Frequently Asked Questions

• What is meant by ACP?

  ACP is the acronym for aluminium composite panels. They are layered panels made up of a thermoplastic or non-combustible solid aluminium base core sandwiched between two aluminium sheets

• What kind of core do we use in our ACPs?

  Viva uses either an LDPE core or a non-LDPE core (mineral core). The ratio of virgin and LDPE core is maintained as 7:3, respectively, or as determined by client requirements.

• When did Viva enter the ACP industry?

  It was long ago in 2003 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, that VIVA began its humble journey and since then has been at the forefront of ACP cladding.

• What is our current production capacity?

  We have 6 production lines with a production capacity of 7 million m2 per annum and 2.5 Lakhs ft2 per day.

• Where Is Our Plant?

  Our state-of-the-art factory is located in Umbergaon, Gujrat featuring world-class Korean machinery and a dedicated workforce, enabling us to create leading-edge products and deliver perfection to customers all across the country.

• Are we equipped with a coating plant?

  Yes, we have a coating plant in Gujarat that can supply customized colours provided the order exceeds 15000 square feet.

• What are the coatings used in ACP?

  We use FEVE (Lumiflon)/ PVDF/ SDPE/ based paint for exterior application and polyester/PET film for textured surfaces of interior architecture

• What type of paint do we use?

  We use 70% KYNAR 500 certified PVDF (Fluorinated polyvinyl) paint which conforms to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and EN (European Nation) standards. KYNAR 500 is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc. Our paints are lead-free.

• How many microns are used on an ACP coating?

  The thickness of the two coats are 25±2, while the three coats are 33±2, while the service coat at the back is only 5-7 microns thick.

• How does 2 coat 2 bake PVDF Coating Technology Work?

  Typical two-coat colour systems consist of a Primer and a Top Color Coat.

• How does 2 coat 2 bake PVDF Coating Technology Work?

  It includes a Primer Coat, a Top Coat and a Clear Coat which increases paint strength, durability and life.

• What is the source of our aluminium coils?

  Hindalco, a company owned by Aditya Birla, supplies us with alloy aluminum coils of the 3003/ 3105/5000 series

• What are RAL and PANTONE?

  With a wide international colour range, we are able to match the colours in the RAL and Pantone series to suit special requirements. There are over 1200 colors in the RAL series, so you can match colours at any time, so you can match any colour at any time.

• What are the applications of ACP?

  Primarily, aluminium composite panel or ACP sheets meet the requirements of exterior applications like facial panels, column covers, display units, and canopies. They are a favourite construction material among builders and interior designers for trade show booths, hotels, shops, hospitals, corporate offices, apartments, villas, partitions, signage, machine coverage, pillar wraps, and false ceilings

• What is the aluminium alloy grade we use?

  We offer alloy grades 1100, 3003, 3105, and 5005. Our product line includes the 3000 series.

• What Is The Thickness Of Bottom And Top Coils?

  Our coil thickness ranges from 0.50 mm for exterior grade to 0.10 mm for partition panels and 0.08 mm for metal laminate/bus bodies.

• What is the warranty period for our ACP?

  Due to VIVA’s confidence in the durability of its ACP panels, we offer a minimum warranty period of 10 years.

• What all is covered under the warranty?

  All manufacturing defects are covered under warranty, including delamination, changes in uniformity of colour, gloss reduction and colour changes. Even when the Stove-lacquered surface coating is exposed to harsh weather conditions, it won’t peel, flake, blister, or crack, except for minor cracking.

• What are the thicknesses of ACP available?

  The thicknesses available for external use are 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm. For interior applications, the thicknesses available are 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm.

• What are the sheet sizes we offer?

  Typical widths are 1220 mm (4ft) and standard lengths are 2440 mm (8 3150 mm (10ft) and 3660 mm (12ft). Special requirements can also be accommodated by supplying widths of 1550 mm and 915 mm. The length can be provided in accordance with the project requirements.

• What Is The Difference Between Fire Retardant And Fire Resistant?

  The term fire resistant refers to a material that is intended to withstand the heat of fire for a limited amount of time, for example, 2 hours or less. The purpose of fire-retardant materials is to burn slowly.

• How scratch-resistant is Acp?

  Due to their specially designed Nanotechnology-based coating, anti-scratch ACPs have a high gloss appearance and maximum scratch resistance against windstorms, earthquakes, cyclones, or abrasions. However, they are not 100% immune to scratches, marks, damage.

• Which Adhesive Film is used to bond the core?

  The core is bonded with DuPont USA adhesive film.

• What is the method of fixing ACP panels?

  The two most commonly used methods for fixing ACP panels are tray mounting and direct screwing.

• Can ACP be classified as a green building material?

  Yes, ACP is a Green Building material. It is because ACP panels are made of recycled materials such as aluminium, polymer, and minerals. Moreover, it is possible to recycle them easily without compromising their quality or value.

• While fixing ACP panels, what material is used to fill gaps between the panels?

  To fill the gaps between the two ACP panels, Silicon is used. It has both exceptional adherence and UV resistance, making it ideal for exterior gap filling.

