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A1 Metal Composite Material

Material And Technology

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL is a Euro Class A1 (UK adoption of EN 13501-1) rainscreen cladding material. It features a non-combustible 100% inorganic mineral core, making it one of the most advanced mineral cores available.  This results in exceptional fire safety performance with no smoke propagation (Euro Class A1 classification) and strong environmental benefits due to reduced aluminium use.

Certified and classified as A1 – non-combustible – for building facades under EN 13501-1, this is the highest fire protection classification for a facade material in the UK and worldwide. It also meets the requirements of the UK Building Regulations 2010 – Approved Document B – Fire Safety.

Manufactured in the UAE by Alucopanel Middle East LLC, a member of the DABNUBE Group, a well-established conglomerate, our cladding material is available as sheets only or with a non-load bearing aluminium vertical rail system (M-SPAN-BetterFIX systems M01, M03, M10, M12 and M13). This allows for project-specific requirements.

The advanced METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL metal composite technology and non-combustible core reduce aluminium usage by 66% compared to traditional 3mm solid aluminium cladding.  The lightweight composite structure enables 4–5 times faster fabrication, leading to lower energy consumption, reduced transportation loads and significantly lower carbon emissions.  This results in a safer, lighter and more sustainable cladding solution that doesn’t compromise on safety, performance or durability.

Key Features
  • Reaction to Fire Classification (Euro Class A1)
  • Extremely durable with PVDF coating, HDPE or anodised finishes
  • Resistant to extreme weather fully tested all relevant international ASTM standards
  • Wide Range of Colours with different surface finishes
  • Lightweight and rigid
  • Low cost fabrication
  • Up to 20 years warranty T&Cs apply
  • Coated with Beckers, a renowned European coating brand with 150 years of expertise
  • Certified and Tested

Composition of MCM

The true game-changer of METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL A1 non-combustible MCM lies in its core technology. This advanced composite innovation eliminates the fundamental fire risks associated with earlier generations of composite cladding.

MCM Core Explained of Traditional ACM

Core Type Combustibility Smoke Droplets Class Safety
PE Core Combustible Yes Yes D Dangerous
Mineral Core
A2 - s1, d0
Limited Yes No A2 Better to avoid
Mineral Core: A1 Non-combustible No No A1 Excellent

Featuring a 100% inorganic, non-combustible mineral core, METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL MCM stands among the safest and most advanced rainscreen cladding materials available today. It delivers maximum fire safety, does not propagate smoke or toxic gases, and does not form burning droplets.

Excellent Service
  • Proprietary advanced Euro Class A1 technology
  • Over 20 years of experience in facades in the UK and South Asia
  • Flexibility to use materials only with any other suitable system or use with our own systems
  • Provide excellent service to navigate the customer/architect through a comfortable journey

Systems

RAINSCREEN CLADDING SYSTEM

METALSPAN offers a range of M-SPAN BetterFIX Cassette systems featuring METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL Euro Class A1 MCM material,  that enhance rear ventilation and help to equalize pressure. Our M-SPAN M01, M03, and M10 systems offer versatile choices to suit your design, functional requirements, and project specifications. Available in a range of finishes, our cassette systems are designed and engineered for easy accessibility, fast installation, and easy maintenance with access through every panel.

M-SPAN BetterFIX M01

Our innovative systems feature secret-fixed Euro Class A1 METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL MCM panels to deliver better rear-ventilated rainscreen façades with individually ventilated panels. The M-SPAN BetterFix M01 Rainscreen Cladding System comes with helping-hand brackets and movable carriers for easy panel installation, plus beads to cover vertical shadow gaps that can be coated to match the colour of the panels. Our unique system is designed to be installed from all four directions, providing flexibility and helping to save time.

M-SPAN BetterFIX M03

The M-SPAN BetterFIX Advanced Rainscreen Cladding System, featuring the METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL Euro Class A1 Metal Composite Material (MCM) cladding, offers seamless aesthetics by concealing fixings behind the panels, even shadow gaps are concealed with a neat vertical bead that can be coated to match the cladding panel. The M-SPAN BetterFIX M03 Rainscreen Cladding System allows quick and easy alignment with the vertical rail fixed to the horizontal Z profile. Our panels have been designed to improve rear-ventilation for rainscreen façades. Reducing aluminium content in MCM use of aluminium in MCM lowers embodied carbon, supporting industry-wide decarbonisation. The M-SPAN system allows the removal or re-fitting of any panel on the façade without removing adjacent panels. Our system has been tested to the UK CWCT Rainscreen Cladding System test and has passed.

