Cassette panel claddings are hook-on metal systems which are being used for external and internal applications. This cladding method is popular due to its versatility and dozens of advantages which brings with it. The panels have the ability of being installed in both horizontal and vertical directions on to a variety of materials such as concrete, glass and plywood. Cassette panels are approvable for any kind of construction especially for buildings which are considered as high-rise.
These products are used for both new and renovating designs and projects. Due to the structure of the product, it requires heavy gauge materials such as aluminum clips and other cladding supplies for being fixed on the construction. However, it is well known for its affordability and low maintenance cost among other cladding systems. It Is good to know that cassette system is perfect for rain screen projects just like Aluminum composite panels which are also very versatile and practical when it comes to designing building façade with high quality materials.
Materials Used for Producing Cassette Panel Systems
There are variety of products available for building cladding purpose such as longboards, aluminum sidings, wood sidings, decorative panels etc. All of the mention products have their own unique style and appearance and come with many advantages which make them perfect for any building projects. Some of the few benefits of cassette panels include structural stability, sustainability and being economically friendly. Another important specification and advantage of this product is having the ability of being produced with variety of materials. Followings are top materials used for cassette panels cladding which are utilized for residential and commercial facilities.
PPGS
Cassette panels are mainly made of PPGS material which stands for Pre-painted galvanized steel. There are different factors which should be considered before choosing this type of material for the facility. The most important factor is the environment in which the building will be constructed. This encompasses both regional climate and localized effects. Climate of a region includes intensity and amount of UV radiation, moisture contact time and presence, acidity of the rain and the existence of chlorides.
The intensity of UV radiation which the panels are exposed to is determined by the hours of sunlight per year, latitude of the building and the angle of light exposure of the sheets. Constructions which are built in low latitudes require top coating system which should be very resistant to the radiation for preventing possible fading, cracking and chalking. The moister contact time refers to the period of time which the cladding panels are wet due to humidity, rain and fog. If the water remains on the panel for a long time, it can begin damaging the substrates under the painting system and corrosion will eventually start. Thus, for building with such conditions, it is recommended to have thicker paint coating. Micro climate effects include wind direction, pollution and marine environments. PPGS Cassette cladding panels are created in 0.8, 0.6 or 0.5 millimeters. The coatings are either PvDF which are prefect for UV resistant characteristics or SMP which brings extra gloss and resistance to the material.
Paint suppliers often have the experience and knowledge to recommend best finish and coating system for cassette panels used in specific areas with unique specifications.
ALUMINUM
Another material which is widely used for producing cassette panel claddings is aluminum. This material is a versatile light weight metal which cuts the costs of manufacturing procedure. It is unexpectedly strong and can increase load capacity of cassettes. Its strength can be improved and modified with the composition of its enormous amount of alloys which are available in industry.
Cassette cladding system requires strong fixing materials; thus aluminum alloys can be prefect for the cause. Aluminum has the natural ability of generating a protective oxide coating which keeps the panels from having deep corrosion. Another characteristic of this material which is considered as an important factor in designing buildings is its reflectivity. This creates aesthetic appearance for the cassettes and in addition, they help the building in heat insulation and energy efficiency. Cassettes which have aluminum base can be bent, formed and cut easily due to the ductility and softness of the material. Thus, they can be utilized by designers for any demanding style and appearance.
ZINC
Zinc is a metal material which is used for creating cassette panel claddings. The panels which are made from zinc are incredibly resistant to different weather conditions due to the material’s non-sensitive characteristic to rusting and corrosion. Thus, these products have high level of durability and can last for several decades (50-80 years). Zinc is one of the softest elements in nature which make it easy to manufacture, form and fabricate. VMZINC is an alloy with 99% of pure zinc and 1% of copper or titanium which is harder and stronger and has higher mechanical and creep resistance in comparison to 100% pure zinc. Thus, this alloy can be a good choice in making these paneling system.
COPPER
Copper is another material which has strong, light weight, corrosion resistant characteristic and is available in huge amount of alloy finishes and colors. Thus, using it in cassette panels can bring benefits to a building designer just like the other materials. This material is also very easy to fabricate and can be field formed from sheet metal. There are sheets which can be pre-manufactured and transported to the construction site. Copper based cassette come with high level heat and sound insulation characteristic and are perfect for building which have heavy traffic and loud noises. The life span of these panels is about 70-100 years, depending on the building’s environmental conditions.
