Durable substrate

[sewfun52]

I am making new signs for tennis court nets. They are attached to the nets near the sides. I have used 3MM WHITE EPS UNMASKED EXPANDED PVC with a laminated vinyl sticker (2' x 2' round). The problem is that the players evidently think it's fun to tag the signs while playing and they break (the signs, not the players ;-)) on impact. Is there a sturdier material out there that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and that can easily be cut round? My closest supply center is in Vegas. The courts are outside.

 

[TXFB.INS]

you can get thicker PVC material. say 12mm or thicker.

otherwise the better option is to get ACM or aluminum 063 maybe 080
cutting these materials are easy with a jigsaw or a hand router and then come back with a file and clean the edges up

 

[Christian @ Visual Graphx]

ACP - Aluminum Composite Panel... It's not much more and far more durable!

 

[sewfun52]

Cutting ACM

I used a tool similar to a rotozip (or whatever they are called) to cut the PVC. Would that work on ACM? I have NO experience cutting ACM. With the PVC I drilled a hole in the center and used an attachment to keep the radius stable. I'm not that great at freehand but couldn't find anywhere to buy pre-cut blanks in that size.

 

[TXFB.INS]

ACM - aluminum composite material or ACP (they are both the same thing) can both be cut very easily by a rotozip.

we never freehand, if it is a lot of cut we will make a jig.
otherwise we will stick the graphics and have whatever shape is intended already on the graphics and then take pre-mask / transfer tape and cover the cut path.
This tape is clear enough to see and protects the graphics as you cut.
Again take the cut product and use a very fine file to clean the edges.

 

[Billct2]

or polycarbonate (lexan)