ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) - Complete Resource Guide
What Is ACM Signage?
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) is a rigid panel made by bonding two thin aluminium skins to a polyethylene (PE) or fire-retardant (FR) core. This combination results in a panel that is lightweight, stable, and exceptionally durable. ACM’s structure gives it a smooth, professional surface ideal for vinyl graphics, laminated prints, and 3D lettering.
The aluminium skins come in different thicknesses, known as skin gauges, ranging from 0.15 mm on economy products to 0.30 mm on premium signage panels, and up to 0.50 mm on architectural-grade materials such as Alpolic. These thicker skins improve rigidity, impact resistance, and fold quality for tray panels and fabricated signs.
ACM is now the dominant substrate for commercial signage in New Zealand because it balances long-term durability, visual quality, and cost efficiency better than any other common material.
Why ACM Is Popular for Signage in New Zealand
ACM performs exceptionally well in the mixed and often harsh conditions found across Auckland and the rest of New Zealand.
Strength Without Weight
ACM provides excellent rigidity while remaining light. This makes it easier and faster to install, reduces labour time, and reduces the need for heavy framing or structural support. Even large shopfront fascias can often be installed with relatively minimal backing structure.
Weather Resistance Suited to Auckland
Unlike plywood or PVC-based materials, ACM does not swell, warp, rot, or delaminate. The aluminium skins resist corrosion in coastal environments, and the composite core prevents moisture absorption. This stability makes ACM a reliable long-term exterior material in Auckland’s high UV, high rainfall, and salt-air conditions.
Cost Efficiency Over Time
ACM is significantly more affordable than solid aluminium (often around a quarter of the cost) while still providing excellent longevity. Although it is more expensive than corflute or Paylite, it outlasts both by many years and requires less maintenance and fewer replacements. With sheet sizes up to 4050 × 2000 mm, ACM can cover large areas with minimal joins, reducing labour and delivering a seamless appearance.
Versatility for Branding
ACM is compatible with almost all signage graphic systems, including cut vinyl, laminated digital prints, paint, and 3D acrylic elements. It can also be routed and folded to form tray panels, giving businesses clean, modern signage with invisible fixings.
Installer-Friendly Material
Because ACM is easy to cut, drill, rout, and fabricate, installers can work quickly and safely. It accepts screws and rivets cleanly and requires less hardware than acrylic or Paylite. When folded into tray panels, it provides a premium architectural finish that holds shape extremely well.
ACM vs Other Signage Materials
Different signage substrates all have strengths and weaknesses, but ACM consistently sits at the top for long-term commercial use.
ACM vs Corflute
Corflute is inexpensive and lightweight but extremely temporary. It warps, fades quickly, and generally lasts from a few months to a couple of years depending on UV exposure. ACM, while approximately five times the cost, lasts ten to twenty times longer and provides a cleaner, more professional appearance.
Corflute is best for temporary or short-term signage. ACM is best for any business seeking a durable, permanent installation.
ACM vs Acrylic
Acrylic provides a high-gloss, glass-like finish and is the correct choice for illuminated signage or premium decorative panels. However, it is brittle, prone to cracking, and more limited in sheet size. ACM is far easier to cut, drill, fabricate, and mount outdoors. Acrylic is excellent for 3D letters and illuminated faces; ACM is superior for the sign panel itself. A full ACM vs Acrylic comparison is here
ACM vs Paylite (PVC Foamboard)
Paylite is suitable for temporary interior use but performs poorly outdoors. It warps, dents, discolours, and has a short lifespan. ACM remains flatter, stronger, and longer lasting while only being modestly more expensive. For any long-term or exterior application, ACM is the clear choice.
ACM vs Solid Aluminium
Solid aluminium is stronger and better for high-impact zones such as industrial yards or areas exposed to machinery. However, it is heavy, costly, and harder to fabricate. ACM is the preferred choice for 95% of signage applications because it provides most of the benefits of aluminium at a fraction of the cost and weight.
If you're evaluating cost differences between ACM, Paylite, acrylic and corflute, the full Signage Cost Guide outlines typical price ranges for each category.
