How to Cut ACM Panels?

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.

Best Metal Cladding Systems for Building Facades

acm panels

The building cladding system is a non-load-bearing layer attached to the exteriors of a home to protect the facility from the external threads of weather while providing an element of aesthetic appeal. Traditional building facades were made from wood and bricks, which were not so efficient and long-lasting. Thus, building material suppliers and manufacturers started offering metal cladding materials that are durable and beautiful. Metal wall claddings come in a range of options, including Aluminum, Zinc, Copper, and Steel. These building facades feature vertical and horizontal panels and overlapping tiles. This article introduces the best metal cladding systems that any architect or homeowner should consider using and adding hardwearing hardware to the facility for their next project.

Aluminum Cladding System

Aluminum is a lightweight yet robust metal that manufacturers utilize for producing various types of metal cladding systems. Since aluminum is a soft metal, it features high formability. Two of the famous metal cladding systems made from this substance are ACM panels and aluminum sidings. ACM or aluminum composite material comprises three thin layers: two aluminum plates and one fire-retardant core. The durability of metal cladding systems depends on their thicknesses, which is why building material suppliers provide different grades of aluminum sidings.

Aluminum composite panels and sidings are among the most waterproof metal cladding systems that protect the building from moisture issues such as corroding and rusting, making them the perfect material for coastal areas. Aluminum cladding is considered low-maintenance material requiring minimal cleaning and can be repainted easily. There are aluminum siding available that have wood pattern finishes with a soft color palette and thin horizontal paneling, perfect for people who want to have classic-looking homes. The ACM panels installation process is relatively straightforward, resulting in lower labor costs. Although this metal is an abundant resource, it is not renewable. However, ACM panels are entirely recyclable, making them environmentally friendly materials. Due to the vast array of benefits of ACM panels and aluminum sidings, architects constantly use these metal cladding systems for their projects.

Zinc Metal Cladding Systems

Zinc is a highly versatile metal cladding system becoming more popular among architects who create contemporary and modern building designs. Like aluminum sidings, zinc is a soft and malleable substance, providing a flexible and more straightforward construction process. These metal cladding systems are highly durable and low maintenance. Zinc cladding is also resistant to oxidization due to its natural behavior of generating a protective layer known as patina. The average service time and life span of zinc are about 60 to 80 years.

Zinc metal cladding systems are sustainable choices that are non-toxic and recyclable. It is necessary to remark that it takes less energy and effort to produce zinc claddings than other metal facades. Some building material suppliers provide pre-weathered zinc, which is treated to mimic and age visually patina. The pre-weathered material is perfect for locations where the patina does not naturally form. Additionally, there are various finishes for zinc cladding systems. Another essential characteristic of this metal cladding is that it is fire-resistant.

Copper Building Facade

Copper is a timeless metal material that generates an attractive patina and character with age, making it perfect for modern and traditional building facades. This metal’s warm bronze tone creates an iridescent brownish color through natural weathering before generating a green color.

This metal cladding system is lightweight and durable, like ACM panels, essential for the significant building construction process. Additionally, copper building facades feature a very long lifecycle and require no maintenance and treatment without having tears and wear.

Copper is naturally a warm and beautiful metal that complements wood, stone, concrete, glass, and other cladding systems. These metal cladding systems are combined with zinc and timber to provide better durability and aesthetics.

CORTEN Steel Metal Cladding Systems

CORTEN steel, which is weather-resistant steel (copper-chromium alloy steel), is more resistant to atmospheric weathering than all-metal cladding systems. The chemical composition of CORTEN steel reacts to pollutants that exist in the air and generates a protective oxide film. The protective film regenerates itself over time, making the cladding system a long-lasting material. Most weathering steel metal claddings have a reddish-brownish layer and gain darker hues over time.

Despite the rustic look of CORTEN, this metal has twice the tensile strength of standard steel, making it perfect for structural and building cladding material.

