panatrim style sign question

[David Rogers]

quote Alistair Richards:

Hi,

Not really used this much before. Is it best to use acrylic in a frame or alu composite, what are the pros cons? How well does acrylic drill and screw to if using flat cuts?

Also, I am right in saying a frame allows for a 5/6mm panel, if I were to use 3mm alu composite would I have to stick a strip to the back to make to thickness up to stop the 3mm panel rattling in the frame?

Thanks for any help

Either material is fine. Alu-comp will be cheaper than acrylic, but can lack the ‘perfect’ high gloss surface of the thicker acrylic.

Acrylic is OK to drill & mount flat-cut letters to IF you choose the screw size right and JUST tighten it up to reduce the stress and risk of chipping….no issues there with alu-comp.

Depending on the size i may or may not pack out my trim when using alu comp. If it’s a big sign, but just one panel – I’ll introduce a SLIGHT curve in the material so it springs against the frame. If it’s a small one, or multi-panel – packer d/s taped to the rear.

If you are HANGING the panels in the trim – just use your normal hanging strips (but screwed though for added security) with an alu offcut on the rear. I rarely hang alu comp preferring to drop or pop in and then put the last side of trim on.

Dave

[Mike D]

deleted

[Alistair Richards]

Thanks for excellent reply David,

If my sign was 2800 x 700mm landscape, and I did it in acrylic, when pushing the flat cuts into locators after panel has been installed in frame would the panel flex to such a point as to risk of cracking it, if that makes sense.

Also, if I was to use 3mm alu comp instead, which to be honest I’d feel happier using, would it just be some 3mm thick offcuts I could tape to the back, or would they have to be 2mm thick?

Thanks

Ali

[David Rogers]

quote Alistair Richards:

Thanks for excellent reply David,

If my sign was 2800 x 700mm landscape, and I did it in acrylic, when pushing the flat cuts into locators after panel has been installed in frame would the panel flex to such a point as to risk of cracking it, if that makes sense.

Also, if I was to use 3mm alu comp instead, which to be honest I’d feel happier using, would it just be some 3mm thick offcuts I could tape to the back, or would they have to be 2mm thick?

Thanks

Ali

No, no real risk of it cracking when pushing the letters on. Handy tip: Fully assemble the sign on the bench & simply pop on any that go over any joins when on site – saves on-site time too.

Given the size – it’s one panel and not that big – cut it 15mm under the external frame size and just slide / drop it in. If alu comp – put a bit of a curve in it end-to-end…it won’t rattle and no need for packers or hangers.