In modern architecture, safety is as critical as aesthetics. When specifying Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP), the choice between Non FR and FR grade ACP is the most important decision you will make for fire safety and building code compliance.
Here is an introduction to two high-performance fire-retardant grades that is manufactured by Reynobond Industries :
What are FRA2 and FRB1 grades of ACP Sheets?
Both grades are Fire-Retardant (FR) materials, meaning they are engineered to resist ignition, slow down the spread of flames, and minimize toxic smoke. The primary difference lies in the mineral content of their core.
FRB1 Grade (Flame Retardant)
FRB1 is often referred to as “Class B” or “Low Combustibility.”
* Composition: Typically contains a core with approximately 70% inorganic mineral filling (such as Magnesium Hydroxide) and 30% polyethylene.
* Performance: It is difficult to ignite. If it does catch fire, it is self-extinguishing and does not produce flaming droplets.
* Best For: Low to mid-rise buildings, interior partitions, and commercial spaces where standard fire safety is required.
FRA2 Grade (Non-Combustible)
FRA2 is the “gold standard” for fire safety in ACP, often referred to as “Class A2.”
* Composition: The core consists of over 90% inorganic mineral content.
* Performance: It is classified as non-combustible. It produces negligible smoke and zero flaming droplets, providing maximum time for building evacuation.
* Best For: High-rise buildings (above 15 meters), hospitals, schools, airports, and tunnels where evacuation is complex.
Why the Grade Matters ?
In the event of a fire, a standard (Non-FR) ACP sheet with a pure plastic core acts as a fuel source, allowing flames to “leapfrog” up the side of a building.
* Thermal Barrier: Both FRA2 and FRB1 act as a shield, protecting the building’s structural integrity.
* Toxic Fumes: Most fire-related fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation. FRA2 panels are specifically designed to produce non-toxic smoke, keeping exit paths clear.
Why Reynoarch FR Series is best in India ?
We have a major competitive advantage in the cladding industry. In an era where fire safety is under extreme scrutiny, we have in-house core production facility, This isn’t just a manufacturing detail—it’s a safety insurance policy.
When we (Reynoarch) control the factory that produces the actual mineral core, it changes the product’s reliability in four key ways:
- Proprietary Mineral Formulation
Most manufacturers buy “off-the-shelf” mineral cores from third-party suppliers.
* The Reynoarch Difference: They utilize a patented formulation featuring high percentages of Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)_2) and Aluminum Trihydroxide (ATH).
* The Benefit: By making the core in-house, they can ensure the ratio of inorganic minerals is strictly >90% for FR A2 and >70% for B1, which is essential for passing the stringent EN 13501-1 fire tests.
- Elimination of “Batch Variation”
Third-party core suppliers often serve multiple brands, leading to inconsistencies between batches.
* Consistency: In-house production allows for uniform mineral dispersion. If the minerals aren’t mixed perfectly, you get “weak spots” in the panel where fire could potentially penetrate.
* Quality Control: Reynoarch operates its own testing labs with over 60 testing tools. They can stop the production line immediately if a batch doesn’t meet the “Non-Combustible” threshold.
- Superior Bonding (Peel Strength)
One of the biggest risks with FR panels is delamination (the aluminum skin peeling off the mineral core).
* Because the core and the panel are made under one roof, the thermal bonding process is synchronized. The core is extruded and bonded to the aluminum coils in a continuous, controlled temperature cycle, ensuring the highest possible “Peel Strength.”
- Full Traceability
In major construction projects, architects need “Peace of Mind” documentation.
* The “Cradle-to-Site” Log: Since Reynoarch manages the raw chemical mixing through to the final coating, they provide a 100% transparent audit trail. You know exactly what chemicals are inside your walls, which is often a requirement for high-rise insurance.
Key Takeaway: In fire safety, the “Core” is the “Soul” of the building’s skin. By manufacturing it themselves, Reynoarch removes the middleman and the margin for error.
