Experience with aluminum composites?

[signs20]

There have been several new products introduced in the last several years that have thin sheets of painted aluminum bonded together with polyethylene. Grimco calls it MaxMetal and Tubelite calls it their Elite Aluminum Composite. Has anyone had any long-term experience with this stuff - good or bad? Any problems with de-laminating or paint problems or other problems? This stuff could be a good replacement for plywood if it is durable.

Thanks.

 

[Gene@mpls]

I buy 50 sheets at a time (grimco sale) and have used it for years- no problems
yet. We will only use mdo if forced and then I tell them it will last for 2 years.

 

[J Hill Designs]

I have never seen it delaminate in the 8 or so years I've been using it

 

[Pro Image]

Its all that I buy anymore.....no more .040 or MDO for large sign around here......

 

[Mosh]

It is ALL we use for outdoor stuff. Been using it 6-7 years, super happy with it.

 

[Noffke Co.]

What are a few ways to cut material like MaxMetal, Polymetal and Alupanels alike? I have a SawTrax system which works really well but have not found the proper saw blades that last.

 

[CanuckSigns]

What are a few ways to cut material like MaxMetal, Polymetal and Alupanels alike? I have a SawTrax system which works really well but have not found the proper saw blades that last.

We cut ours on a table saw with a non-ferrous metal blade, run a quick de-burring tool along the edge and you're good to go

 

[J Hill Designs]

here:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...h4CICw&usg=AFQjCNGrlmt2NDI0uSmxwQ6bV1U8GpOxiQ

 

[ChicagoGraphics]

I use a utility knife to cut it when I have to, it gives you a nice clean edge.

 

[Sign Up Graphics]

Sign Up Graphics

Nice material to work with (aluminum composites)

 

[tattoo.dan]

I use a utility knife as well. Was using a circular saw, but with a utility knife, like Chicago said, super clean edge...

 

[CanuckSigns]

I use a utility knife as well. Was using a circular saw, but with a utility knife, like Chicago said, super clean edge...

really? every time i've tried this i end up with a super sharp edge on the back side, i've cut my hands on it a few times!

 

[2B]

its the only material we use, unless expressly told otherwise

 

[ShinySignage]

aluminum composite is popular here

 

[heyskull]

I have been using this material for years in the UK.
Only problem is after a couple of years sometimes you can get what looks like corrosion around the edges as if water is getting between the laminated parts.

SC

 

[Gene@mpls]

What are a few ways to cut material like MaxMetal, Polymetal and Alupanels alike? I have a SawTrax system which works really well but have not found the proper saw blades that last.

Safety Speed Cut has the correct blade- very clean cuts. Look for TCGS
(Carbide Tipped Triple Chip Grind Saw Blades)

 

[SD&F]

Good product.

 

[neil_se]

We use 50-60 sheets per month and have been using it for years. We used to cut with Stanley knife but now use a basic treadle/manual guillotine for cuts under 4' or CNC router for longer cuts.

 

[BBworks]

Alupanel

Its all that I buy anymore.....no more .040 or MDO for large sign around here......

Im with you on this one, NO MORE WOOD! No more sealing or painting edges. We use Alupanel and Ecopanel all the time. Our customers love it. Installing is a breeze, cutting and drilling is so easy for anyone.

 

[MIMO]

+1 on the dibond etc but anyone using the 6mm or 10mm product out there with the corrugated polyeth core? Here they call it Alumalite. I like it when sliding panels into aluminum extrusion frames...fits snug without the need to shim the 3mm solid core product.