Technical Specifications of ACM
(Panel Sizes, Thicknesses, Cores, and Skin Gauges)
ACM’s technical characteristics directly influence rigidity, fabrication quality, cost, and long-term durability. Understanding these specifications helps ensure the right panel is used for the right application.
Panel Thicknesses
The most common ACM thicknesses for signage are 3 mm and 4 mm.
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3 mm ACM is the industry standard. It is rigid enough for most shopfronts, wall panels, construction hoardings, interior displays, and branded panels.
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4 mm ACM is used where additional rigidity is required — such as freestanding plinths, large panels without extensive framing, or high-wind zones.
Thicker ACM can also be beneficial when adding heavy vinyl layering or 3D acrylic elements, as it reduces panel movement and ensures a flatter finish.
Core Types: PE vs FR
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PE (Polyethylene) Core is the standard, most common core for signage. It offers excellent rigidity and weather resistance and is suitable for nearly all indoor and outdoor commercial signage.
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FR (Fire-Retardant) Core contains mineral additives that slow flame spread. It is used mainly in interior commercial environments where fire engineers, architects, or compliance documents specify an FR material. Most exterior signage does not require FR ACM.
Standard Panel Sizes
ACM is available in significantly more sheet sizes than acrylic, Paylite, or corflute, giving installers flexibility and reducing visible joins.
Common New Zealand panel sizes include:
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2440 × 1220 mm (the classic 8×4 ft sheet)
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3050 × 1500 mm
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3650 × 1500 mm
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4050 × 1500 mm
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4050 × 2000 mm
These larger sheets are especially useful for long shopfront fascias, construction hoarding, and oversized signs where minimising joins improves both appearance and installation efficiency.
Premium Panels (Alpolic and Similar Brands)
High-end ACM panels such as Alpolic offer superior rigidity, extremely flat faces, and very thick aluminium skins. They are widely used for architectural cladding and premium signage.
Common sizes include:
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3200 × 1575 mm
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4000 × 1575 mm
The 0.50 mm aluminium skins provide exceptional strength and formability, ideal for tray panels, folded features, and corporate building branding.
Skin Gauges (Aluminium Face Thickness)
The skin gauge directly affects durability and fabrication quality.
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0.15 mm — entry-level signage ACM
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0.21 mm — common mid-range signage grade
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0.30 mm — premium structural façade-grade signage panels
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0.50 mm — high-end architectural (Alpolic)
Thicker skins reduce denting and oil-canning, improve folding performance for tray panels, and provide better resistance to temperature changes and wind load.
Common Commercial Uses for ACM
ACM is used across almost every category of commercial signage in New Zealand because it combines durability with a clean, professional appearance. Its rigidity and weather resistance allow it to outperform almost all other materials in busy retail zones, exposed exterior walls, car yards, construction sites, and interior commercial spaces.
Shopfront & Building Facades
The most recognisable use of ACM is the shopfront fascia. Panels remain flat across long distances, creating a stable base for vinyl lettering, laminated prints, or 3D acrylic lettering. Whether installed as flat panels or fabricated into tray panels, ACM provides a modern, high-impact finish that suits both large retail chains and small local businesses. Shopfronts often combine ACM fascias with privacy frosting on adjacent glass panels, depending on how much visibility the business wants from the street.
More Building Signage info can be found here
Plinth, Monument & Freestanding Signs
ACM is frequently used as the face material on freestanding signs and plinths. Thicker panels—usually 4 mm—are installed onto steel or aluminium subframes where additional rigidity is needed. The combination of ACM’s clean face and a durable framing system produces a sharp and professional entry sign for commercial and industrial sites.
More Plinth/Stacker Sign info can be found here
Construction Hoarding & Long-Term Site Branding
For construction hoardings expected to stay in place for six to twenty-four months, ACM offers a superior finish compared to corflute. It stays flat, withstands repeated weather cycles, and provides a high-quality backdrop for printed graphics or branded panels. Developers often favour ACM for premium project displays and marketing boards.
More Exterior Signage can be found here
Directional, Wayfinding & Compliance Signage
Because ACM provides a crisp, clean surface that ages gracefully, it is commonly used for both interior and exterior wayfinding. Carpark directionals, health and safety boards, and compliance panels all benefit from ACM’s rigidity and stability, especially in high-traffic or outdoor environments.
