Acm Vs White Aluminum

[equippaint]

We have some smaller 14"x10" signs along with a couple that are 15x48. What is the benefit and reasoning for using ACM vs 063 or 080 white on white aluminum? With the exception of acm being cheap and fairly rigid in larger pieces are there any other benefits? Its so delicate and drives me nuts. We have a shear so cutting the thicker material isnt an issue.

 

[Joe House]

Strength to weight ratio is another win for ACM, but the per square inch strength is not so great, so a lot depends on how you're going to mount the signs. Also, ACM can be machined with regular woodworking blades and bits if you don't have a shear.
There's probably more to the comparison, but that's my take on the two.

 

[Billct2]

I agree, depends on how they are being used. .080 is stronger, less susceptible to bending and breaking than ACM, which is why it is still the preferred material for street signs that get mounted to u-channels.

 

[Gino]

There is no real reason for using ACM over sheet aluminum. ACM was brought to light because, due to it's being lightweight..... now any home based person can use it and cut it, any female person can do the same and most of all, it's cheaper cause you're using two pieces of .012 with a plastic middle vs .080 solid aluminum. It will also oxidize far far faster than sheet aluminum.

We use it, only to stay competitive with most other shops. It's by far a much more inferior product, but then, what do you expect of sh!t from China ??

 

[Chris Keena]

There is no real reason for using ACM over sheet aluminum. ACM was brought to light because, due to it's being lightweight..... now any home based person can use it and cut it, any female person can do the same and most of all, it's cheaper cause you're using two pieces of .012 with a plastic middle vs .080 solid aluminum. It will also oxidize far far faster than sheet aluminum.

We use it, only to stay competitive with most other shops. It's by far a much more inferior product, but then, what do you expect of sh!t from China ??

Any female person can do the same, haha.

 

[Gino]

Any female person can do the same, haha.

What's so funny ??

 

[Jester1167]

Explain the cost vs durability and let your customer decide what they are willing to pay for. That way you won't lose the job to someone using ACM while you bid .080 aluminum.