ACM (Etalbond) or HPL for facades: which to choose
In short
ACM (Etalbond), an aluminium composite material, is lightweight and can be folded into cassettes after V-grooving – suitable for flat modern facades, cladding and signage. Compact HPL is heavier and stiffer, impact-resistant and cannot be folded. It is installed as flat panels and suits wood-effect decors and areas exposed to mechanical loads.
What each material is
ACM – two thin aluminium skins bonded to a core (polyethylene or mineral-filled, non-combustible).
Compact HPL – layers of cellulose impregnated with resin and pressed under high pressure, with a UV-resistant decorative surface.
Comparison
| Criterion | ACM (Etalbond) | Compact HPL |
|---|---|---|
| Typical thickness | 3–4 mm | usually 6–10 mm |
| Weight | approx. 5–6 kg/m² at 4 mm | approx. 11 kg/m² at 8 mm |
| Forming | V-grooving and folding into cassettes, curved shapes | flat panels only, milling and holes |
| Visible edge | concealed in the cassette | core visible at the edge |
| Impact resistance | medium | high |
| Decors | RAL colours, metallic, wood-effect decors | wood, stone and solid-colour decors |
| Fixing | hook-on cassettes or rivets | rivets, screws or concealed fixings on a substructure |
| CNC cutting – from | €1.30/lin.m | €1.10/lin.m |
Fire safety
Requirements for facade cladding depend on the height and use of the building. ACM is available with a polyethylene core and with a mineral-filled (non-combustible) core; HPL comes in standard and fire-retardant grades. The material class is specified by the building designer – we cut the material specified in the project.
When to choose ACM (Etalbond)
- cassette facades
- curved and three-dimensional elements
- signage and 3D letters
- when weight matters
When to choose HPL
- a highly durable wood-effect finish
- ground-floor areas at risk of impact
- cladding with visible joints and no folding
Frequently asked questions
Can HPL be folded into cassettes like ACM (Etalbond)?
No. Compact HPL is installed as a flat panel.
Which material is lighter?
ACM (Etalbond). About 5–6 kg/m² at 4 mm versus about 11 kg/m² for 8 mm HPL.
Do you choose the fire rating?
No, it is specified in the project. We cut the specified material.