Materials / Aluminium Composite
Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP)
Aluminium-faced composite sheet for architectural cladding, signage, and facades.
3-4mm
Sheet thickness
10+ years
Outdoor finish life
5kg/m2
Weight (3mm)
Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP, also called ACM, Signbond, Alpolic, Dibond) is a flat, lightweight, dimensionally stable panel made by sandwiching a polyethylene core between two thin aluminium skins. It carries a true painted aluminium finish at a fraction of the weight, machines and folds cleanly on standard CNC equipment, and has become the default substrate for premium signage, shopfront cladding, vehicle wraps and architectural infill across Australia.
Sizes and formats we stock
ACP is stocked in 3mm and 4mm thickness, in standard 2440 x 1220mm and 3050 x 1500mm sheets. The 4mm grade is the workhorse for shopfronts and signage; 3mm is used for lighter signage and folded shapes. PE-core (standard) and FR-core (fire retardant) grades are both stocked.
Colours and finishes
White, black, silver, grey and a wide range of standard architectural colours are stocked. Premium finishes include brushed and mirror metallics, anodised look, wood-grain effect and high-gloss specialty colours. The aluminium skin carries a factory-applied painted finish that is durable, scratch-resistant and colour-stable for 10+ years outdoors.
ACP compared to acrylic and Foam PVC
ACP gives a painted aluminium finish at one fifth the weight of solid aluminium and at lower cost than fabricated metal panels. Compared to acrylic, it is opaque (no light transmission) but stronger, flatter and easier to fix without expansion brackets. Compared to Foam PVC, ACP is more rigid in large panels, lasts 10+ years outdoors with no fading, and is the right pick for permanent shopfront, fascia and architectural signage where appearance matters.
Why P&M Plastics for ACP work
We CNC-route ACP to client-supplied artwork files with V-groove folding for box-shaped letters and panels, and supply fabricated finished pieces for sign makers and shopfit contractors across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. V-grooving is the standard technique for folding ACP into 3D shapes: a 90-degree V is routed into the back skin, leaving the front painted face intact for a clean folded edge.
Key Properties
Common Applications
Project Gallery
How We Fabricate Aluminium Composite
We fabricate ACP using CNC routing for full sheet cuts and edge profiling, V-grooving for folded-edge dimensional signage and box letters, and saw cutting for straight cut-to-size. ACP folds cleanly along V-grooved lines without cracking the painted face. For assembly we use mechanical fasteners (countersunk bolts, pop rivets) and structural adhesives (3M VHB tape, structural silicone) for shopfront installation.
Buy Aluminium Composite Online
Shop at Perspex Online
Compare Materials
See how Aluminium Composite stacks up
Cut to Size Calculator
Get instant pricing online
Related Services
CNC Router Services
Computer-controlled CNC routing for precision plastic cutting, profiling, and engraving.
Custom Plastic Fabrication
Full-service plastic fabrication: designed, cut, welded, and assembled to your exact specifications.
Cut to Size Plastics
Plastic sheets, rods, and tubes cut to your exact dimensions from a wide range of materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PE-core and FR-core ACP? +
PE-core is the standard polyethylene core ACP, suitable for most signage and low-rise cladding. FR-core (fire-retardant) uses a mineral-filled core that meets AS 5113 for compliant facade applications and is required for any installation above 4 storeys in Australia under current building codes. For shopfront signage at ground level, PE-core is fine; for any compliant cladding work, specify FR-core.
Can ACP be folded? +
Yes, using V-grooving. We CNC-route a 90-degree V into the back skin of the panel, leaving the painted front face intact, then fold the panel along the groove. The folded edge is clean and sharp with no cracking. This is the standard technique for dimensional letters, box signs and folded fascia trims.
How long does ACP last outdoors? +
Standard ACP carries a 10-year factory warranty on colour stability and finish, and is rated for 15+ years of typical outdoor exposure before any noticeable fading. Premium grades extend this further. This is one of the reasons it is the default for permanent shopfront signage.
Can ACP be screen-printed or digital-printed? +
Yes. ACP accepts solvent, eco-solvent, UV and screen printing directly on the painted surface with no primer. Vinyl wraps adhere cleanly too. This makes it the default substrate for branded shopfront signage, vehicle panels and exhibition stands.
Will ACP burn? +
PE-core ACP will burn under sustained flame because of its polyethylene core, which is why FR-core grades exist for high-rise facade and compliant cladding work. For ground-level signage and low-rise applications, PE-core is fine. Always check the application against current building code requirements.
How do you fix ACP to a wall or structure? +
Common fix methods are mechanical fixings (rivets, screws through a frame), aluminium tray systems (panel folds into a tray and clips into a sub-frame), or structural adhesives such as 3M VHB tape and structural silicone. For shopfront installation we use a combination of mechanical fix at edges and adhesive at the centre to keep panels flat.
Can you cut ACP to a logo shape? +
Yes. CNC routing cuts ACP to any 2D shape from a vector file (DXF, DWG, AI, SVG, PDF) and produces a clean machined edge ready to install. For visible cut edges we route with a sharp single-flute cutter at moderate feed; for hidden edges any cutter will do.
Buy Aluminium Composite Online
Shop at Perspex Online
Compare Materials
See how Aluminium Composite stacks up
Cut to Size Calculator
Get instant pricing online
Need Advice?
Not sure if Aluminium Composite is right for your application? Our materials experts can help.
07 5535 7544Accepted File Formats
Cut to Size Calculator
Get instant pricing for plastic sheets cut to your exact dimensions. Choose your material, thickness, and measurements; order online with nationwide delivery.
Related Materials
More from Related
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Cost-effective, easy-to-form plastic sheets for signage, packaging, and vacuum forming.
Foam PVC (Foamex)
Lightweight, rigid foam board for signage, displays, and interior cladding.
Corflute (Corrugated Polypropylene)
Lightweight, fluted plastic sheet for signage, packaging, and temporary protection.
Other Materials
High-Density Polyethylene
Chemical-resistant, UV-stable engineering plastic. Available in sheets, rods & tubes for tanks, pipes, and industrial applications.
Polypropylene (PP)
Lightweight, food-grade plastic in sheets, rods & tubes for water treatment, chemical processing, and fabrication.
Acrylic (Perspex / PMMA)
Crystal-clear optical-grade plastic in sheets, rods & tubes for displays, signage, and protective barriers.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Versatile, cost-effective plastic in sheets, rods & tubes for piping, ducting, and chemical containment.
Nylon (Polyamide)
High-strength engineering plastic in sheets, rods & tubes for gears, bearings, and mechanical components.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Impact-resistant transparent plastic in sheets, rods & tubes for machine guards, glazing, and safety barriers.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Get an accurate quote within 24 hours. Provide your specs, drawings, or dimensions and our fabrication team will respond fast.