M-SPAN BetterFIX M10

Our M-SPAN BetterFIX M10 Rainscreen Cladding System is designed to simplify and accelerate installation. Cassette panels are designed to enhance back ventilation behind individual panels plus beads available to cover vertical shadow gaps that can be coated to match the colour of the panels. The proprietary M-SPAN BetterFIX M10 profile, it is designed and engineered to span between floors where there are challenges to have brackets in between the floors. This offers enhanced flexibility and significantly reduces installation time. Additionally, our system ensures convenient access to individual panels for installation, removal, and maintenance.

The M-SPAN BetterFIX M10 Rainscreen Cladding System supports rear ventilation, maximizes fire safety, and minimizes embodied carbon, making it an environmentally conscious and reliable solution that offers significant benefits to both architects and contractors.

Plank Systems

The M-SPAN BetterFIX Plank Systems with METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL A1 MCM are designed and engineered to deliver a distinctive wood plank appearance. This system is specifically engineered for horizontal and vertical installation, effectively eliminating the industrial look and enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

M-SPAN BetterFIX M12 Vertical Plank System

The M-SPAN BetterFIX M12 Rainscreen Vertical Plank system, featuring METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL Euroclass A1 non-combustible metal composite material (MCM), offers a safe, durable, and eco-friendly facade solution ideal for both new constructions and cladding replacements. This system is the perfect alternative to natural wood cladding, providing the warmth and aesthetic appeal of wood through our wood finish plank options

M-SPAN BetterFIX M13 Horizontal Plank System

METALSPAN BetterFIX M13 horizontal plank system uses Euroclass A1 non-combustible Modular Construction Material (MCM) ideal for those who prioritise natural aesthetics and sustainability.  The wood finishes on the MCM reduce deforestation and maintenance costs.  Aluminium requires less maintenance than natural wood and the MCM A1 core offers superior fire safety.

Manufactured in the UK, these planks offer installation flexibility and come in various wood and solid colours.  High-durability HDPE coatings from Beckers, the world’s leading powder coating brand, enhance their longevity.  Wood planks remain a favourite among architects for residential building façades.  METALSPAN’s wood-finish plank system brings warmth to your spaces without contributing to deforestation.

Profiles

Cassette profile
Plank Profile

Finishes

Solid and Metallic Colours

**Colour images are for reference only and may show slight variations from the actual product.

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL A1 offers non-combustible MCM cladding with stunning metallic finishes, elevating your structure with a glamorous touch. The advanced Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings from Beckers brand ensure beauty and durability with their 150 years of experience in the paint industry. Our in-house coating line enables us to meet your requirements promptly and efficiently!

  • PVDF Coated with Beckers brand, 2 layers or more layers on request
  • Bespoke colours can be provided to match your project needs 
  • Coating warranty from 20 years T&Cs apply
  • Actual colours of there are different than in the colour chart
  • Sleek, modern design
  •  Weather-resistant and UV-resistant
  •  Low maintenance
  •  Variety of metallic colours and more!

Wood Finishes

**Colour images are for reference only and may show slight variations from the actual product.

Alucopanel A1’s METALSPAN non-combustible ACM cladding offers stunning wood finishes that blend the natural warmth of wood with advanced High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) coatings from Beckers Group. This combination ensures both the beauty and safety of your building.  Furthermore Alucopanel’s in-house coating line allows for swift responses to your specific needs.

  • HDPE Coated, 4 layers
  • Bespoke colours can be provided to match your project need
  • HDPE Coated with Beckers brand
  • Coating warranty from 20 years T&Cs apply

Stone finishes

**Colour images are for reference only and may show slight variations from the actual product.

Metalspan by Alucopanel A1 MCM: Nature-Inspired Cladding offers a revolutionary cladding solution that beautifully merges the elegance of natural stone with the safety and durability of non-combustible MCM materials. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Stone finish: HDPE Coated, 4 Layers
  • HDPE Coated with Beckers brand
  • Coating warranty 20 years T&Cs apply

Natural Stone Aesthetic: Featuring stunning stone finishes, Metalspan seamlessly integrates with natural environments, enhancing any architectural design. Advanced Coating Technology: Utilizes high-quality HDPE coatings from Beckers, ensuring vibrant colors and long-lasting aesthetics.

