What Influences ACP Sheet Price In Indian Economy?

Metal Composite Panels, especially the ACP sheets are one of the top choices for designers, architects, and building consultants. Out of the many reasons, sustainability and longevity is the crux point. Therefore, choose the best ACP cladding for any urban construction. However, among some designers and end users, there’s one pertinent concern is the ACP sheet price with fitting.

Of course, the ACP sheet price will differ from any other construction material — glass, wood, etc. As much as aesthetics is vital for an individual, it is highly difficult to explain the price of the material considering just about the look. So, in this post, we will explain the multiple layers of factors that affect the price.

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 Indian Economy.

Factors Influencing ACP Sheet Prices

If you want to incorporate ACP sheets for your next project, it’s essential to know the various factors that influence their price, especially for their fitting or installation.

1. LME Prices Impact The Cost

The core material used in ACPs is an aluminium coil. With the increasing demand for these materials in both commercial and residential sectors, the prices of these sheets are experiencing a gradual hike. And the fluctuation of metal prices decreases the supply of raw materials which affects the demand-supply chain. Besides, due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the inflation of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals has come into existence. So, if you consider the price chart of aluminium in today’s economy, you will find that this metal experienced a record-high price hike after the war crisis.
However, the thickness of Aluminium, Zinc or Copper used for ACP sheets decides the weight of the ultimate product and LME prices also depend on weight. Reuters states, “The prices are on the higher side year to date because about 6% of the world’s aluminium is produced in Russia.”
Lastly, the stagnant economy during the COVID and interruptions in the world supply chain due to lockdowns are the other crucial factors that have increased the cost of ACP sheets.

2. Transforming A Sheet Into Metal

A reputed company will always use metals procured by trusted metal suppliers. But before it reaches the powerhouse of the industries, they go through a distinguished elaborated process. It starts with extraction, cleaning, crushing, filtering, and cooling, and ends with converting into sheets. All this takes a lot of time and resources. Therefore, the cost of this entire process can vary at different prices.

3. Mechanical Properties Of Alloy:

The chemical composition and the temper selected for the aluminium alloys estimate the cost of the ACP Sheet price with fitting. The properties of the alloys and metals are by EN 485–2. Therefore, the price of AA1100 is less than AA3105 and AA5005.

4. Paint’s Level Of Quality

Generally, the ACP sheets have three different types of paints: PVDF, SDP, and FEVE. But the cost of the paint also fluctuates. The cost of FEVE is much more than PDF, SDP, and Polyester. PVDF, SDP, and FEVE are three different binders that impact durability, shine, vigour, and flexibility.

PVDF and FEVE are fluoropolymers that are the best for exterior applications. Both these powders retain the colour and gloss exceptionally well. Now let’s discuss them in detail:

1. Polyesters like SDP have high UV resistance that is ideal for external applications.
2. PVDF or Polyvinylidene fluoride has distinctive properties that are highly resistant to weathering, UV, strong chemical and high thermal conditions. Their superficial mechanical properties are durable and strong. They excel in fungus and moisture resistance properties, high electrical resistivity, and dirt resistance due to low coefficient of friction and low refractive index. PVDF can even restore the weathering performance requirements of AAMA 2605.
3. The manufacturers prepare SDP or Super Durable Polyester products in such a way that improves the performance necessary for AAMA 2604–05. It maintains the functional and cosmetic properties of ACP sheets. Besides, these paints have a warranty of more than 10 years.

All these properties directly contribute to the ACP sheet pricing. And when the professionals fit, paint, and install the ACP panels the price increases even more.

The following additional factors also influence the cost of paint —

1. When you select a special series or unique paint colours, the price will differentiate from the existing range of colours.
2. A crucial factor that impacts the ACP sheet’s price is the international rate of crude oil. Most of the items required to paint the ACP sheets are petroleum-based. Hence, the increase in the manufacturing cost directly affects the final rate.
3. The manufacturers of the paint resins also influence the ACP sheet cost. For example, Berger, PPG, Nippon, and other reputed paint companies are costlier than Chinese resins.

5. Mineral Core Or FR core

The ACP Sheet price increases with its fire retardant feature. The magnesium hydroxide (MDH) enhances the fire retardant property to produce FR Core. It means when the materials are heated to decomposition, an endothermic reaction frees water of hydration that squeezes the polymer and weakens the smoke.
By absorbing the heat it provides higher thermal stability and higher heat removal ability. Therefore, it is one of the most efficient flame retardants in India. As the report states, “This special core comes at a price as its production process differs from the other regular ACPs. This makes it a deciding factor for the product price.”

Why Does The ACP Sheet Price Increase During Fitting And Installation?

Let’s understand why the price of ACP sheet price with fitting and installation increases.

1. Customization Option:
   If you want ACP sheets with different colours, patterns, or designs that are different from regular products, personalisation is necessary. It involves other methods like colour mixing and printing that increase production costs. Therefore, custom-fitting or personalised ACP sheets are more expensive than their standard counterparts.

2. Labour Costs:
The cost included in fitting or installing ACP sheets is one of the major factors that subdivide the overall price. The complexity of the installation, the skill and experience of the installers, and local labour rates change the labour costs from time to time. A person with no experience can never tackle intricate designs on curved surfaces.

3. Additional Accessories:
The professionals use various accessories like fasteners, adhesives, sealants, and framing materials to properly install ACP sheets. These accessories securely attach the panels and ensure a watertight installation. And at the end, the cost of these additional materials adds to the overall price.

4. Transportation:
When the manufacturer or supplier transports the ACP sheets to your project site, they include the transportation cost along with the fitting. Therefore, the expenses depend on distance and delivery method.

5. Local Factors:
The taxes, market conditions, and regulations also impact the price of ACP sheets and their installation. However, the prices may vary due to the differences in supply and demand, tax rates, and local building codes.

What justifies the cost?

ACP sheet offers a host of benefits, including:

1. Exceptional Flatness.
2. Consistent and Dazzling Finish.
3. Superior Gloss Retention.
4. Lead-Free Paint Coating.
5. Enhanced Flexibility with Minimal Crack Risks.
6. Innovative Double Coat Double Baked Line.
7. Fire Retardant — ESL Certified.
8. Resilience to Harsh Indian Weather.
9. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness.

Therefore, investing in ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel) sheets can be worthwhile depending on factors such as your project goals, budget, and preferences.

Bottom Line
The hike in the price of ACP sheets with fitting increases for multiple socio-economic factors and personalisations. So, it’s essential for effective budgeting and decision-making when planning ACP sheet projects. However, make sure to hire a reliable and experienced ACP sheet manufacturing company for the best outcome.