chimney effect between its external layers, generating continuous ventilation. Meaning, during cold seasons, the air circulation pace will slow down and preserve the heat inside the building. In hot seasons, the heat gets evacuated, creating cool and comfortable interiors for office workers and home occupants.
Recycling Process
Aluminum composite panels (ACP) are fully recyclable. Despite their affordable price, ACM panels manufacturers and suppliers try to recycle old and damaged panels and do not prefer throwing them away. The high value of composite cladding panels is a significant economic influence for aluminum composite panel recycling. These claddings can be recycled repeatedly without losing their value and physical properties. Additionally, the energy that the recycling process consumes is a minor fraction of the production needs. The process is done by following essential stages and requires special devices to complete the procedure. The steps and phase are as follows:
- Crushing
- Grinding
- Circulation Water Cooling
- Sieving Stage
- Electrostatic Separation
The aluminum composite panel recycling process starts with cutting the boards into more miniature sheets. This step is done to provide a more straightforward working process due to the large dimension of ACP materials. Without cutting ACM panels, it is impossible to complete the recycling procedure. Due to the robust bond between the aluminum sheets and the FR core, it is not easy to deal with the pre-cut panels of ACMs. Thus, grinding these materials into powder is crucial by using special grinding devices, making them easy to separate.
Girding ACM panels will generate considerable heat, resulting in burnt pieces and operation rate reduction. Thus, the aluminum composite recycling process requires a circulating water cooling system to lower the temperature of the workpiece during the grinding phase. The sieving stage features a screen that vibrates and involves sending the small pieces without grinding them back to the milling for further recycling. The powder produced in the grinding sage will need electrostatic separation, which is the last phase for developing new panels. The electrostatic separator can divide the core substance for the exterior layers according to the conductive differences between the aluminum and the mineral fill core.
Machines and Devices used for Aluminum Composite Panel Recycling Process
Waste ACM panels are the most valuable raw substance to recycle for complete PVC and high productivity properties. As told, manufacturers utilize various devices and machines to complete the aluminum composite panels recycling process. For example, YX-800 is an ACM recycling machine that features a high handling system. This industrial machine is primarily used to recycle aluminum composite scarps on old building facades and advertising billboards.
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