Aluminum Composite Material
Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) is a rigid metal sheet fabricated from two sheets of pre-finished aluminum and bonded to a polyethylene core. Durable and lightweight, Aluminum Composite Material sheets are generally used for channel letter backings and outdoor signage. SpeedPro large format printing can digitally direct print to, or mount directly onto ACM. ACM does not bow or oil can (a slight buckling seen in some metal sheet materials that looks like waves). It is a flat, rigid material, lighter than aluminum, with excellent durability that can be routed, cut, or roll-formed. ACM will lay flatter than traditional aluminum sheets which is why it will not oil can and doesn’t suffer from the rippling effects of other metallic substrates. ACM is more cost-effective than a simple aluminum sheet fabricated in the same gauge.
Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP) is the term for an ACM formed into a panel substrate. Generally, it’s used as economic and effective outdoor signage such as store-front signs, parking lot signage and plaques. ACPs are rigid with an inner resin layer covered by aluminum.
Colors printed on Aluminum Composite Material come out very vibrantly with great quality and depth of field. And for the pocketbook, the choice over aluminum is clear as the polyethylene bond makes it cheaper and lighter than aluminum alone.
DiBond is a specific product type composed of Aluminum Composite Material using two pre-painted sheets of 0.012″ aluminum over the solid polyethylene core. DiBond is about ten times stronger than aluminum alone. Dibond panels are about half as heavy as standard aluminum sheets while being thicker. Dibond material is great for outdoor usage due to its weather resistance and the fact that it stays flat without bowing or bending over time, which makes it ideal for mounting. However routing, returning, and roll-forming are viable modifications. A great perk, from a safety standpoint, is that in case of fire, DiBond is self-extinguishing. SpeedPro recommends the use of DiBond when printing menu boards, posters and retail cabinet signs. We are ready, willing and able to print in full color on any size and shape you desire. Commonly available weights are 3mm and 6mm, but other thicknesses can be acquired upon request. Generally available in 4×8, 4×10 and 5×10 foot sheets, pre-cut sizes can be stocked as needed. Base material prior to printing are white, black, yellow, red, green, blue, brushed silver and brushed gold although other specialty colors may be requested. DiBond finishes either matte or gloss and we can direct print or overlay vinyl.
Another brand of Aluminum Composite Materials is Alumalite, also known as Alumacorr. Both of these brands are affordable and extremely durable. Alumalite is generally used for custom printed aluminum signs and is as heavy as .040-inch sheet aluminum but 50 times stronger. The corrugated polypropylene core prevents Alumalite sheets from absorbing water, corroding, swelling, or experiencing rot damage and delamination no matter how long it remains out in wet conditions. The aluminum faces of an Alumalite sheet is polyester painted and baked to provide a high-gloss appearance resistant to peeling, chipping, cracking and flaking. Commonly available weights are 5mm and 100mm but other thicknesses can be acquired upon request. Generally available in 4×8, 4×10 and 5×10 foot sheets, pre-cut sizes can be stocked as needed. Base material prior to printing are white, black, yellow, red, green and blue colors but just like DiBond other specialty colors may be requested. Alumalite finishes gloss but can be direct printed or vinyl overlaid. Alumalite is an ideal material for solvent cured and UV digital inks, paints and screen print inks. Alumalite is less popular than DiBond, but for specific custom outdoor signage projects, it may be the superior choice. Alumalite comes with corrugated edges but these can be hidden with edge-capping or trim cap.
SpeedPro Harrisburg
What grabs your attention the most? It’s something visual, isn’t it? Those are the things you remember, not the background noise of radio ads and TV spots. Visual communication is one of the best ways to increase brand exposure and recognition.
Large format printing offers that opportunity. When you capitalize on the benefits indoor and outdoor signage provides, you can differentiate yourself from the competition.
Boost Sales Using Large-Format Printing
SpeedPro Harrisburg is the leading sign company that helps clients make an impact, increase sales, and enjoy the benefits of a creative and visually captivating display.
There are numerous options available when it comes to indoor and outdoor signage and you don’t have to rely on just one. You can choose from:
- Event graphics
- Trade show displays
- Vehicle wraps
- Wall murals
- And more
Be Sure to Depend on the Leader
SpeedPro Harrisburg has become the leading sign company through our dedication to excellence in every stage of the process. We believe in:
- Delivering the highest quality products and services.
- Offering rapid turnaround times for clients under a tight deadline.
- Exceptional customer service, support, and responsiveness.
Discover How You Can Build Brand Awareness Affordably
Contact us to get a quote or make an appointment to speak to an associate and discover just how affordable large-format printing is. We serve Harrisburg, Carlisle, York, and the surrounding regions.