Prismatic & Sparkling

**Colour images are for reference only and may show slight variations from the actual product.

*Above colours are only for displayed purpose. Please verify the colour sample before ordering

*Tolerance in color between batches: ∆E2.0 in accordance to ISO 7724-3 (EN 1396:1996)

Winkle

**Colour images are for reference only and may show slight variations from the actual product.

*Above colours are only for displayed purpose. Please verify the colour sample before ordering

*Tolerance in color between batches: ∆E2.0 in accordance to ISO 7724-3 (EN 1396:1996) 

NEED A SAMPLE FOR YOUR PROJECT?

Manufacturer

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL, a Metal Composite Material (MCM) manufactured by Alucopanel Middle East LLC in Dubai, UAE, is a subsidiary of Danube, a diversified group of companies headquartered in the UAE.  Danube boasts three decades of experience, a revenue of USD 1.4 billion and 2,500 employees.  METALSPAN serves as Alucopanel Middle East’s exclusive partner for the UK and Europe.  Established over 14 years ago, they have a proven track record of installing over 1 million square meters of A2-grade fire-retardant MCM material on over 250 high-rise buildings across the UAE, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.  Headquartered in the UAE, Alucopanel operates three production lines and an in-house PVDF coating line.  Their annual production capacity is 2.5 million square meters, with an in-house PVDF coating capacity of 8,000 square meters per day.  In early 2021, Alucopanel introduced cladding with A1 metal composite technology, becoming one of the few companies globally to offer this advanced solution.

Specifications

Test Standard Tolerance Result (4mm)
Panel Thickness Calibrated Caliper (+) 0.2 mm 4 mm
Weight of the Panel Calibrated Weighing Device 0.5 kg/m² 8.0 kg/m²
Standard Width - 2 mm 1000, 1250, 1500 up to 2000 mm
Length - 4 mm up to 6000 mm (Max 8000 mm)
Skin Thickness Caliper 0.05 mm 0.50 mm
Result / Certificate Ref. No.
Test Standard Requirement 4MM
Reaction to Fire EN 13501-1 Class A1 TBW 0300647
Self and Flash Ignition
Temperature (CORE)
ASTM D 1929 Not less than 343°C SIT: > 750°C,
FIT: > 750°C
Self and Flash Ignition
Temperature (ACP)
ASTM D 1929 Not less than 343°C SIT: > 525°C,
FIT: > 524°C
Exterior Wall Cladding System NFPA 285 Pass as per standard TBW 0300672
Roof Covering Assembly
with Mineral Wool Insulation
(45-70° from the horizontal plane)
EN 13501-5 BROOF(t4) TBW0300736

With thermal insulation fixed direct at rear face of ACP, on Alum structure with 300 mm Void ideal for Continuous Roof Covering.
Roof pitch: 10° to 70°
Roof Covering Assembly
(10-70° from the horizontal plane)
EN 13501-5 BROOF(t4) TBW0300737

