Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) at Piedmont Plastics
Aluminum composite material (ACM) is a three-layer panel material made of two thin layers of pre-finished aluminum bonded on either side of a polyethylene (PE) core. ACM panels are exceptional for indoor and outdoor applications that require good dimensional stability, light weight, strength, and durability.
Contact your local Piedmont Plastics branch to inquire about our available aluminum composite material, and choose from several sizes, thicknesses, finishes, and colors. We even have fire-grades available. You can also request to have your ACM order cut-to-size and machined into fabricated parts to meet the specifications of your application.
Key Features and Benefits of Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)
The primary advantage of ACM is its versatility. ACM panels can be easily cut, routed, fabricated, mounted, and installed using everyday tools. In addition to its eye-catching designs and durability, ACM remains flat over time, which reduces the oil can and rippling appearance.
ACM panels are also approximately half the weight of traditional aluminum and is widely considered as a more cost-effective solution than similarly gaged aluminum sheet. Furthermore, ACM possesses excellent UV resistance, scratch resistance, weatherability, anti-corrosion skin, and can be easily cleaned allowing the material to maintain its sleek and brilliant look.
Regarding signage and display applications, the benefits of using ACM are extensive. For example, ACM readily accepts traditional inks and paints, is digitally printable, and readily accepts PSA print media. Additionally, ACM meets UL compliance in accordance with UL879 as a component for sign accessories and may be used to construct type II electrical enclosures.
Common Applications of Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)
The aesthetic qualities of ACM paired with its ability to be easily fabricated without sacrificing durability makes ACM an attractive material to use in various end user products. Some of these include signage like channel letters, POP displays, specialty vehicles, and building and construction applications like architectural cladding, insulation, and wall linings.
ACM Standard Sizes, Thicknesses, and Colors
| ACM Sheet Sizes | 48” x 96”, 48” x 120”, 60” x 96”, 60” x 120”, and custom cut sizes upon request. |
|---|---|
| ACM Skin Thicknesses | 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5mm, 6mm, and more. |
| ACM Color Options | Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Black, White, Silver, Gold, Mirrored, and many other sign colors and custom color options available upon request. |
Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) Product Options
AluPOLY® - As a member of the Piedmont Sign Grade product line, AluPoly® is a standout ACM material option available in multiple grades including, Economy, Standard, Premium, HS, Digital, and Digital Plus. With a smooth surface that can be coated or painted to any color or pattern, AluPOLY can be made to look like wood or marble and can have either metallic or non-metallic finishes. AluPOLY's core is made using recycled materials and the black core color may vary slightly.
In addition, Piedmont Plastics stocks AluPOLY in a variety of gauges and aluminum skin thicknesses. AluPOLY’s also has a protective film, which ensures a quality surface and superior adhesion for most inks, paints, and pressure sensitive media. Lastly, AluPOLY is rigid and durable and can withstand the elements without warping.
DIBOND® - As an established industry standard material, DIBOND® ACM is comprised of two pre-painted sheets of 0.012” aluminum with a solid polyethylene core. DIBOND sheet is one of the flattest ACM panels on the market, and its superior surface protects expensive digital and screen-printed graphics.
Weighing approximately one-half of solid aluminum sheet, DIBOND aluminum provides excellent durability in outdoor applications like signage, and it won’t bow or oil can. It can even be routed and returned to add dimension or roll-formed to deliver sweeping curves.
e-panel™ - Comprised of two pre-painted sheets of 0.008” aluminum with a solid polyethylene core, e-panel is recommended for flat panel applications. Among other things, this product is suitable for digital and screen printing, suitable for cold mounting graphics, and can be saw cut, routed, or punched.
epL-5™ - As the thinnest grade of ACM within the DIBOND product line, epL-5 is comprised of two pre-painted sheets of 0.005” aluminum with a solid PE core. Like e-panel, this material is also recommended for flat panel applications only, and is suitable for mounting graphics, suitable for printing, and can be cut, routed, or punched.
Alucobond® PE - Consists of two sheets of smooth 0.020” nominal aluminum thermobonded to a polyethylene core. Alucobond panels provide flatness, formability, and are resistant to simple wear and processing.
Have Questions About Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)?
At Piedmont Plastics, our team of knowledgeable plastics experts are ready to provide you with the solutions you need for your applications. In addition, our dedication to the signage industry is evident through the development of our sign and graphics market specialist team, who are also fully prepared to support those who need ACM for sign and graphic applications.
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