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Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)

Lightweight, versatile ACM for durable, standout indoor and outdoor applications.

Piedmont Plastics is a supplier of aluminum composite material (ACM) sheet for signage, building cladding, insulation, and wall linings. Our products include AluPOLY, DIBOND, Alucobond, and more!

  • Fabrication Support

    Cut-to-Size, Routing

  • Local

    Inventory Stocking

  • National

    Inventory Access

Your Branch: Baltimore/Washington Zip code: 21075 |

Product Overview

Performance Characteristics:

  • Easy To Fabricate
  • Easy To Machine
  • Chemical Resistant
  • Good Dimensional Stability
  • Weatherable
  • High Temperature
  • Impact Resistant
  • Low Temperature
  • Hydrolysis Resistant
  • Stain Resistant
  • Strong and Stiff
  • Printable
  • Wear Resistant
  • Abrasion Resistant
  • Moisture Resistant
  • Patterns and Finishes
  • Typical Properties of Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)

    Common Properties

    • Common Brand Names Alucobond, Dibond, Reynobond
    • Typical Thickness Size 0.118 in
    • Typical Lengths 96, 144 in
    • Typical Widths 48, 60 in
    • Friendly Names Panel, Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)
    • Common Profiles Flat Sheet, Corrugated

    Physical Properties

    • Density 0.90 - 2.30g/cm³
    • Water Absorption 0.01 - 2.0%
    • Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.10 - 3.5%
    • Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.002 - 0.020mm/mm
    • Melt Flow 0.1 - 40g/10 min

    Mechanical Properties

    • Hardness 66Rockwell R
    • Tensile Strength, Ultimate 30ksi
    • Tensile Strength, Yield 26ksi
    • Elongation at Break 3%
    • Elongation at Yield 2%
    • Modulus of Elasticity 1800ksi
    • Flexural Yield Strength 26ksi
    • Flexural Modulus 1700ksi
    • Compressive Yield Strength 25ksi
    • Bearing Yield Strength 24ksi
    • Shear Strength 15ksi
    • Izod Impact, Notched 1ft-lb/in
    • Izod Impact, Unnotched 2ft-lb/in
    • Gardner Impact, Falling Dart 10in-lb
    • Instrumented Impact Total Energy 12ft-lb

    Thermal Properties

    • CTE, linear 2.3µm/m-°C
    • CTE, linear, Transverse to Flow 2.1µm/m-°C
    • Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) 102°C
    • Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 91°C
    • Vicat Softening Point 110°C
    • Flammability, UL94 V - 2
    • Max Continuous Operating Temperature in F 212°F
    • Minimum Operating Temperature in F - 40°F
    • Thermal Conductivity 0.21W/m-K

    Regulations

    • UL-94 Flame Class
    • ASTM/Mil-Spec
    • FAR 25.853 Flammability
    • FAR 25.853 Smoke
    • Boeing/Airbus Toxicity
    • D635 Self Extinguishing
    • FAR 25.853 Heat Release (OSU 65/65)
    • RoHS Compliant
    • REACH Compliant

    Literature and Data Sheets

    • 3A Dibond® / e-panel™ ACM 3A Composites
      View
    • 3A Dibond® / e-panel™ ACM Color Chart 3A Composites
      View
    • 3A Dibond® / e-panel™ ACM Fabrication Manual 3A Composites
      View
    • Piedmont Plastics Sign Solutions Line Card Piedmont Plastics
      View
    • Piedmont Plastics® Graphic Solutions Brochure Piedmont Plastics
      View
    • Piedmont Sign Grade® AluPOLY® Color Chart Piedmont Plastics
      View
    • Piedmont Sign Grade® AluPOLY® Digital Piedmont Plastics
      View
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    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 Sheet Thicknesses 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5mm, 6mm, and more.
    ACM Skin Thicknesses 0.004", 0.006", 0.008", 0.012“
    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 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, 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. This product is suitable for digital and screen printing along with cold mounting graphics, and it 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 recommended for flat panel applications only and is suitable for mounting graphics and printing. In addition, it can be cut, routed, or punched.

    Alucobond® PE - Consisting 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 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 expertise of our sign and graphics market specialists, who are fully prepared to support customers seeking ACM for sign and graphic applications.  

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    Zip code: 21075 |

    7045 Troy Hill Drive

    301-881-7900

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