How to Cut ACM Panels?

ACM panels (aluminum composite material) are the most modern building cladding materials, beneficial for recent architectural projects. Aluminum cladding manufacturers utilize different fabrication and installation methods to complete a project with the best results. One of the most common ACP fabrication systems is cutting them in any demanding dimensions equivalent to the project and client’s needs. Cutting these building materials is not as straightforward as many people think, and it is often challenging for manufacturers to fabricate them with precision when the exterior renovation is required. This particular process is considered the initial stage of any composite material fabrication process. Building material suppliers and manufacturers utilize various tools and equipment to cut ACM panels. For instance, circular milling cutters and saws are known as hand-held tools for this purpose. Other industrial tools include a CNC router, laser cutting machine, shears, and chisels used for cutting aluminum composite panels. By using these tools, fabricating different aluminum claddings is possible with precision.

Cutting ACM Panels with a Laser Cut

A fiber laser cut system can cut metal materials, including aluminum sidings (another suitable building material for facades) and ACM panels. Modern laser cutting devices can penetrate any metal material without creating tooling wear. When it comes to fabricating ACP materials, a CO2 laser cut machine can do a perfect job. The laser cutting technology is popular due to its unique ability to not leave any shadings on the product’s surface after completing the cutting procedure.

This metal fabricating machine generates a small laser beam, allowing manufacturers to cut ACM panels with higher precision than other router bits and die cutters. Additionally, laser cutting devices can complete complex patterns and provide more freedom than standard cutting tools. By using these particular machines, manufacturers can cut ACM panels with high yield points while delivering high quality and material waste reduction.

Cut ACM Panels with Shearing

One of the oldest metal cutting methods with machines is shearing. Cutting ACM panels with this method is almost similar to using scissors to cut paper. The shearing machine’s blades come together at a minimum offset for fabricating the boards in desired blank sizes, known as blade gap. The wider or thicker the ACM panel, the wider the blade gap between the cutting tools must be. This will decrease the required tonnage amount for fracturing the metal. The components of a shearing device are the mainframe, bed, hold-downs, square arm, gaging, control, and blades. Building material manufacturers utilize two types of sear: swing bear and guillotine, which are available in both mechanical and hydraulic mechanisms.

CNC Routing Machine

Another popular industrial machine that is used to cut ACM panels is the CNC router. This machine is also used to fabricate other metal cladding systems. The CNC cutter operator removes the material precisely to provide a better working flow and reduce the stickiness of the fabricating boards. Using lubricants can also minimize stickiness. Experts utilize a feed rate calculator due to tighter windows of the feed and speed when cutting aluminum composite materials.

Cutting Aluminum Composite Panels With Circular Saw

For creating straight line cuts on ACM panels, the most efficient tool is the circular saw. Cutting aluminum cladding with this method can be done with a DIY process. However, it is essential to follow safety protocols. The operator must evaluate the tool before starting the cutting process. This saw should never be turned on when the cutting blades face the composite panel. Wearing safety goggles is necessary to protect the eyes from dust or flying debris during the metal fabrication process.

Cut ACM Panels with a Jigsaw

Most experts prefer to cut ACM panels with a jigsaw when it comes to lower-budget projects. Jigsaw itself is a versatile industrial tool that can create straight cuts and fabricate sheet metals with any thicknesses. This tool allows experts to create curves and angles. However, it is essential to utilize A 24-toothed blade for a smoother cut for cutting aluminum cladding systems.

Cutting with Cold Chisels

For cutting ACP with cold chisels, the tool must be 2cm wider than the working piece. After choosing a suitable chisel, this tool must be sharpened to a 60 or 70-degree angle with a preferable guide. The alignment of the device is better to be done with screw and hammering. However, the operator should never use a claw hammer.