Dmax® aluminium is the safest, most durable and aesthetically pleasing solution on the market. A comparison with a composite material makes the advantages and absolute quality of Dmax stand out even more clearly, making it the perfect choice for aluminium architectural facades of buildings and skyscrapers.
Fire resistance
Solid aluminium does not entail any risk of fire. In fact, this product is classified under A1 by the European standard EN 13501, meaning that it is a first class non-combustible material. It cannot in any way propagate fire or endanger lives by emitting toxic fumes or smoke. Normal paint jobs and the usual plastic core (polyethylene or polyurethane) of common composite panels are flammable, however, and become extremely dangerous in case of fire.
Since Dmax, is made of thick aluminium panels (therefore, no plastic) coated with the special PVDF protection, it is absolutely safe, as proven by Exova's Class 0 Fire Certification.
The risks of normal composite
Regulatory standards
Normal composite aluminium/plastic panels, therefore, cannot be used anywhere fireproof material is required. According to European Union standards, it is mandatory to use fireproof materials in buildings higher than 20 meters, while the Italian Ministerial Decree of 19 August 1996 requires at least a REI 60 fire resistance class for the walls of public buildings, schools, hotels, hospitals, and venues for shows.
Dmax® is the ideal solution for these buildings and for leading-edge construction such as high-rise buildings and skyscrapers: it is completely fireproof and compliant with European and Italian regulations.
Mechanical processing
Dmax® does not require milling thus significantly reducing the cost and time to process the material. Our solid aluminium sheets can be obtained simply with a bending press, to make rounded corners.
Milling, necessary to produce normal composite panels, weakens the corners of the surface, reduces the stability and rigidity of the material, making it less safe. In addition, composite panels are heavier, which makes them more difficult to handle and install.
Disposal
Dmax® is fully recyclable and thus its disposal costs are zero. This is because solid aluminium is sustainable, recyclable and its scrap can be reused. In fact, its value is recovered when it is disposed of. Dmax is therefore a material that holds its value over time, unlike composites that include normal (non recyclable) paint and a significant amount of plastic (polyethylene).
PVDF coating warranty
The PVDF coating used for Dmax® aluminium is guaranteed until 30 years. This is thanks to the specific thickness of the coating and its treatment, containing at least 70% of fluoride resin polymer, which gives it exceptional stability and colour uniformity, besides great resistance to weathering and chemical products.
Impact test
Dmax® is particularly impact resistant: impact tests of our aluminium panels reported no cracking at a maximum of 10 Nm. Impact resistance is higher since Dmax® is 2 to 3 millimetres thick, whereas the usual composite sheets are only 0.48 mm, so the impact leaves clear signs of denting and damage, and visually unpleasant marks on the facade.
Resistance to punctures
Due to its thickness, ranging from 2 to 3 mm, Dmax® is much more puncture resistant than composite, which is normally 0.48 mm thick. In addition, the plastic of the composite panels can be easily punctured.
Colour range
Dmax® is available in an almost unlimited range of colours: hundreds of different colours, with matte, metallic, iridescent, spotted and fully customizable RAL finishes.
Alloy used
Dmax® is made of an aluminium/magnesium alloy, to achieve a 30% higher mechanical strength compared to a normal aluminium alloy. This ensures maximum resistance to wind load, stresses and shocks. Composite aluminium, instead, mixes various types of aluminium, yielding a lower resistance.