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Clip Plank Rainscreen

OPTIMA CLIP PLANK SYSTEM

Sleek, Durable and Versatile FaCade Solution

The Optima Clip Plank System is a precision-engineered, high-performance rainscreen cladding solution designed to deliver a clean, modern aesthetic for a wide range of architectural applications. Manufactured from non-combustible solid aluminium, the system features folded metal planks with an innovative concealed aluminium brackets clips on the returns, creating an uninterrupted finish with exceptional structural integrity. To further enhance performance, the system incorporates gaskets available in various thicknesses, helping to prevent movement and eliminate potential rattling in exposed areas.

The Optima Clip Plank offers a robust, high-performance cladding solution designed for modern building facades. Its advanced engineering ensures long-term durability, seamless installation and superior weather resistance.

KEY BENEFITS

  • Independently Tested: Certified by UL Solutions to CWCT Sequence B standards for both horizontal and vertical applications.
  • Modern Linear Design: Creates a sleek and sophisticated façade ideal for contemporary architectural designs.
  • Bottom-to-Top Installation: Planks seamlessly lock into the clip beneath, ensuring precise alignment and enhanced structural stability.
  • Flexible Compatibility: Suitable for both horizontal and vertical subframe support systems.
  • Mechanical Fixing Methods: No use of adhesives, providing true A1 and A2 cladding systems.
  • Wide Range of Finishes: Offered in pre-paint, polyester powder-coated, anodised, Corten steel, and stainless steel options.
  • Versatile Sizing: Plank face heights range from 150 mm to 1000 mm, with lengths up to 4900 mm (consult technical department for sizes exceeding 4000 mm), and thicknesses from 1 mm to 3 mm.
  • NBS Specifications: Available tailored to your project.

GET IN TOUCH TO ARRANGE A CPD

OPTIMA CLIP PLANK PANEL VARIETIES AND SIZES

Customisable Dimensions and Finishes 

Optima Clip Plank panels are manufactured from high quality aluminium and are available in a range of finishes to meet diverse aesthetic and performance needs. Plank face heights range from 150mm to 1000mm, with lengths up to 4900mm (consult technical department for sizes exceeding 4000mm), and thickness from 1mm to 3mm.

Durable and Adaptive Substructure.

ROBUST AND FLEXIBLE SUPPORT SYSTEM

Precision Alignment and Long-Term Performance

The Optima Clip Plank System features an adjustable aluminium substructure that ensures accurate alignment across both new builds and refurbishments. Designed to accommodate insulation depth and substructure irregularities, it provides a secure, flush finish. Integrated ventilation zones support moisture control and thermal efficiency, enhancing the overall performance of the facade.

Contact us for maximum and typical panel sizes available.

INSTALLATION AND SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Engineered for speed, safety and compliant cavity design

Optima Clip Plank is designed for fast and efficient installation using self-drilling, concealed mechanical fixings. This fixing method ensures a clean aesthetic while meeting fire safety regulations for non-combustible cladding solutions. The system integrates ventilation zones behind the panels, meeting or exceeding CWCT minimum requirements for effective airflow, weather resistance, and structural longevity.

System Components

  • Aluminium Support Brackets: Provide robust structural attachment to the outer wall substrate.
  • Rear-Ventilated Cavity: Enhances weather resistance and improves thermal performance.
  • Aluminium Carrier System: Offers a reliable and lightweight substructure.
  • Concealed Aluminium Locking Clips: Secure planks discreetly fore a pristine finished appearance.

OPTIMA CLIP PLANK 3D MODEL

See our latest system in 3D

Interact with the Optima CLIP PLANK 3D model. Zoom, rotate and truck forward using your mouse or fingers (on a touch screen). If you have any questions, please get in touch.

ANODISED ALUMINIUM

Anodising is an A1 non-combustible finish. It is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts.

Due to the nature of the anodising process and the tight quality controls on both the aluminium and the surface treatment, anodising has a homogeneous (matching & consistent) appearance.

Colours, textures and patterns can be incorporated in the anodic film, enhancing the natural metallic appearance without affecting the total UV resistance of the rainscreen cladding.

Anodising enhances the natural qualities of aluminium further; it permits a strongly contemporary finish with incomparable corrosion and abrasion resistance.

Aluminium is exceptionally recyclable, requires minimal maintenance and has proven lifetime performance.

Polyester Powder CoatED ALUMINIUM (PPC)

PPC is an A2 limited combustibility finish.

PPC is a type of dry coating, rather than a conventional liquid paint, and is applied to metal rainscreen as a free flowing, dry powder. The powder is applied to rainscreen panels electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to form a ‘skin’. This electrostatic powder process means we can ensure complete coverage of the panels, even on more complex shapes.

Powder Coating can produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coating leaving PPC rainscreen cladding with a hard finish. This is much tougher than normal paint and its strong abrasion and corrosion resistance properties make it extremely durable and long lasting.

If you are looking for a finish to make your project stand out PPC is a great specification choice with a range of 200 standard RAL colours and a wide choice of special effects offer a great alternative to anodised aluminium and stone, natural effects and different textures can be used to add a unique touch to your project.