• Does ACP usage help a building get LEED Certification Points?

  LEED Rating Systems encourages the use of eco-friendly materials that come from sustainable sources and are recycled. Hence, it emphasizes optimum management of construction waste with respect to the storage, collection and reuse of recyclable materials in addition to the collection and recycling of construction waste. As of now, VIVA has 2 ACP LEED points.

• Do we provide FR Grade ACP?

  Yes, our company can supply B2, B1&A2 and A1 grade FR ACP in accordance with BS476 Part 6 & 7, EN 13501, ASTM E 84 & DIN 4102 standards. In fact, we are the first ACP Company in India to introduce Thomas Bell-Wright certified FR Class A2+ ACCP (Aluminium Core corrugated panel).

• How is B1 Grade of ACP material defined?

  Materials with B1 grade fire retardant properties are very difficult to ignite during a fire accident and hence exhibit excellent fire retardancy.

• What is the weight of an ACP panel?

  For 4 mm with coil thickness .5 mm
  a. Normal, ACP – 5.5 kg/m2
  b. FR B2, ACP – 5.5 Kg/m2.
  c. FR B1, ACP – 7.5 kg/m2
  d. FR A2, ACP – 8 kg/m2
  e. FR A1 (3d, core) – 4 kg/m2.

• What is the standard PVDF coating?

  The AAMA 2605/2604 PVDF coating is the industry standard.

• What does Flexure Strength Mean?

  Flexure strength also known as modulus of rupture ,bending strength or fracture strength ,a mechanical parameter for brittle material, is defined as a material’s ability to resist deformation under load.

• What is the common size of extrusions used for fixing ACP?

  Fixing of ACP in external will is done by using tabular aluminium channels o size (38 mm x 38 mm x 3 mm) or (50 mm x 25 mm x 3 mm). These extrusions are manufactured by Hindalco /IndaI / Jindal.

• What is the tolerance level of ACP?

  The various tolerance of ACP are given below –
  a. ACP Width – ± 2 mm.
  b. ACP Length – ± 4 mm.
  c. ACP Thickness – ±0.2 mm.
  d. Coating thickness – ± 2 micron.
  e. Coli thickness – ± 0.03 mm

• Which type of customized order make ACP?

  Following customized order make ACP –
  a. ACP thickness – up to 10 mm.
  b. Core type – Recycled/Virgin/mineral 70%/mineral 90%/3Dcorrugated core.
  c. Core colour – Transparent/white/black/ etc. (any colour)
  d. Coating type – PE/SDPE/HDPE/PVDF/FEVE
  e. Coating thickness – 18/24/28/33 microns. (any thickness)
  f. Aluminum alloy – 1000/3000/5000 series.
  g. Coil thickness – .05/.08/.10/.15/.18/.20/.25/.30/.40/.50 etc.
  h. Surface protective film shelf life – 45/180 days.
  i. Fire retardant – B2/B1/A2/A1
  j. Fire rating – up to 2 Hrs.

• What type of Technical Support we provide to customer?

  1. AutoCAD drawing and 3 D view of site with desire colour.
  2. Mock up sample.
  3. Technical support to customer (product/ installation/ fabrication)
  4. MTC of products.
  5. Product warranty.
  6. Product third party test reports.
  7. Customized order. ( colour/thickness/size etc).
  8. Product
  certification form word number 1 lab.
  9. Quality assurance for every lot/ batch supply.

• From where we purchase paint?

  PPG, Akzonabel, Berger Becker, Nippon & Monopol.
  Some important terms related to ACP:
  i. ACP : Aluminium Composite Panels.
  ii. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials.
  iii. AAMA: American Architectural Manufacturers Association.
  iv. LDPE : Low Density Polyethylene.
  v. HDPE: High Density Polyethylene.
  vi. PVDF : Polyvinylidene fluoride.
  vii. PPG : Pittsdurgh Plates & Glass.
  viii. PE : Polyethylene / polyster.
  ix. EN: – European standard.
  x. BS: – British Standard.
  xi. FEVE: – Fluro ethylene vinyl ether (Fluro polymer bond).Xii. SDPE: – Super durable polyester.
  xiii. ISO: – International organization for standardization.
  xiv. IS: – Indian standard.
  xv. LEED: – Leader ship in energy and environment design.
  xvi. DIN: – Dutch institute for international norming.
  xvii. NFPA: – National fire protection association.
  xviii. BOQ: – Budget of Quantity.
  xix. ACM: – Aluminum Composite Ma

• What are the advantages of using ACPs for external facades of the building?

  Long life, light weight, weather-proof, high impact resistance, w chemical resistant, corrosion resistant, rigid, fast installation, low maintenance and less dead weight on the building structure.

• What Is Pencil Hardness Test?

  Pencil Hardness Test is used to measure the ‘Scratch Resistance’ of ACP pencil hardness of our ACP is H.

• What Is Specific Gravity?

  The term “Specific Gravity” (SG) is used to define the weight or density of a liquid as compared to the density of an equal volume of water at a specified temperature.
  The Specific Gravity of Aluminium Composite Panel is measured by calculating the difference in weight while immersed in water & in air.