More Wayfinding Sign info can be found here
Multi-Panel Fascias & Large Installations
The wide sheet options available for ACM allow large-span signage without excessive joins. When joins are required, ACM panels align cleanly, creating a professional finish on long façades such as retail strips, warehouses, industrial buildings, and estate entrances.
More ACM Panel Signs info can be found here
Interior Branding & Display Panels
Indoors, ACM is used for reception signs, menu boards, decorative wall panels, and directional systems. Its rigidity ensures a perfectly flat appearance, and its durability prevents dents and warping in busy interior spaces. For interior walls, ACM also allows clean adhesive installation without exposed fixings.
More Interior Branding info can be found here
Outdoor Retail Panels & Vehicle Yards
Businesses that operate outdoors—such as car dealerships, marine retailers, and equipment yards—use ACM for durable display boards. Panels maintain their appearance in constant sun and rain, and can be re-skinned when promotions change, making ACM both visually striking and cost-effective.
ACM Finishes & Colour Options
ACM is manufactured in a wide range of finishes, giving businesses flexibility to achieve both subtle corporate branding and high-impact retail designs.
Factory Finishes & Standard Colours
Most suppliers offer ACM in matte or gloss black, matte or gloss white, silver, grey, charcoal, and various primary colours. These factory-applied finishes are baked on, providing excellent UV stability and long-term durability. Because these surfaces are ready to use, they eliminate the need for full-panel prints unless branding requires specific colours.
Brushed & Metallic ACM
Brushed ACM—particularly brushed silver—is extremely popular in New Zealand for modern commercial environments. It has a stainless-steel-like appearance without the cost or weight. Brushed finishes resist fingerprints and surface imperfections well, making them suitable for shopfronts, premium façades, and corporate branding. Brushed gold, bronze, and specialty metallics are used for more decorative or high-end applications.
Matte vs Gloss Surfaces
Matte surfaces provide a contemporary, understated look and hide minor imperfections, making them ideal for large exterior fascias. Gloss finishes offer a vibrant, reflective appearance but can highlight scratches and handling marks. Both finishes accept vinyl graphics well, though matte is often chosen for long-term exterior branding due to its ability to maintain a consistent appearance.
Printed Vinyl Overlays
ACM is commonly finished with printed and laminated vinyl when full-colour imagery or detailed graphics are required. Laminated prints typically carry a five-year warranty in New Zealand, with premium print-and-laminate systems offering up to seven years. In practice, high-quality laminated prints usually last five to seven years outdoors, depending on orientation and exposure.
Cut Vinyl Lettering
Cut vinyl is the longest-lasting graphic method. Premium cast vinyl carries warranties of five to seven years and can last six to ten years in Auckland conditions. It provides sharp, crisp lines and exceptional colour stability. For simple branding, cut vinyl is often the most durable and visually clean option.
Direct UV Printing
Direct printing onto ACM is possible, but in New Zealand’s UV environment it is best reserved for interior signs or short-term exterior applications. Direct print without lamination tends to fade within two to three years outdoors, so it is not usually recommended for long-term commercial signage.
Colour Matching & Custom Solutions
When brands require specific colours, ACM can be wrapped in solid-colour cast vinyl, printed in precise CMYK, or professionally painted with 2K automotive coatings. This ensures brand consistency across all elements of the signage system.
Graphics & Print Systems for ACM
Different graphic systems behave differently over time, and choosing the right one can dramatically improve the lifespan and appearance of a sign.
Cut Vinyl Graphics
Cut vinyl offers unmatched sharpness and durability. It adheres securely to ACM, resists shrinkage, and ages well in high UV light. For designs with solid colours, bold lettering, or simple branding layouts, cut vinyl is the most stable and longest-lasting method. Many businesses choose cut vinyl for its clean aesthetic and its reliability over long periods.
Laminated Digital Prints
When full-colour graphics are required, printed vinyl applied to ACM is the standard solution. Lamination protects the print from UV light, weathering, and abrasion, significantly extending its lifespan. High-quality print-and-laminate systems typically stay vibrant for five to seven years, with premium systems offering extended warranties. Laminated print is ideal for retail frontage, hoardings, promotional panels, and interior displays that rely on graphic detail.