 

Alpolic A1

ALPOLIC® A1 is a non-combustible composite panel. It is currently the only composite panel in the world that is classified to fire standard Euroclass A1 according to DIN EN 13501-1. This means: non-combustible and also no smoke development in case of fire.

ALPOLIC® A1 is easy to process and shape, weather resistant, impact resistant and has a high degree of flatness. The front side is colour-coated with the high-quality fluoropolymer resin LUMIFLONTM (FEVE), making it highly resistant to weathering, UV radiation, corrosion and colour fading.

Alpolic is 100% recyclable, after installation Alpolic saves energy consumption of the building by thermal insulation effect. The air space between the material and backing wall forms a thermal insulation layer and increases the wall systems energy conservation performance.

PRE-PAINT ALUMINIUM

Pre-PAINTED Aluminium is a great choice for large facade cladding projects, tough and hard-wearing.

It is available in a wide choice of colours and surfaces and gives a uniform paint layer and consistent colour minimising shade variation between panels – Euroclass A1 Fire Rating.

In addition to its UV and weather resistance, it is also easy to transform and allows creations of original shapes.

Prepainted metal is the choice for sustainable design, the aluminium coating is an environmentally friendly process and can be recycled without any loss in quality.

ACM A2

ACM A2 is a limited combustible aluminium composite panel.

It is a popular choice from the range of rainscreen cladding materials that we supply, as well as being fully recyclable and consumes low energy the other benefits include including enhanced durability and strength, and a huge variety of attractive finishes.

We’re dedicated to manufacturing our rainscreen cladding systems with the highest quality of materials, which is why we only work with the best suppliers of ACM A2 to bring your project to life. 

Minimum quantities may apply, please consult with Sotech for more information and available specifications.

  

Copper

Copper is an A1 non-combustible material. It is a traditional construction material excelling in durability, malleability and corrosion resistance.

Copper is perfect for architectural cladding, giving a unique aesthetic appearance with low maintenance costs due to a naturally forming, self-protecting patina.

The material is 99.9% recyclable and using only 15% of the energy used in the original manufacture to recycle product.

The material protects itself by developing a patina over time, however patination can be accelerated by a chemical process meaning the material is available in varying shades.

Strong, dimensionally stable, light and low maintenance.

Stainless Steel

The appearance of stainless steel panels is easy to maintain, as the material is highly resistant to atmospheric and pure water environments, it is also 100% recyclable and Euroclass A1 Fire Rating.

Rimex offer Stainless Steel patters that are produced by texturing or rigidizing ferrous and non-ferrous metals, increasing strength in all directions.

Textures diffuse light patterns to produce an optical flatness to sheet metals, eliminating the unwanted oil-canning effect. Deep textured metals resist dents and scratches resulting in low maintenance costs.

Richard Austin Alloys provide a complete range of processing services including surface finishing. Using various techniques we can provide you with grades bright, reflective and highly polished finishes.

Stainless Steel is Euroclass A1 Fire rating, the appearance of stainless steel panels is easy to maintain and 100% recyclable.

Zinc

A traditional construction material excelling in durability, malleability and corrosion resistance due to a naturally forming, self-protecting patina.

Naturally resistance to corrosion and virtually maintenance free as the rinsing effect of rainwater performs this task naturally. Zinc lends itself to both traditional and contemporary design. – Euroclass A1 Fire rating

One of the most unique features of Zinc Composite Material is that it uses the effect of air and the elements to enhance it’s finish; available in a natural blue grey, as well as numerous other shades, ZCM’s pre-weathered finish means that it matures over time as it’s exposed to the outside, and the natural patina that develops means that scratches and imperfections are virtually unnoticeable.

The surface only requires minor cleaning and maintenance over its lifetime.

Learning Zone

Learn More…

The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.

We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.

IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.

IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:

Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements.  All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.

Learning Zone-2 Traynor Way, Peterlee, SR8 2RU, UK

OPTIMA CLIP PLANK CWCT TESTING

The certification assesses the performance of the facade/cladding system in accordance with CWCT Sequence B – Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes (2005). The evaluation includes the SFS support structure for through-wall applications.

This includes:

  • Internal and external environment
  • Air permeability
  • Thermal performance
  • Access and safety
  • Design life

 

Tests performed:

Air leakage (infiltration and exfiltration)

Water penetration (static and dynamic)

Wind resistance (serviceability and safety)

Impact testing (retention of performance & safety to persons)

SOTECH Optima BRICKTECH

Certificate Number: R41630-1

Fire Test Performed at: UL International (UK) Ltd

Date test performed: 29th January 2025

DOWNLOAD REPORT

OPTIMA CLIP PLANK DOWNLOADS

please add what you require to your download list.

Once you have added all the files you require to your download list you can gain access to them using the downloads button in the top right or bottom right of your screen. If you have any issues, comments or questions please get in touch and an expert will be in touch as soon as possible.

SOTECHVR

A NEW WAY TO VIEW OPTIMA SYSTEMS

No VR headset? No problem! SOTECHVR will automatically start a standard 3D version if no headset is detected.

For a fully immersive virtual reality experience, SOTECHVR allows users to examine complete 3D models of our Optima range, change the rainscreen system to a material/finish of your choice, learn more about fire safety and rainscreen testing.

COMING SOON!

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