Top Factors that Influence ACP Sheet Price in India
Metal Composite Panels, especially Aluminium Composite Panels are gradually becoming one of the top choices for architects, space designers, and facade consultants. Of the many reasons, sustainability is a crux point. As Aludecor's ACP sheets continue to be the first choice for any form of urban construction, there’s one pertinent concern among the designers and end users. It is the price.
Undoubtedly, ACPs cost differently than any other available façade materials – glass, wood, etc. As much as aesthetics is an important concern, it would be difficult to justify the cost of the application if it is just about the look. So, in this blog, we will look into the varied layers of factors that affect the ACP sheet price.
Factors that matter in ACP pricing
ACP/ ZCP/ CCP pricing depends on LME prices
The rising cost of raw materials has a direct effect on the ACP sheet price; in fact, not just ACP but on all metal composite panels such as ZCP and CCP. The primary raw material used in ACPs is aluminium coil. It is most commonly used in signage and facade industries. Given the rise in the demand for ACP sheets for both commercial and residential projects, the prices of these sheets have also seen a wave in their pricing. The fluctuation of metal prices makes the raw materials less accessible and this affects the demand-supply chain.
Additionally, on the account of the Russia - Ukraine war, there has been a fallout in the prices of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Aluminium is one metal that experienced a record-high price hike after the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The prices are on the higher side year to date for the fact that about six per cent of the world's aluminium is produced in Russia.
Last but not the least, the recession, stagnating economic conditions due to COVID and disruptions in the world supply chain due to intermittent lockdown are the other significant causes that matter in deciding the cost of ACP sheets.
Conversion of sheet to metal
Aludecor uses the metal procured by Hindalco. But before it reaches the industry, there’s an elaborate process – from extraction, cleaning, crushing, filtering, cooling and finally converting them into sheets takes a lot of time and resources. Depending on the cost of this entire process, there can be varying prices.
Mechanical properties of alloy
The chemical composition and the temper chosen for the aluminium alloys decide the cost of the ACP sheets. The properties of the alloys are in accordance with EN 485-2 and simply said, the prices of AA1100 < AA3105 < AA5005 (< refers to less than).
The following table explains the difference in pricing better –
Paint
Aludecor's ACP sheets are painted in three different types of paints viz PVDF, SDP, and FEVE. As a general rule, the cost of paint ranges as FEVE> PVDF > SDP > Polyester (where > refers to greater than). These three i.e. PVDF, SDP, and FEVE are basically the different binders that contribute to the durability, gloss, toughness, and flexibility. Fluoropolymers such as PVDF and FEVE are ideal for exterior applications. Polyesters with high UV resistance such as SDP are also a good choice for external applications. PVDF or Polyvinylidene fluoride has amazing properties such as exceptional resistance to weathering, resistance to UV, resistance to strong chemical and high thermal conditions, brilliant mechanical properties including toughness, impressive fungus and moisture resistance, high electrical resistivity, dirt resistance because of its low coefficient of friction and low refractive index.
PVDF: Acrylic ratio decides the weatherability quotient of any paint. Aludecor uses Kynar 500/ Heyner 5000 PVDF resin in a 70:30 PVDF / Acrylic resin ratio. This makes them resistant to all the above-mentioned factors.
Both PVDF and FEVE-based powders retain the colour and gloss exceptionally well. They can even keep up with the weathering performance requirements of AAMA 2605. Super Durable Polyester SDP is formulated in a way that it can exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2604-05. It helps to maintain both functional and cosmetic properties. These paints come with a warranty of more than 10 years.
These properties have a direct contribution to the cost of the ACP sheets. Length of warranty is directly proportional to price of ACP sheets.
Additional factors that can raise the cost of paint -
For Aludecor, if you are going for special series or special paint colours, the cost will vary from the existing range of colours.
One of the vital factors that impact the ACP sheets' pricing is the global rate of crude oil. Most of the items needed for paint production are petroleum-based; therefore, rising crude oil prices increase the manufacturing cost which directly affects the final rate.
The manufacturers of the paint resins also influence the ACP sheet price. For instance, Berger, PPG, Nippon, Akzonobel are costlier than Chinese resins.
Core
One of the salient features of Aludecor's ACP is its fire-retardant feature. Aludecor uses MDH as fire retardant for producing FR Core. This means, when heated to decomposition, an endothermic reaction releases water of hydration that quenches the polymer and dilutes the smoke. It absorbs the heat and thus gives higher thermal stability and greater heat removal capacity. As a result, it is considered one of the most effective flame retardants. Understandably, this special core comes with a price as its production process is different from the other regular ACPs. This makes it a deciding factor for the product price.
What makes the price worth it?
Aludecor's ACP comes with the following advantages -
Excellent flatness
Consistent and brilliant finish
Highest gloss retention
Coated with lead-free paints
Best flexibility with little crack risks
A pioneering initiative in double coat double baked line
Fire Retardant - ESL certified
Can withstand extreme Indian weather conditions
Sustainable and eco-friendly
Fast installation procedure
Low maintenance cost
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