Specify the panel and the test evidence together. DERACP supports project-based aluminum composite panel supply for applications where an ASTM E84 flame spread ACP test and smoke developed data are required—without treating a generic “fireproof” label as a substitute for the exact report.
An ASTM E84 aluminum composite panel is an ACP / ACM specimen evaluated for surface burning characteristics in the ASTM E84 tunnel test. The report provides two separate numbers—the Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI). Those values should be checked against the code, tender or consultant requirement that applies to the actual project.
An ASTM E84 ACP panel is not defined by color, thickness or a marketing fire label. For procurement, it should be defined by the exact tested panel build—total thickness, front and rear aluminum skins, core, surface system and test report—plus the required FSI and SDI limits.
FSI 0–25
SDI 0–450
FSI 26–75
SDI 0–450
FSI 76–200
SDI 0–450
Specification note: Class A/B/C limits are commonly used by model codes for interior wall and ceiling finish classification. ASTM E84 itself reports FSI and SDI. Always follow the adopted code, project specification and authority having jurisdiction for the intended use.
A strong submittal does not quote only the more favorable number. Flame spread and smoke developed are separate outcomes, and both should stay linked to the tested specimen and report.
FSI is derived from the observed progression of the flame front during the ASTM E84 exposure. It is a comparative index, not a direct prediction of how a finished façade will behave in every real fire condition.
SDI represents smoke density generated under the test method. A low FSI does not automatically mean a low SDI, which is why buyers should review both values before technical approval.
Use this matrix to build a comparable RFQ. Published DERACP ranges are shown as starting references; fire-test acceptance must be based on the exact panel construction and current supporting documents.
| Specification field | Practical project direction | What the buyer should verify |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM E84 requirement | State the required edition, FSI/SDI limits or code class when known. | Report method, edition, laboratory, report number, specimen identity and result. |
| Target Class A | Common interior-finish code reference: FSI 0–25 and SDI 0–450. | Confirm that Class A is actually the project requirement and applicable to the intended use. |
| Total panel thickness | DERACP publishes fire-resistant ACP constructions in the 3–6 mm range; 4 mm is a common architectural starting point. | Match the thickness in the quotation and test documentation; do not assume one report covers every thickness. |
| Aluminum skins | DERACP publishes fire-resistant ACP skin options from approximately 0.25 to 0.50 mm depending on construction. | Write front and rear gauges separately and match the tested / approved product description. |
| Core construction | Fire-retardant or higher-mineral core direction according to the project requirement. | Core family and formulation are not interchangeable; request evidence for the exact product. |
| Coating | PVDF or project-approved exterior coating for façade exposure; PE and other systems may suit interior uses. | Confirm coating chemistry, color, gloss, exposed face and whether the reported specimen matches the proposed surface build. |
| Sheet dimensions | 1220 × 2440 mm is a common DERACP reference; non-standard sizes can be reviewed. | Production limit, fabrication yield, pallet size, handling and container loading. |
| Finish / color | Solid, metallic and selected decorative finishes can be coordinated with the project. | Approve a physical sample and identify whether finish changes affect the test-report scope. |
| Documentation | TDS + ASTM E84 report + drawing / approval package as required. | Revision date, exact product name, report scope, laboratory, applicable limitations and connection to the delivered material. |
Interior wall, ceiling, soffit, façade, column or another application.
ASTM E84 edition, target FSI/SDI, code class and any separate assembly test.
Total thickness, skins, core, coating, finish and dimensions.
Make the report, TDS, sample and quotation describe the same construction.
Carry the approved specification into PO, labels, packing and delivery records.
Fire standards answer different questions. A technically credible ACP page should make the boundary clear instead of presenting every test logo as interchangeable evidence.
Question: How does the exposed specimen behave for surface flame spread and smoke under the tunnel test?
Output: FSI + SDI. Often used in U.S. interior-finish code classification and other product-specific requirements.
Question: How does the specified exterior wall assembly propagate fire vertically and laterally?
Output: Assembly-level pass/fail evidence. ACP alone cannot carry the result independently from the tested wall build-up.
Question: What is the European reaction-to-fire classification based on the applicable test set?
