6mm ACM or .080 Aluminum?

[Billct2]

I have a job to do replacing 4'x10' panels. They are installed on a steel frame up high in a windy area. (I'm not doing the install).
The frame goes around the whole perimeter of the sign.
The existing panels appear to be ACM, but can't tell for sure without removing them and that can't be done till the replacements are ready.
I can get 6mm ACM or .080 Aluminum for about the same price.
Which would you use?

 

[J Hill Designs]

the only issue against ACM is it that the bolts could be pushed THROUGH the panel with a large enough gust of wind, due to the very thin aluminum sheeting

 

[Moze]

Agreed, I would use aluminum.

 

[eahicks]

Banner material, with windslits. :Big Laugh

 

[Bretbyron]

the only issue against ACM is it that the bolts could be pushed THROUGH the panel with a large enough gust of wind, due to the very thin aluminum sheeting

This^^^^

I have seen torn ACM/Alumapanel before.

 

[skyhigh]

The frame goes around the whole perimeter of the sign.

Bill, when you say "frame"..... is there some type of 'retainer" holding the sign in? If that is the case, I'd go with the 1/4" ACM. It won't flex as much in the wind.
If no retainer, then go with the .080

 

[Billct2]

It has a steel angle iron frame all the way around perimeter that it get bolted to.

 

[skyhigh]

I would be comfortable with the 6mm ACM with the frame on one side and enough fender washers on the other.
I personally have never seen 6mm tear (unlike the 3m)...... but will go with J Hill's expertise on this one.

 

[FireSprint.com]

The .080 aluminum is a more durable product in general. It's heavier and somewhat harder to work with though. DOT trusts .080 aluminum.

 

[skyhigh]

The .080 aluminum is a more durable product in general. It's heavier and somewhat harder to work with though. DOT trusts .080 aluminum.

A lot of the larger panels for DOT (mutcd) are .125.
I seem to recall, even a 4x3 panel is spec'd for .125 and not .080
(a little bit of worthless trivia for ya)))))