What is the difference between ACP and ACM?

ACP(Aluminum Composite Panel)

ACP is short for aluminum composite panel — and, more specifically, the final product, which consists of two sheets of aluminum bonded to a (typically polyethylene) core. ACP is used by the building industry for applications aluminum ceilings (false ceilings) and building facades. Because its structure lends itself to delivering a lightweight solution that is also not rigid and, of course, perfectly aesthetic.

The interior or "core" layer (often PE or mineral filled FR) has a major impact on the performance of the panel in terms of fire safety standards. Architects prefer them because they are available in many finishes and colors. Verilog modules are also easy to install and maintain; therefore they are a cost-effective solution for both interior and exterior applications.

Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)

On the other hand, ACM is simply a more general term that includes any type of composite material made from two sheets of aluminum and a core composite. It has historically been the term specifically for the material prior to being fabricated into any particular form. In addition to ceilings and curtain walls, ACM can perform the same applications as ACP described above, as well as o a wide array of other architectural elements, such as cladding, signage, and insulation.

In construction, ACM is valued for its flexibility, durability, and environmental resistance. It offers superior heat preservation, decreases structural load, and improves the energy efficiency of buildings as a whole. ACP panels, like ACM, can be further manufactured into finished surface material based on aesthetic and functional needs.

Key Differences

And the difference of ACP vs ACM mostly has to do with terminology and when it is used:

ACP is the term commonly used to define only the panel product, which is most often used in aluminum ceilings and facades.

ACM refers more broadly to the material as it’s processed prior to being formed into final products, applicable in a wider variety of architectural and structural applications.

ACP vs ACM: Both ACP and ACM offer flexibility in design, and strength and durability in performance. ACP and ACM are materials that offer different properties and benefits; thus the choice between the two would vary from one project to another based on the structural stability, aesthetics, and local building codes and regulations.