Top

Everything You Need to Know About Aluminum Composite Panels!

Author: FASTSIGNS® of Kitchener-Waterloo
Station Park signage and custom wall graphics

A "metal sign", a "construction sign", and a "sandwich board" are what I’ve heard our clients call this type of sign. What our clients are looking for is called an "Aluminum Composite Panel" or ACP.

What are Aluminum composite panels? Aluminum composite panels are created by fusing a middle layer of non-aluminum core between a top and bottom layer of a thin sheet of aluminum. Basically making it a sandwich, using aluminum as the "bread".

OTIS signage

What Size do Aluminum composite panels come in? When it comes to sizing, aluminum composite panels come in two thickness, 3mm and 6mm and in either 4' x 8' or 5' x 10' sheets. I get the questions "Which size is better?" and "What do you prefer?" all of the time. The answer is that both sizes are good. I would suggest 3mm aluminum composite panel if you wanted a smaller sign, such as for a shipping and receiving sign on your loading dock, or the name of your business on your building. I would suggest 6mm if you wanted a more heavy-duty sign, such as if you wanted to make a post and panel sign for your company.

Avenue M exterior signage

What are some of the best features of using aluminum composite panel? Aluminum composite panel signs are one the most popular panel signs in the construction and architecture industry.

Durable: Aluminum composite panels are very durable. They are weatherproof and stain resistant. They also keep their shape, size and colour after being exposed to the elements, such as weather and sunlight. Fun fact, Aluminum composite panels are also soundproof.

Affordable: Aluminum composite panels are one of the most cost effective and economical materials on the market.

Light Weight: Aluminum composite panels are extremely lightweight, especially considering their durability, rigidity and strength.

Low Maintenance: Aluminum composite panels are very easy to maintain. If your sign gets dirty, all you will need is a cloth with soap and water, and that will remove any dust, oil, dirt or debris.

What is the most common use of Aluminum Composite Panels? There are so many uses for aluminum composite panels! They are one of the most versatile substrate in the industry. ACP signs make great wall and fascia signs for your business. But it doesn’t stop there! ACP is also great for fence panel signs, store front signs, car parking signs, wayfinding signs, traffic signs, safety signs, and so much more.

How do you print on Aluminum composite panel? There are two ways that we can get your message on your panels:

The first application is using cut vinyl. This would be ideal in a scenario where you might need a For Lease sign that may require some of the verbiage to be updated. With cut vinyl some of the text could simply be removed or replaced quite easily.

The second method is a full vinyl overlay mounted to the entire face of the panel. I would recommend using this application if you want your sign to have full colour or detailed pictures,

The advantages of using aluminum composite panel sheets are endless! They have the perfect combination of strength, being lightweight, and durability. They are perfect for any of your construction projects you may have coming up.

If you think aluminum composite panel will be good for your next project, please give FASTSIGNS a call at (519) 743-0888 or email us at 681@fastsigns.com for a quote.