On April 1, 2014, Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President Takumi Ubagai) is going to launch sales of ALPOLIC^TM RF, a type of aluminum composite material with a reflective finish. The new product has a thickness reduced to two millimeters, offers an approximately 50-percent reduction in weight, and is amenable to bending.

 Our aluminum composite material ALPOLIC^TM has an integrated three-layer structure consisting of a core layer of polyethylene and other materials sandwiched between aluminum plates. It is marked by excellent flatness and ease of handling for processing and installation. These features have led to its use in countries around the world as an industrial material and backing for advertising signs. As an addition to the ALPOLIC^TM series, in April 2012, we launched sales of ALPOLIC^TM/fr RF, by having the outer aluminum plates undergo anodized processing and giving it a reflective finish. This product has been given high marks as an "unbreakable mirror" used in interiors of shopping malls and entertainment facilities.

 ALPOLIC^TM RF, the two-millimeter-thick plate we are marketing this April, was developed to meet the needs of customers looking for lighter materials. The reduction in thickness from the former three millimeters to two decreased the weight per square meter to 2.9 kilograms, about half as much as three-millimeter plate, and enabled bending (up to 200 R). Furthermore, the thinner plate facilitates cutting, drilling, and other processing while improving workability on construction sites. In addition to the existing applications, it is anticipated to find use for facilities requiring reflective-surface materials, such as schools in which dance is a required course and apparel stores. It should be noted that, because of the use of polyethylene for the core, the product cannot be accredited as a non-combustible material.

 The assortment in our series of reflective-finished aluminum composite materials will consist of the two-millimeter product characterized by lightness and bendability, and the three-millimeter (existing) product, which has been accredited as non-combustible. By responding to various customer needs, we are targeting sales of 200 million yen in fiscal 2015 and stand determined to expand sales toward this goal.

 

(1) Material composition diagram

(2) Installation possibilities

       Dance lesson mirror               Golf practice facility          Interior decorations in stores

 

(3) Photo: sample of bent ALPOLIC^TM RF

(4) Comparison of the specifications of the ALPOLIC^TM reflective -finished material series

 

	ALPOLICTM RF (new product)	ALPOLICTM/fr RF
Thickness	2 mm	3 mm
Core material	Polyethylene	Fire-retardant core material
Standard size	1,220 x 2,440 mm	1,220 x 2,440 mm
Weight	2.9kg/m2	6.0kg/m2
Accreditation as a non-combustible material	-	Acquired (Certificate No.: NM-3415)
Price	JPY45,000 / plate	JPY56,000 / plate