When to use and not use metal composite material (MCM) is always key for the architect and building owner to understand. One of the most prevalent factors is whether the panels or columns are in a high-traffic area. High-traffic areas such as entrances and vestibules are very susceptible to being damaged by people walking by, leaning against or kicking. The truth of the matter is that composite has its place and architects need to understand its limitations.
Unfortunately, what you will find is that certain installer/fabricators might only fabricate composite products and might end up using the product in these type applications as they might not be able to fabricate it themselves. However, there are manufacturers that supply other products to the contractor that might fit the application. Serious consideration should be made to suggest alternative products for these areas of the building.
In some cases, it might be integrating another type of a product at those areas specifically and the remainder of the building can be easily done in MCM/ACM product. If the contractor and architect want to stick with a product that is very similar to the appearance of MCM/ACM, 1/8-inch aluminum plate can be a great choice. The product has a very high-impact strength that can easily handle the high traffic.
The product similarly has a smooth and flat appearance. Dependent on the color, most can be easily matched. Micas and metallics might be a bit more difficult as you might recognize a shade variance. Most often if it is at an entrance, it is far enough away from the other areas where composite might be installed. In many cases, a canopy might still be manufactured in composite where the columns would be made of the plate product.
Other metal products that might be a good fit could be single skin profiled or corrugated product that adds to the aesthetics of the building. Three are many manufacturers that offer standard and custom profiled products. The mix of products really adds to the appeal of a building and takes care of the concern over damage where panels are in a low-lying area.
There are obviously some non-metal type products that can be incorporated as well.
The bottom line is that as a manufacturer, fabricator or contractor, we are putting our signature on a building when supplying or installing product. If you went to the job site one year later, you want to make sure that the product looks as good as they day you installed it. There is a responsibility to ensure that proper suggestions are offered so that informed decisions can be made for the right product to fit the application.
Mike Wallace is the president of Rogers, Minn.-based Americlad LLC. The company is a manufacturer of architectural metal products which include MCM/ACM and aluminum plate panels, column covers, sunshades and custom fabricated product. To learn more, visit www.americlad.com.