Direct UV Print
While direct-to-panel printing is efficient for large production runs or interior panels, it has limited UV resistance in outdoor environments unless laminated. This method is best used for temporary exterior signage, interior branding, or budget-driven short-term applications.
Layered Graphic Combinations
ACM allows layered combinations of graphic methods. A common approach uses a printed background with cut vinyl lettering over the top, or an ACM tray panel with printed vinyl and raised acrylic lettering. These techniques provide visual depth and add premium detail to shopfronts and office signage.
Lifespan & Maintenance of ACM Signage
ACM panels have a long natural lifespan, often exceeding a decade, while the graphics applied to the surface determine when the sign needs refreshing. Understanding this distinction helps clients budget realistically and maintain their signage effectively.
Panel Lifespan
ACM panels generally last ten to twelve years or more outdoors in New Zealand. The aluminium skins resist corrosion, and the composite core prevents swelling or warping. Indoors, ACM can last indefinitely.
Graphic Lifespans
Graphic systems vary in durability:
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Direct UV print: typically two to three years outdoors.
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Unlaminated printed vinyl: two to three years before noticeable fading.
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Laminated printed vinyl: five-year warranties with five to seven years of practical lifespan.
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Premium laminate systems: up to seven-year warranties, often lasting six to eight years.
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Cut vinyl: the longest-lasting option, offering real-world durability of six to ten years.
The graphics—not the panel—are usually the reason a sign eventually needs refreshing.
Signs of Ageing
Over time, exterior graphics may fade, chalk slightly, or experience minor shrinkage at edges. ACM panels themselves typically remain structurally sound, even when the applied graphics are past their best.
Maintenance Recommendations
Cleaning ACM signage once or twice a year with mild detergent helps prolong graphic life. Abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, and high-pressure washing near edges should be avoided. Regular cleaning also improves the visual appearance and reduces heat and dirt accumulation that can accelerate UV degradation.
When Panels Need Replacing
Most ACM panels are replaced only during a full rebrand or when physically damaged. Panels can often be re-skinned with new graphics without removing the substrate, making ACM a cost-effective long-term signage base.
Installation Methods for ACM
ACM is one of the most installation-friendly signage materials, and its flexibility allows it to be used across a wide range of environments and mounting systems.
Mechanical Fixings
The most common installation method uses screws or rivets. ACM accepts these fixings cleanly and does not crack or shatter like acrylic. Mechanical fixings provide strong resistance to wind load and ensure secure installations on surfaces such as timber, steel framing, masonry, or cladding. Decorative standoff bolts can be used when a premium aesthetic is desired.
Framing & Substructures
Larger ACM panels or signs installed on uneven surfaces often require framing. Timber battens, aluminium extrusion, or steel frames create a flat, stable base for the ACM. This approach is particularly useful for long shopfront fascias, plinth signs, and installations in high-wind zones.
Adhesive Systems
For interior applications or situations where visible fixings are undesirable, ACM can be installed using high-strength adhesives or VHB tapes. These methods create a clean, seamless appearance but require a stable, clean substrate and are not recommended for large exterior panels exposed to strong wind forces.
Installation Environment & Access
Outdoor installs may require boom lifts, scaffolding, weather considerations, and multiple installers for safe handling of large sheets. Cladding type, wall condition, and wind exposure all influence fixing choices. Professional installation ensures the panel remains secure and visually consistent over time.
Tray Panels & Folded ACM
ACM can be routed and folded to form tray panels, creating clean edges and hidden fixings. Tray panels provide a premium architectural appearance and additional rigidity, making them a common choice for high-end retail and corporate signage.
Interior vs Exterior Applications
ACM performs extremely well both indoors and outdoors, but certain characteristics make it particularly effective in specific environments.
Indoor Use
Indoors, ACM is used for reception signage, directional and wayfinding systems, menu boards, decorative wall panels, office branding, and showroom displays. Its resistance to warping ensures that interior panels remain perfectly flat, even in areas with heating, air-conditioning, or moisture.