Without any packing material on Alum structure with 300mm Void ideal for canopies and feature.
Roof pitch: 10° to 70°
Result
Test Standard Requirement 4MM
Alloy / Temper ASTM B209 3105 - H16
Tensile Strength ASTM E8 172 - 221 N/mm² 196 N/mm²
Yield Strength ASTM E8 Min. 145 N/mm² 190 N/mm²
Elongation ASTM E8 Min. 1.0% 4.2%
Modulus of Elasticity ASTM E111 Measure Value 69 Gpa
Result
Test Standard Requirement 4MM
Peel off Strength ASTM D 903 ≥ 10 kg/25mm 17.35 kg/25 mm
Shear Strength ASTM D 273 ≥ 3.2 MPa 3.35 MPa
Tensile Strength ASTM E8 ≥ 35 MPa for 4mm 44.48 Mpa
Punch Shear Test ASTM D 732 ≥ 20 MPa 23.77 Mpa
Result
Test Standard Requirement 4MM
Temperature for Thermal deformation ASTM D 648 ≥ 100°C 149°C
Linear Thermal Expansion per 100°C ASTM D 696 ≥ 2.4 mm/m/c° ≥ 2.4 mm/m/c°
Thermal Conductivity ASTM C 518 Measure Value 0.129 W/mK
Result
Test Standard Requirement 4MM
Type / Finish PVDF / FEVE / HDPE PVDF / FEVE / HDPE
Coating Thickness ASTM D 1400 ≥ 25μm ≥ 25μm
Weathering Resistance ASTM C 481 A. Shear Strength
B. Film Adhesion
C. Impact Resistance
A. 3.75 Mpa (after exposure)
B.1 Dry Adhesion - No removal of film
B.2. Wet Adhesion - No removal of film
B.3. Boiling Water - No removal of film
C. Impact Resistance - No removal of film
Corrosion Resistance
(Humidity Resistance & Salt Spray)
AAMA 2605 A. Humidity Resistance
(@4000 hours exposure)
B. Salt Spray Resistance
(@4000 hours, 35°C)
A. No formation of blisters
B.1 Scribed - rating of 9
B.2. Unscribed - rating of 10
Chemical Resistance ISO 2812 -1: 2014 A. Acid Resistance
B. Alkali Resistance
C. Oil Resistance
D. Solvent Resistance
A. NO CHANGE
B. NO CHANGE
C. NO CHANGE
D. NO CHANGE
Abrasion Resistance ASTM D 968 ≥ 50 L/mil 55.5 L/mil
T-Bend Test ASTM D 522 2T (No Cracks) 2T (No Cracks)
Pencil Hardness ASTM D 3363 ≥ H ≥ H
Film Adhesion
DRY (@27°C)
WET (@38°C, 24hrs)
BOILING (@100°C, 20hrs)
AAMA 2605
(Clause 7.4)
No removal of film No removal of film of the cross-hatched area;
No blistering was observed
Impact Resistance Test 50 kg-cm AAMA 2605
(Clause 7.5)
No removal of film No removal of film
*REMARK: Coating Performance results are complying with AAMA 2605-13 Requirements

Quality & Certifications

Coating quality tests

  • ASTM D 2244 Colour Difference Test
  • ASTM D523-89 Gloss Test – measuring the gloss of surfaces, ensuring consistency and quality
  • ASTM D3359 Film Adhesion Test – Coating adhesion
  • ASTM D4145 T-Bend Test – Ensures the coating remains intact, with no removal of paint or pick-off at the bend area
  • ASTM D3363 Pencil Hardness Test – Ensures the scratch resistance and durability of the coating
  • ASTM D2794 Impact Resistance Test – Ensure the coating resists cracking and maintains its integrity under impact
  • ASTM D7091 Dry Film Thickness Test – Ensuring the coating thickness meets the highest specifications
  • The ISO 1520 Manual Cupping Test – paint’s resistance to cracking or detachment and more

ISO 9001: 2015

Featuring a 100% inorganic, non-combustible mineral core, METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL MCM stands among the safest and most advanced rainscreen cladding materials available today. It delivers maximum fire safety, does not propagate smoke or toxic gases, and does not form burning droplets.

Quality & certifications

Fire performance
Test Standard Requirement Result (4MM)
Reaction to Fire - Class A1 TBW 0300647
Self Ignition
Temperature (ACP)
ASTM D 1929 Not less than 343°C SIT 525°C
FIT 524°C
Self Ignition
Temperature (CORE)
SIT > 750°C,
FIT > 750°C
Tested to meet NFPA 285 (USA) standard

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL, our Euroclass A1 non-combustible Metal Composite material ( MCM) has been tested to large scale non-load bearing external wall assembly test NFPA 285 (USA) standard. The results confirm that our product does not support fire propagation. The NFPA 285 standard outlines the test method for evaluating the fire propagation characteristics of exterior wall assemblies containing combustible components. It is a 30-minute, full-scale test (intermediate-scale multi-story apparatus) that evaluates how an exterior wall assembly resists vertical and horizontal fire spread. Passing this test means the material inhibits fire propagation from one floor to another, which is a key requirement for high-rise buildings.