Corrugated Steel Facade

The corrugated steel facade is a lightweight, durable, and robust building material that weathers perfectly. It features a wave-like pattern appearance that has become a recognizable and timeless element in contemporary and traditional architecture. The noticeable feature of this metal cladding system is that it can add depth and textures to a building facade and is available in various colors.

Building Materials for Modern Architecture

building materials for modern architecture

As a consequence of the industrial growth and revolution, modern architecture improved and evolved in response to new building materials and technologies, resulting in the sleek and beautiful building facades shunting ornamentation and taking over earlier traditional systems, products, and methods of construction. The building materials help architects in attaining the physical and final form of their design. Construction industry products are the only tangible that offers various intangible feelings and emotions. For instance, people who want a warm feeling can opt for claddings with wood pattern finishes, or the cold and contemporary feel can be obtained by utilizing metal wall cladding systems. The selection of suitable building facade materials holds an equal share in designing compared to functionality and aesthetics.

Aluminum Building Materials in Modern Architecture (ACM Panels and Aluminum Sidings)

Aluminum is a metal substance that is abundantly available in nature. Building materials manufacturers utilize them to produce various types of metal building claddings, including ACM panels. These modern systems possess high quality with strength and lightweight characteristics. The benefits of ACM panels made them famous among modern architects as they are airtight and feature easy installation procedures. Aluminum siding cladding materials are corrosion resistant and have a perfect behavior at extreme temperatures. Generally, the glass facade of modern buildings is supported by lightweight and robust aluminum frameworks. There are other new products made from this particular substance, known as transparent aluminum, which provide excellent transparency and form in contemporary architecture.

Glass in Modern Building Designs

Along with ACM panels and aluminum sidings which are metal cladding systems, glass is a modernistic building material that provides transparency and light while offering visibility and protection for the facility. Many modern architectural buildings justify the extent of the glass building designs. Construction materials manufacturers managed to develop the glass building facade with a lower U-value, high thermal insulation characteristic, suiting the environment and helping in the facility’s energy efficiency.

Steel Building Materials in Modern Architecture

Steel metal claddings are products that can be used as a structural element as well as visual material. They can withstand tensile forces, making them the effective structural material as an RCC reinforcement and space frames, trusses, section beams, etc. In addition to building cladding systems, steel is suitable for doors and window frames, handrails, door handles, balustrades, etc. Modern building materials made from steel possess qualities such as strength, lightweight, durability, recyclability and can withstand various climate conditions like Aluminum Composite Panels (ACM panels) and aluminum sidings.

Brick in Building Facades

Brick blocks used for building facades form a creative style through innovative ideas and skilled builders. Despite the robust and rigid form of brick products, they have proven that using them can develop beautiful specimens over some time. Modern building materials manufacturers are working towards transforming the small construction product into a durable facility unit.

Concrete Building Materials in Modern Architecture

Concrete building materials are the backbone of modern architecture. These materials are made of cement, dine, and coarse aggregates attached to each other in a specific ratio. Concrete can be fabricated and molded into any desired form easily by utilizing appropriate scaffolding, forming a beam slab, column, foundation, cladding, etc.

Natural Stone for Modern Designs

Natural stones have been in the building industry since the time of humanity’s evolution. However, they are still modern building materials. Despite their heavy and bulk properties, they are appreciated by modern architects in the building industry due to their prominent variety of colors, textures, and sizes.

Wood Pattern Finishes

Metal cladding systems with wood pattern finishes are one of the newest building materials used to create a warm feeling and comfort for the homeowner. These materials are perfect for people who want to have a more traditional-looking building while benefiting from advantageous characteristics of metal cladding systems such as ACM panels and aluminum sidings. Wood pattern metal claddings feature high tensile strength, sound absorption, heat, and electrical resistance, making them exceptional for modern architecture.