More Interior Branding info can be found here
Exterior Use
Outdoors, ACM is one of the most reliable signage materials available. It remains stable under strong sunlight, rain, temperature fluctuations, and coastal conditions. It is a preferred choice for shopfronts, building signage, plinths, construction hoardings, and outdoor retail branding.
More Exterior Signage info can be found here
When Other Materials Are Better Indoors
Certain interior applications may favour acrylic for its glossy, premium finish or Paylite for lightweight temporary signage. ACM is excellent for long-term installations but not always necessary for short-term interior displays.
When Other Materials Are Better Outdoors
In rare cases, environments exposed to heavy impact—such as industrial yards—may benefit from solid aluminium or steel substrates. Extremely large engineered structures may also require specialised materials or deeper structural systems, though ACM can still be used as the face skin over engineered frameworks.
Safety & Fire Ratings of ACM in New Zealand
ACM is widely used across both interior and exterior commercial signage in New Zealand, but there are distinctions between PE-core and FR-core panels that are important in certain regulated environments.
PE-Core ACM (Standard Signage Grade)
PE-core ACM is the most commonly used material for signage. It offers excellent rigidity, a long lifespan, and strong resistance to weathering. For nearly all exterior installations, and for most interior commercial signage, PE-core ACM is entirely acceptable and widely specified throughout the industry.
Because signage is considered a decorative element rather than a structural building component, standard ACM is suitable for wall-mounted shopfronts, plinth signs, hoardings, directional signage, and fascia panels.
FR-Core ACM (Fire-Retardant)
Fire-retardant ACM includes mineral additives that slow flame spread and produce less smoke. This makes FR ACM appropriate for specific interior environments where building code or engineering documentation requires FR-rated materials. These environments may include hospitals, airports, commercial lobbies, and enclosed public spaces.
While FR ACM provides peace of mind in higher-spec projects, the majority of everyday signage does not require it.
Building Code Considerations
In New Zealand, the regulations governing cladding materials do not apply to signage. Signs are treated as decorative fixtures rather than building envelope components. As long as ACM is used as intended—mounted to frames, walls, or brackets—it fits within compliance boundaries for typical commercial use.
Where strict compliance is required, signage suppliers or installers can offer documentation for specific product fire ratings, ensuring the appropriate grade is selected for sensitive environments.
Pricing Factors in ACM Signage
The cost of ACM signage varies depending on the material specifications, the graphic system applied, installation complexity, and any fabrication required. Understanding these factors helps clients make informed decisions and plan budgets realistically.
Material Specifications
Larger or thicker panels cost more, as do premium brands such as Alpolic with heavier skin gauges and architectural coatings. Choosing 4 mm over 3 mm ACM, or selecting oversized sheets to avoid joins, can increase material cost but often improves long-term structural integrity and appearance.
Graphic System Costs
Graphics make up a significant portion of ACM signage pricing. Cut vinyl is typically the most cost-effective long-lasting option. Laminated prints cost more due to the printing and lamination process but allow full-colour branding. Specialty vinyls, metallic films, and textured finishes add additional cost. 3D acrylic lettering can significantly enhance appearance but also increases overall price.
Fabrication Requirements
More complex signage—such as tray panels, routed edges, folded returns, stencil-cut faces, or integrated acrylic elements—requires additional labour and machinery time. CNC routing, V-grooving, and folding add fabrication cost but create a premium architectural finish.
Installation Complexity
The mounting environment plays a major role in overall cost. Installations that require boom lifts, scaffolding, difficult access, structural framing, or multi-person teams will cost more than simple wall-mounted or interior placements. Removal of existing signage, patching of old mounting points, or preparation of uneven surfaces may also contribute to final pricing.
Long-Term Value
While ACM signage may be more expensive upfront than temporary materials, its lifespan and stability significantly lower long-term costs. Many ACM panels can be re-skinned with new graphics, reducing future brand refresh costs and minimising waste.
For a full breakdown of signage pricing across all materials, see our New Zealand Business Signage Cost Guide.
When ACM Isn’t the Best Choice
Although ACM excels in most signage applications, there are situations where alternative materials are more appropriate.
