ACP and HPL Sheets – Two popular cladding options
What, when and Why of ACP and HPL!
There are many cladding options available in the market but in recent years, ACP and HPL have outdone the other options and made a concrete place in the laminate industry. Due to their distinctive and unique properties, ACP and HPL have become the most widely used materials in the making of commercial and residential properties. The choice between ACP and HPL Sheets will have a significant impact on the project’s cost, utility, durability, and attractiveness. However, understanding the differences between the two cladding materials can eventually help make a decision that meets the needs and specifications of the customers.
Before going further, let us first understand what an HPL and ACP are:
What is an HPL Sheet?
HPL – Versatility at its best!
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) is a versatile material that is widely used in both exterior and interior applications because of its strength, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to a variety of environmental factors. As a result, it is quickly becoming the best option for both commercial and residential properties. Many residential and business buildings are moving to HPL and are happy about it.
Due to the multiple properties of HPL sheets like weather resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal; more and more designers, contractors, and architects are choosing it and advising it to their clients.
What’s inside is what matters!
Composition of HPL Sheet:
- Overlay Paper: The topmost layer is usually a transparent protective layer, often referred to as overlay paper. This layer provides scratch resistance, and durability, and helps protect the decorative layer beneath it.
- Decorative Paper: Beneath the overlay is the decorative paper layer, which provides the color and pattern. This layer can mimic various materials like wood, stone, or metal, and comes in a wide range of designs and finishes.
- Kraft Paper Core: The core of an HPL sheet consists of multiple layers of kraft paper, which are impregnated with phenolic resin. This core gives the laminate its thickness, strength, and rigidity.
- Resins: The overlay and decorative papers are typically impregnated with melamine resin, while the kraft paper core is impregnated with phenolic resin. These resins are thermosetting, which means they harden and set permanently under heat and pressure, bonding the layers together into a solid, durable sheet.
What is ACP Sheet?
ACP - Aluminium Composite Panel
ACP is known as an Aluminium Composite Panel, made from a thin layer of aluminum coil. It usually has three layers. ACP has two kinds of materials, the first is polythene plastic core material and the second is a fire-resistant material and this is sandwiched between two aluminum sheets.
ACP can be molded to 90-degree and 45-degree angles and is available in thicknesses ranging from 3 to 4 mm. These sheets are available in a variety of popular finishes, including mirror, hardwood, glossy, marble, and more.
What’s inside is what matters!
Composition of ACP Sheet:
- Coil-coated aluminum surface (on both sides)
- Thermoplastic polyethylene core or Fire retardant core made up of non-aluminum material.
HPL v/s ACP
Here’s lies the difference!
Raw material and manufacturing: ACP is made up of aluminum alloy, low-density polythene material (LDPE), and thermoplastic polythene while HPL is made up of kraft paper, overlay paper, thermosetting resins, and melamine.
Durability: Both ACP and HPL are weather-resistant, stain-resistant, impact-resistant, fireproof, anti-termite, and easy to clean. However, due to the metallic nature of ACP, it is prone to lose its shine in long-term usage. HPL, on the other hand, has a better lifespan that can last up to 3 to 4 decades.
Thickness: ACP is thinner than HPL and usually comes in a thickness that ranges from 2mm to 6mm while HPL is thicker and usually comes in a thickness of 6mm which makes HPL sheets suitable for extreme Indian weather conditions.
Cost: In a typical laminate market, HPL sheets are at a higher price point than ACP due to their composition, manufacturing process, durability, design availability, and aesthetic looks.
Applications: Both ACP and HPL can be used in varied ways with the possibility of multiple application. HPL is the perfect material to be used for exterior wall claddings, gate panels, countertops, bathroom panels, partitions, and kitchen cabinets, selves whereas the bending property of ACP makes it a perfect fit for false ceilings, pillars, and other curvy applications.
