Digital Printing on Aluminium Composite Panels
Used everywhere from luxury retail to construction site hoarding and museum graphics, ACP materials are engineered for results that last — and look exceptional doing it.
Explore ACP options in the Rigid category on Substrate Bank.
What Are Aluminium Composite Panels?
Aluminium Composite Panels consist of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polyethylene or fire-retardant core. They offer a metallic surface feel with lightweight handling, and are ideal for UV direct printing, routing, and mounting.
Common brands: Dibond®, AluPanel®, Reynobond®, ACM
Applications include:
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Outdoor signage and totems
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Corporate identification panels
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Shopfront and interior branding
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High-end exhibition and museum graphics
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Real estate and construction signage
See ACP options in the Rigid category.
Advantages of Aluminium Composite Panels
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Exceptionally flat surface: Perfect for photographic or graphic clarity
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Durable and weather-resistant: Long-term outdoor use with minimal degradation
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Premium aesthetic: Available in brushed, glossy, matte, or colored finishes
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Easy to fabricate: Cut, rout, drill, or bend with precision tools
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Double-sided options: Use both faces for efficiency or transparency
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Fire-rated options available: Essential for architectural and interior installations
Challenges and Considerations
| Challenge | Detail |
|---|---|
| Higher material cost | ACP is premium — better suited for permanent installations or high-end brands |
| Weight in large formats | While lighter than solid metal, ACP still requires mounting hardware for stability |
| Edge finishing | Cut edges may expose the core — use trim caps or edge paint for polished installs |
| Ink adhesion | Requires clean, dust-free surface and proper UV ink settings for adhesion |
| Non-recyclable cores | Some panels use polyethylene cores — check for fire-retardant or recyclable variants |
Where ACP Shines Brightest
1. Retail Storefronts & Interior Branding
Create sleek, long-term brand graphics or wayfinding with high-gloss, brushed, or matte-finish panels.
2. Corporate Identity Signage
Durable enough for permanent outdoor signs and sharp enough for prestige indoor branding.
3. Museum, Exhibit & Gallery Graphics
Use routed, layered, or shaped ACP panels to create dimensional visuals and permanent installations.
4. Architectural & Construction Displays
Site hoardings, development visuals, and sales signage benefit from ACP’s longevity and weather resistance.
Best Practices for Printing on ACP
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Use UV flatbed printers with optimized ink profiles for aluminium
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Clean panels thoroughly before printing — remove all oils and protective films
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Use foam roller or air gun to eliminate static and dust before feeding
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Handle with gloves to avoid fingerprints and oxidation
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For longevity, consider a clear coat or laminate for UV and scratch protection
Explore Aluminium Composite Panels on Substrate Bank
At Substrate Bank, you can:
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Filter rigid boards by core type, finish, and thickness
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Find ACP substrates rated for UV direct to substrate printing
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Compare brushed vs matte vs high-gloss surfaces
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Identify fire-retardant or recyclable core options
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Access cutting, routing, and mounting recommendations
Final Thought: Built to Be Seen — and Stay Seen
Aluminium Composite Panels are more than just rigid substrates — they’re premium display surfaces built for longevity, precision, and visual confidence. Whether you're crafting a corporate identity wall or a museum timeline, ACP gives your print the strength and elegance it deserves.
Substrate Bank helps you find and specify the right ACP — with the surface quality, technical backing, and print compatibility to match.