Tiles Designs with Unique Style in Modern Architecture

Tiles designs are modular units created from complex substances, including ceramic, glass, or stone. They are applied as covering products over walls, tabletops, and floors. These unique building materials are commonly used in modern building architecture due to their efficient finishing. The beneficial characteristics of these products, including easy repairing, size variety, accessible transportation, variety of colors, and texture, made them a popular choice among architects and interior designers.

Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) Compared to other Building Materials

Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP)

Currently, there are a wide array of construction materials available for architects, constructors, and builders. Selecting and buying suitable building material for the demanding project depends on numerous factors, including price, versatility, durability, finishes, and purpose. Thus, clients and architects must choose the most suitable construction materials for their projects and applications. One of these materials widely used in modern and industrial cities such as Toronto is Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP), also known as ACM panels claddings and roofing systems. In the current industry, Aluminum composite panels are utilized not only for construction but for other applications in different industries.

Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) Structure

ACM panels are also referred to as aluminum composite sheets, sandwich panels, and ACM materials. As told, these modern products are widely used in construction projects and other industries. The thing that made ACM panels unique and different compared to other building materials is their structural properties which provide outstanding quality and functionality among other particles.

The importance of each construction material is summarized in its structure. In other words, if the architect or customer wants to know whether the building material features the suitable quality and characteristics for the demanding project, they will need to learn about its structure and form.

Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) Core Material

The Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) features a three-layered structure, including two sheets of aluminum and one fire-retardant core substance. This central core of ACP materials is the essential part of these building materials. However, at first, some issues started when the fire behavior of these construction materials went under question. The early aluminum composite panel featured a PE core substance that is sustainable to fire and spreads quickly. This problem is solved with various solutions. However, some countries abandoned PE cores, and others allow builders to utilize them for low-rise buildings.

Though the former systems seemed to be reliable, modern manufacturers provided better resolutions for aluminum composite panels. They typically utilize fire-retardant (FR) substances to make ACM panels safer than other construction materials. These solutions are perfect for exterior applications, including using ACM panels for cladding systems where safety plays a massive role in the building’s facade. The FR core materials can be varied depending on the local building codes and requirements. However, the common fire-retardant substances are mineral materials and honeycomb, which manufacturers utilize in their aluminum composite panels.

Coating Materials on ACM Panels or ACP Finishes

Although the substance used in the structure’s core is of great importance in an Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP), coating materials on ACM panels are also essential and affect the overall quality. Generally, manufacturers utilize two types of coating for these construction materials. The first one is PE finish, which is the same as for PE core. Thus, this can cause issues similar to the core material. However, it is possible to utilize this coating as the leading material on the surface for interior applications. Some of the internal usages of the PE coating include perforated and decorative panels, wall partitioning, and false ceiling.

On the other hand, experts recommend using coating materials such as PVDF or Nano aluminum composite panels for cladding systems and other external applications. These coating types provide better durability and quality and offer better safety and resistance against fire. Additionally, Nanocomposite panels are anti-dirt and water-retardant. Thus, they will require lower maintenance, and cleaning them is very straightforward.

Best Qualities of ACM Panels

The aluminum composite panel (ACP) has advantageous characteristics, qualities, and features, making it the perfect material for building cladding systems and facades. Due to its structural components and properties, ACP material is one of Canada’s most used building materials. The followings are the primary and beneficial characteristics of aluminum composite panels (ACP).