Tested and classified to BS EN 13501-1 (Reaction to Fire – A1)

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL Metal Composite Material (MCM) Classified A1 non-combustible material according to reaction fire test BS EN 13501-1 (UK adoption of EN 13501-1) — the highest possible fire-safety rating for construction materials.

First Dubai Civil Defence approved in the world
Non-combustible as tested to AS 1530.1 (Australian Standard)

Tested in accordance with AS 1530.1 (Australian Standard) for non-combustibility of building materials.

Rainscreen Cladding Test

Tested and passed Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) UK

M-SPAN BetterFIX Rainscreen Cladding System featuring festering A1 non-combustible METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL Metal Composite Material Metal has been tested according to CWCT UK rainscreen cladding system test protocol, one of the industry’s toughest standards for façade safety and performance.

Passed in Three Critical Performance Areas:
  • Resistance against water penetration
  • Structural performance under wind pressure
  • Impact resistance from external forces

Sustainability

Traditional cladding often involves materials that are energy-intensive to produce and transport, contributing to a higher environmental impact. Our A1 MCM helps reduce embodied carbon by performing better with lower embodied carbon emission, A1–A3: 4.42 CO₂ Eq. By choosing cladding materials with lower embodied carbon, builders can minimize the overall carbon footprint of their projects. This is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it reduces the greenhouse gases emitted during the lifecycle of a building. These materials often utilize innovative technologies and sustainable resources, which not only lower emissions but also improve energy efficiency and durability. In essence, adopting lower embodied carbon cladding materials supports sustainable construction practices that align with global efforts to achieve more environmentally responsible and resilient urban development.

Thanks to our innovative composite technology, we use 66% less aluminium compared to 3 mm traditional solid aluminium cladding, which represents a significant saving of raw material. This results in lower carbon emissions and offers lower embodied carbon for projects, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Furthermore, our CNC routing time is five times faster than that of 3 mm solid aluminium material, leading to further energy savings.

A2 Composite material by our manufacturing partner has been used on over 250 high-rise buildings, with over one million square meters on large international corporations, including offices, airports, hospitals, retail, and residential buildings. The new A1 technology takes this to the next level, providing maximum fire safety, and the biggest change is that it does not propagate smoke when compared to A2 material, which may propagate smoke during a fire. This significant technical advancement will certainly help to protect building users.

Environmental Product Declaration Certifications

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL A1 MCM is EPD Certified by SCS Global (Valid from June 14, 2024 through June 13, 2029). The certification reflect years of detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and highlight the commitment to sustainability, durability, and recyclability.

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FAQ Related to MCM

What is METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL A1 MCM?

METALSPAN by ALUCOPANEL A1 MCM is a Euroclass A1 non-combustible Metal Composite Material (MCM) featuring a 100% inorganic mineral core. It is designed for high-performance façade applications where maximum fire safety is required.

Euroclass A1 (EN 13501-1) is the highest fire classification for construction materials in the UK and Europe. It means the material is non-combustible and does not contribute to fire growth.

A1 MCM – Non-combustible (no contribution to fire). A1 MCM provides the highest level of fire performance compared to traditional ACM materials. A2 ACM – Limited combustibility, PE core ACM – Combustible

Yes. Due to its non-combustible classification, it is suitable for high-rise and high-risk buildings where strict fire safety regulations apply

The panel contains a 100% inorganic mineral core, meaning it does not contain combustible polyethylene content.

Yes. The composite structure reduces aluminium usage by approximately 66% compared to 3 mm solid aluminium, helping to lower embodied carbon and overall material demand.

Yes. Despite its fire performance, the composite structure makes it significantly lighter than solid aluminium, allowing: easier handling, faster fabrication, reduced structural load, lower transportation impact

Yes. It can be CNC routed, folded, and fabricated into cassette or plank systems, making it suitable for modern rainscreen cladding systems. METALSPAN has 5 different systems: 3 rainscreen, horizontal & vertical plan systems.

ALUCOPANEL A1 is available in: solid colours, metallic finishes, stone finishes, wood finishes etc… Coatings typically include high-performance PVDF and HDPE coating techniques.

Yes. The panels are engineered for long-term durability and resistance to: UV exposure, extreme temperatures, coastal conditions, corrosion

Warranty periods vary depending on coating system and project conditions, commonly up to 20 years (subject to terms and application).

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