Output: Classes such as A2-s1,d0 or B-s1,d0 depending on the product and evidence. It is a different classification route from ASTM E84.
For exterior wall projects, ASTM E84 results may be only one part of the submittal. Where NFPA 285, local façade fire testing, noncombustibility or another code route is required, obtain that evidence separately.
These images use direct DERACP site paths and illustrate fire-related ACP, exterior cladding and coated sheet references. They are product/application imagery, not substitutes for the controlled ASTM E84 report.
The most useful report is one that lets the project team connect the tested specimen to the material being purchased. Before approval, check more than the result headline.
Buyer rule: if the report describes one construction while the quotation offers another, stop the approval loop and resolve the difference before purchase. “Same brand” does not necessarily mean “same tested specimen.”
Search intent around ASTM E84 aluminum composite panel often comes from different decision makers. The information they need is related but not identical.
State the exact code clause, classification and intended location. Avoid a vague “fireproof ACP” note that leaves FSI, SDI and other wall-fire requirements undefined.
Check whether ASTM E84 is the relevant material requirement or only one piece of a broader façade fire strategy. Review report scope and proposed substitutions.
Keep the ACP build, finish, cassette design, cavity, subframe and separate wall-assembly fire requirements coordinated before shop-drawing approval.
Buy a repeatable, traceable product description. Keep report identity, carton/pallet labels and repeat-order specifications aligned.
Verify that the approved sheet construction is the one being routed and folded. Fire documents should not be detached from the material identity after conversion.
Normalize specifications before comparing price per square meter. A cheaper offer is not equivalent if its construction or documents do not match the required fire clause.
DERACP publishes fire-related ACP products, custom dimensions, multiple surface systems and project-oriented technical pages. For ASTM E84 sourcing, the stronger workflow is to start from the required report and then lock the commercial panel around the same construction.
Discuss panel thickness, front and rear aluminum skins, core direction, coating, finish, color, sheet dimensions, protective film and export packing as one specification rather than unrelated options.
List the required ASTM E84 report, TDS fields, sample approval and label/traceability requirements in the commercial scope before production, especially for regulated projects.
State whether the project requires ASTM E84 only, Class A interior finish, NFPA 285 assembly evidence, EN 13501 classification or another route. This prevents a technically irrelevant certificate from being treated as approval.
Custom sheet sizes affect fabrication yield, pallet dimensions, handling and container planning. Review these decisions before final quotation instead of after color approval.
These six DERACP pages cover the closest next decisions for buyers comparing fire performance, façade use and controlled technical submittals.
An ASTM E84 ACP panel is an aluminum composite panel or aluminum composite material evaluated for surface burning characteristics using ASTM E84. The test reports a Flame Spread Index and Smoke Developed Index for the tested specimen. For purchasing, verify that the report covers the exact panel construction being quoted.
For interior wall and ceiling finish classification under commonly adopted model codes, Class A corresponds to a Flame Spread Index of 0–25 and a Smoke Developed Index of 0–450. ASTM E84 provides the test results; the Class A/B/C categories are applied through codes and project requirements.
No. Flame Spread Index and Smoke Developed Index are separate measurements. ASTM E84 specifically treats them as separate reported results, so review both instead of judging the panel by FSI alone.
No. ASTM E84 measures surface burning characteristics of a specimen. NFPA 285 evaluates fire propagation of a complete exterior wall assembly containing combustible components. Where NFPA 285 is required, an ASTM E84 result does not replace the assembly evidence.
No. ASTM E84 is not a noncombustibility test, and a flame spread value by itself does not define a material as noncombustible. Use the code-required reaction-to-fire, noncombustibility or assembly test route for the project.
Send the country and project type, intended application, governing code or consultant clause, required ASTM E84 edition, target FSI and SDI or Class A requirement, panel thickness, front/back aluminum skins, core direction, coating, color, sheet sizes, quantity, required reports, packing, destination and schedule.
A faster, more comparable quotation starts with the technical requirement. DERACP can review the requested panel construction together with the documents your project needs.
Technical and compliance note: final suitability depends on the exact tested construction, project design, governing code and approval by the responsible project parties / authority having jurisdiction. This page is a product-selection and procurement reference and does not replace a current laboratory report or project-specific approval.
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