  • Flexibility, Versatility and Durability: One of the unique characteristics of an aluminum composite panel (ACP) is its flexibility, versatility and durability. Most construction materials do not feature three of these properties at once. It is accessible to fabricate and installs ACM panels, and they will last more than 30 years if maintained properly. Due to the versatility of ACP materials, manufacturers can produce various cladding products with different styles and shapes, allowing architects to create limitless designs for their clients.
  • Chemical and Water Resistance: ACM panels are manufactured in a way to withstand harsh weather conditions. These building materials are water and chemical resistant, and they can be utilized in different portions of a facility. This advantage of ACP materials makes them the perfect cladding materials for locations with high humidity and temperature change. However, if these panel systems are not installed properly, they can have leakage. Thus, it is essential to follow a rainscreen installing instructions precisely.
  • Lightweight Material: Most clients should pay considerable money to labor costs when constructing a new building. However, due to the lightweight characteristic of an aluminum composite panel (ACP), it is easy to install these building materials for cladding systems resulting in lower labor costs.
  • Aesthetics: Architects prefer using metal wall cladding systems, including ACM panels, which are the perfect materials for building facades, as they are modern, flat, and sleek. Most manufacturers create ACP materials in different color finishes and textures. Even ACM panels with wood pattern finishes are available for clients who prefer to have a mixture of contemporary and classic designs for their building’s cladding system.

How to Remove Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum Cladding System with Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a building cladding material that is primarily used to cover a house with the intention of protection and insulation. Different types of aluminum siding are available. The most common types of siding include wood, aluminum, and vinyl. However, for installing a new cladding material, you should know how to remove aluminum siding that is currently used as the cladding system of your building.

What are the Aluminum Sidings Cladding Systems?

Aluminum siding is made of aluminum coil stock, which is covered by painting and enamel to have a nice design on residential structures from an esthetic point of view. It has a wide range of colors which last for many years. Then it is baked for durability. Aluminum siding creates a long-lasting protective cover for your exterior view of your home.

The majority of designers prefer to utilize aluminum siding due to the advantages and popularity over other exterior cladding materials. It is flexible and versatile to be in desired size and shape. It was common in the 20th century. Nowadays aluminum siding is installed on numerous Canadian houses across Canada.

Follow Step-By-Step Instructions to Repair or Remove Aluminum Siding Without Damaging:

Aluminum siding provides benefits for homeowners. . On the other hand, maybe you need to change or repair aluminum sidings. Removing aluminum siding is much easier than most people think But “How do you remove the aluminum siding without damaging?”

Aluminum sidings used for a house has numerous advantages, but it also has disadvantages. It can be damaged in various types of weather conditions. You can remove the damaged siding and change it without destroying the rest of the pieces.

Storms and rain can dent aluminum siding and damage it. So, it requires scrapyard is much easier. You can remove it quickly and make the house unwrapped. Removing aluminum siding is not troublesome. It can be laborious work, but it is not a particularly complicated process. Getting the first piece of aluminum siding out of the structure is essential in removing it. You can work systematically to remove other sidings as you need for replacement or repair with the first piece of aluminum siding free.

Step 1

Before you begin to take damaged aluminum siding away, you should have essential information. Cutting aluminum is really risky, so it’s necessary to wear special gloves and glasses while doing the project. Also, it is not needed to remove the complete panel; it is better to remove only the damaged part and change the old siding panel over the new one.

Before you start your project, peel back a corner of the siding panel to check what is underneath. So, having enough information will help you plan your project.

Step 2

Find the damaged part of the aluminum siding. Aluminum siding can be sharp and cut you. So, put on your work gloves. You will have to use the utility knife to cut the damaged part of the siding. If you cannot cut with the utility knife, you can use a screwdriver and hammer. Cut the vertical lines by the utility knife 5 cm from the top of the siding panel.

Step 3

When you cut vertical panels, you can begin cutting horizontal siding panels. You can use tin spins to do this task. Tin snips come in a variety of forms that can be used to cut the metal. Then you should cut a panel across the damaged piece of siding again, and leave about 5 cm of siding at the top of the panel. This is the place you want to install the new piece of siding.

Step 4

After finishing removing the pieces of aluminum siding panels, it is needed to measure the space of the new siding board. Then, you must attach the new aluminum siding panel over the place where you cut away the damaged one. When the new panel is set and dry, it is possible to paint the new aluminum siding panel to create matching with the rest of the panels.