EnglishViews: 233 Author: Julong Publish Time: 2023-10-23 Origin: aluminum panel systems manufacturer
Composites are materials that are made up of two or more components. As a result, the product has different properties than the individuals in the mixture; it is essentially greater than the sum of its parts. Alloys are similar in that they are made up of at least two elements, one of which is metallic. The primary distinction between the two is the essential metal element of alloys, which is typically iron (Fe). Meanwhile, composites can be made of very different materials; for example, fiberglass is made by combining silicates and resinous polymers.
Composite steel is almost synonymous with alloy composite. Julong elaborates on the definition and applications of composite steels in this blog post.
Composite steel is commonly defined by construction workers as a ferrous alloy profile that works in conjunction with concrete. The steel profile's excellent tensile strength combines with the concrete's compressive strength, greatly improving the load-bearing properties of the overarching structure. Metal decking with concrete fillers and steel girders with concrete-embedded connectors are two examples of composite steels used in construction. Such systems have proven useful in the construction of multi-story structures all over the world.
However, this refers to steel in a composite arrangement rather than a composite product. Bimetallic plates are the primary composite steel products, which are created by bonding two dissimilar alloy sheets together. As a result, the interior and exterior planes of the cladding product have different mechanical and chemical properties.
A low alloy steel plate backing is usually attached to a thin sheet of a more expensive grade in composite steel cladding. This enables engineers to create long-lasting structures and components for demanding applications at a lower cost. A carbon steel backing clad in stainless steel, for example, provides excellent corrosion and heat resistance for pressure vessels and boilers while lowering investment costs due to the reduction of higher-value materials.
Composite clad plates are ideal for markets involving high-temperature processes or corrosive materials, where there are few opportunities to maximize returns on investment (ROIs).
Julong is a world-class supplier of composite steels for industrial and shipbuilding applications, with products that can withstand high salinity, chlorination, high thermal cycling, operating temperatures, and chemical attack from various process chemicals.
Metal composite panels are versatile for façade design because they are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and simple to make. ALPOLIC, a Julong partner, provides an overview of options.
When it comes to designing facades, architects must consider a slew of factors, including building codes, sustainability, and dynamic design intents, among others, while also ensuring that they are simple to fabricate, install, and maintain and help buildings stay on budget. Metal composite materials (MCM) provide a solution for architects to realize visions that were impractical or altogether impossible just a few decades ago.
Metal composite materials are created by bonding two thin sheets of painted or natural metal to either side of a thermoplastic core indefinitely. The core results in a lighter-weight, easier-to-fabricate, flat, and long-lasting sheet. The core material is either traditional polyethylene or a mineral-filled fire retardant that is suitable for buildings higher than 40 feet above grade. The finished product is available in three thicknesses: 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm, with 4mm being the most popular. Custom sizes are also available. Standard panel dimensions are 50 inches or 62 inches wide and 146 inches or 196 inches long.
Most MCMs have a high recycled content, which provides LEED points under Innovation. Most architectural stock colors receive a "Cool" rating from the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) for reflecting heat rather than absorbing radiant energy, resulting in lower energy consumption. Furthermore, ALPOLIC, the manufacturer of MCMs, employs a factory-applied die-coated paint system that virtually eliminates harmful VOCs before they enter the atmosphere. ALPOLIC was also the first in the category to publish environmental product declarations to promote product transparency declarations.
Solids, micas, metallics, prismatic, decorative metals, shimmer effects, stone, timber, pigment, matte, and other finishes are available to architects. A multi-color finish is even possible on a single panel. If a standard finish fails to capture the architect's vision, custom-color matching can produce nearly any color imaginable.
Aside from painted aluminum skins, other natural metals such as copper, stainless steel, zinc, and titanium can be used. These corrosion-resistant skins are visually indistinguishable from solid sheets of the same metals when installed on a building. Copper and zinc naturally patina with age, whereas stainless steel and titanium retain their original appearance indefinitely.
Metal composite materials, which are versatile and easy to fabricate, can be used to create a virtually limitless universe of complex forms and shapes. The thermoplastic core reduces the weight of MCMs while maintaining rigidity. Composite materials are intended to be inexpensive and simple to install, as well as to be stable, dampen vibration, be easy to maintain, and not distort or "oil can" due to differential expansion and contraction in changing weather conditions.
The Calgary Central Library (above), designed by Snohetta and DIALOG, uses ALPOLIC MCM in conjunction with glass units to create a crystalline geometry on the facade. In addition to the ease of fabrication for the one-of-a-kind visual, the metal composite panels are well-suited to the region's harsh winter weather.
Since their introduction half a century ago, manufacturers have continued to innovate with MCMs. Advances in image transfer have enabled realistic patterns of stone or timber to provide the aesthetic beauty of nature without the weight, maintenance, and cost constraints of natural materials. Pigmented zinc and tinted anodized aluminum highlight the natural metal's radiance and texture with subtle hues. Precision color matching with advanced fluoropolymer paints provides the desired color with a warranty of up to 30 years. Fabricators are pushing the envelope as well, creating complex forms to address new challenges in acoustic design and extreme weather conditions.
Building design involves several considerations and design challenges. MCMs provide a versatile, long-term, and cost-effective solution.
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