Third-party testing confirms architects and builders can specify and utilize ALUCOBOND® PLUS and ALUCOBOND® EasyFix™ for Type III-A,B construction.
Davidson, NC – February 8, 2023 – 3A Composites USA, the manufacturer of ALUCOBOND® PLUS aluminum composite material (ACM) and ALUCOBOND® EasyFix™, has successfully passed third party NFPA-285 testing on a wood-framed assembly, a Type III-A,B construction often used in the multi-family and mixed-use market sectors.
NFPA-285 is a fire test method which evaluates how fire is expected to spread on an exterior multi-story wall. This outcome positively confirms that ALUCOBOND® PLUS panels installed utilizing ALUCOBOND® EasyFix™ (a patent-pending system developed to reduce labor and installation costs in wood-frame construction) are compliant with standards set by the International Building Codes (ICC-IBC) for wood frame construction, clearing the way for use in future projects
“While ALUCOBOND PLUS has a track record of meeting ICC-IBC requirements, including NFPA-285 compliant assemblies, these new results expand the list of tested assembly types and enable architects and builders to meet the stringent NFPA-285 requirements while reducing installation costs and delivering on-trend facades,” Nick Scheib, general manager, Architectural Division, 3A Composites Americas.
The recent test confirms the fire-resistant characteristics of ALUCOBOND® PLUS and highlight its appeal for use in multi-story wood-framed and podium construction. In summary, ALUCOBOND® PLUS ACM and the ALUCOBOND® EasyFix™ attachment system supports various NFPA-285 compliant assemblies.
ALUCOBOND® PLUS is available in 91 trend-forward stock colors and finishes, as well as custom colors to easily support the creative vision of any architect or designer.
“The results of these tests once again demonstrate the commitment of 3A Composites to provide industry-leading innovations that perform to the highest standards, especially those pertaining to fire safety and performance.” stated Scheib.
3A Composites is a leading producer of materials for the metal facades market. Since 1969, the company has been developing, manufacturing and marketing high-quality aluminum composite panels, structural composite material, plastic sheets and lightweight foam boards for the architecture, visual communication and transport and commercial building industries.
