Metal Composite Material

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Contents 1 Material analysis 1.1 Traditional uses 1.2 Emerging uses / trends 1.3 Finish and aesthetic qualities 1.4 Surface forms / shapes 1.5 Cost analysis 2 Material properties 2.1 Primary structural use 2.2 Material performance 2.3 Dimensional and opening restriction 2.4 Acoustic property 2.5 Manufacturing process and assembly 2.6 Environmental impact 2.7 LEED 3 Life Safety & Rating Standards 3.1 Flammability rating 3.2 Coefficient of friction 4 References 4.1 Notes 4.2 Student contributions 5 See also 5.1 Similar materials 5.2 Building references 6 External links 6.1 Additional resources 6.2 Leading manufacturers

Material analysis

MasterFormat Number: 00 00 00

Traditional uses

• Originally, Metal Composite Material (MCM) was called Aluminum Composite Material (ACM). Some manufacturers still use the term ACM when specifically using aluminum in their products
• MCM is composed of a high performance plastic core sandwiched between 2 thin metal sheets, which produces a strong, durable, but thin and lightweight building product
• It is used for both interior and exterior wall cladding

Emerging uses / trends

• MCM has been used in the U.S. for the past 30 years^[1]
• Although primary use is wall panels, it can also be used in other applications, such as ceilings, cornices, canopies, and displays
• It is used as panels in commercial, transportion, education, and other uses.
• Originally only made of only of aluminum, the product has expanded to use zinc, copper, stainless steel, and titanium.
• Aluminum remains that most utilized metal skin.

Finish and aesthetic qualities

• Aluminum and steel finishes can be any possible color requested
• Zinc, copper, and titanium panels are generally installed unfinished to showcase their "natural" look
• The surface can be covered in variety of paint colors
• It can have many different finishes such as gloss to look like a mirror or brushed metal, pearlized and prismatic effects, and metallic and mica finishes
• MCM retains their luster for decades and requires virtually no refinishing

Surface forms / shapes

• MCM are manufactured into flat panels that stay flat unless reshaped
• The composite panels can be bent, curved, and joined together in limitless range of geometric configurations for any project requirement by a fabricator, rather than the manufacturer
• MCM can be curved into a minimum of 6" radius

Cost analysis

• Cost for MCM panels used to limit it's use to high end projects, however, advances in technology, manufacturing, and installation have increased its usage in a wider range of project types

Material properties

Primary structural use

• MCM is used for as panel for interior and exterior wall cladding
• It can be used in place of granite, brick, or concrete exteriors

Material performance

• It is composed of 2 metal skins outside of a high performance plastic core
• MCM is light in weight
• It protects structures because of its resistance to weather elements, and protect against air and water infiltration
• Installation systems are available that essentiall eliminate mold and mildew concerns
• It requires no to low maintenance over the span of decades

Dimensional and opening restriction

• The MCM sheets are offered in a variety of lengths, widths, and thicknesses
• Composite panels can come in 3mm-5mm thickness
• Panel lengths range from 146-196 inches
• Panel widths range from 50-62 inches

Acoustic property

• Metal composite panels are not acoustically advantageous since it is made of metal sheets and a plastic or mineral core

Manufacturing process and assembly

• Under speficic conditions in temperature, pressure, and tension, the metal sheets and plastic core are combined in the bonding process to produce a composite material

Environmental impact

Metal composite panels are a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for builiding materials. MCM can be made of recycled metal for the skins. By weight, an aluminum wall panel is made of approximately 70% recycled aluminum.

LEED

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Life Safety & Rating Standards

Flammability rating

• Some manufacturers offer fire resistive panels and is composed of mineral filled core material
• Alpolic fire resistant panels have passed nationally recognized tests, such as the ASTM E84, ASTM E162, ASTM 108 Modified, ASTM 1929, NFPA 285, ASTM E119, UBC 26-3, and CAN ULC S 134 M

Coefficient of friction

• MCM panels are not used for flooring and therefore doesn't need to be tested for COF

References

Notes

1. ↑ http://www.themetalinitiative.com/content/building_with_metal/building_products/walls/metal_composite.cfm

Student contributions

• Janet Lasher, Spring 2010

See also

Similar materials

• Panelite
• Metal ceiling panels

Building references

• Tampa International Airport

External links

Additional resources

• Reed Construction

Leading manufacturers

• ALPOLIC Materials