Illuminated Signage & Lightboxes
Acrylic or polycarbonate is preferred for backlit and edge-lit signage because of its translucency and even light diffusion. ACM can be used for the structure or the tray but is not suitable as an illuminated face.
High Impact or Industrial Environments
Areas exposed to significant impact—such as loading zones, industrial yards, or heavy equipment pathways—may require solid aluminium, steel, or specialised impact-resistant panels. ACM can dent under direct force even with thick skins.
Deep 3D Shaping or Moulding
Acrylic, PVC, or thermoformed plastics are better suited for highly contoured 3D designs. ACM can be routed and folded but cannot be deeply moulded. For information on Acrylic, see our Complete Acrylic Guide
Short-Term Interior Displays
For temporary interior signage or events, lightweight materials such as corflute, foamboard, or Paylite may be more economical. Using ACM in these scenarios may be unnecessary unless rigidity or a premium appearance is required.
Strict Fire-Rating Zones
In architecturally sensitive interior spaces, FR ACM may be required instead of standard PE-core material. Some rare environments may require non-composite materials altogether.
Decorative Timber Aesthetic Requirements
If a natural timber texture is needed and authenticity is important, real timber or engineered timber products provide a more convincing appearance than ACM, even with a printed wood finish.
Sustainability & Recycling Considerations
Sustainability in signage is an evolving conversation, and ACM presents a mix of strengths and challenges in this area.
Longevity as an Environmental Benefit
One of the strongest sustainability advantages of ACM is its long lifespan. Because a typical panel can last more than a decade, and because many panels can be re-skinned without replacing the substrate, ACM reduces material turnover and long-term waste. This longevity means fewer replacements compared to corflute, PVC, or plywood-based substrates.
Recyclability Challenges
ACM can technically be recycled, but the bonded nature of the aluminium skins and the polyethylene or mineral core makes separation difficult. While some international facilities do recycle ACM, options in New Zealand are limited, and most used ACM currently cannot enter standard recycling streams. This challenge is shared broadly across composite materials.
Re-Skinning and Reuse
When branding changes, many ACM signs can be re-covered with new graphics instead of replacing the underlying panel. Old panels can also be cut down and reused for smaller signs, making efficient use of material already in circulation.
Alternative Materials
For interior or short-term applications, PVC-free boards or lightweight recyclable substrates may be better choices. In exterior environments, however, these alternatives are often far less durable than ACM, meaning ACM still offers the most practical balance between longevity and environmental impact.
ACM Projects
JP Auto Center Fascia Lettering Upgrade
We Roof Limited Roadside Plinth/Stacker ACM Signage
NZ Breakers Promotional Container Fit-Out
MTF Henderson Exterior & Interior Signage Fit-Out
If you’re budgeting for a full signage project, our Signage Cost Guide covers building signage, vehicle wraps, interior branding and more.
Glossary of ACM Terms
ACM — Aluminium Composite Material, consisting of two aluminium skins bonded to a composite core.
PE Core — Polyethylene core used in standard ACM.
FR Core — Fire-retardant core used in regulated interior environments.
Skin Gauge — The thickness of each aluminium face, typically between 0.15–0.50 mm.
Tray Panel — A folded ACM panel with concealed fixings and finished returns.
V-Groove Routing — Routing technique used to fold ACM cleanly without breaking the aluminium skins.
Cut Vinyl — Pre-coloured adhesive vinyl cut into lettering or shapes.
Printed Vinyl — Digitally printed vinyl applied to ACM for full-colour graphics.
Lamination — Clear protective film applied over printed vinyl to increase UV resistance.
Direct UV Print — Ink cured directly onto the ACM surface using UV light.
Cast Vinyl — High-performance, long-life vinyl film used for premium signage.
Polymeric Vinyl — Mid-range vinyl film suitable for general-purpose applications.
Substrate — The base material a graphic is applied to (in this case, ACM).
Standoffs — Decorative spacers that hold signage off the wall for depth.
Battening — Using framing or battens behind a sign to create a flat surface.
Edge Capping — Trim applied to exposed panel edges.
Re-Skinning — Applying new graphics over an existing sign without replacing the panel.