Sign Material
Aluminum Composite
On this page
At a glance
- Type Aluminum composite (ACM)
- Use Indoor / Outdoor
- Surface Solid polyethylene
- Thickness 3 mm & 4 mm
- Brands and Others Dibond & others
Overview
What is Aluminum Composite?
Aluminum composite material (ACM) is a rigid panel built from two thin aluminum face sheets bonded to a solid polymer (polyethylene) core. The construction gives you the durable, professional look of metal with a fraction of the weight, and a panel that stays exceptionally flat — the best of both worlds for flat signage.
ACM is sold under several brand names, the most recognized being Dibond. As a category it’s one of the most widely specified exterior signage substrates: it routs and cuts cleanly, accepts direct print and vinyl, and resists rust, warping, and weather. For brand-specific details and spec sheets, see our dedicated Dibond page.
Specifications
Key properties
| Type | Closed-cell expanded (foamed) PVC |
|---|---|
| Standard thicknesses | 1–19 mm (1/8" and 1/4" most common for signs) |
| Surface & finish | Smooth matte surface; wide range of stock colors |
| Indoor / outdoor | Ideal indoors and in sheltered exterior use |
| Fabrication | Laser cutting, CNC routing, scoring, direct UV print, vinyl |
| Weight | Lightweight — easy to handle, mount, and ship |
Where it's used
Common applications
Flat, weatherproof panels for business exteriors.
Architectural Signage
Clean, modern cladding and sign panels.
Rigid panels for interior and exterior navigation.
Post & Panel Signs
Freestanding ground and property signage.
Durable site hoarding and project boards.
Flat mounting panels for raised lettering.
Honest assessment
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
- Stays flat and rigid without the weight of solid metal
- Excellent weather and corrosion resistance outdoors
- Takes direct print and vinyl with sharp results
- Cost-effective for large flat panels
- Clean routed edges and straightforward mounting
Considerations
- Flat panel only — not a dimensional letter material
- Core can show at cut edges unless finished
- Less premium feel than solid metal or brushed acrylic
- Large unsupported spans may need bracing
Working with Signs New York
How we fabricate Aluminum Composite signs
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