Alucobond

Description

[3A Composites, formerly Alusuisse Composites] A registered trademark for an inert, rigid Aluminum sandwich with a Low density polyethylene core. Alucobond® is an aluminum composite material, or ACM, that was first introduced in Europe in 1967 and in the U.S. in 1977. It is lightweight, strong and weather resistant. Industrially, Alucobond® is used for signs, canopies, exhibits, decks and wall panels. In museums, Alucobond® has been used for case construction and mounts.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Alucobond®; ACM; Dibond (3A Composites)

For comparison with alternates, see

• Foamboards/Support panels, 3A Composites

Applications

• interior and exterior architectural cladding
• soffits
• signage; graphic panels
• case-wall paneling
• inserts/risers
• stretcher/strainer

Personal Risks

• Nonflammable. Not considered health hazard as sold, but may produce fumes or dust when cut, abraded, welded or processed.
• Exercise caution in handling all edges.
• Alucobond: [SDS]

Collection Risks

Links to Oddy Test results posted on AIC Wiki Materials Database Pages for individual materials

° Alucobond Tested in 2017 (MMA, passed)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Aluminum sheets=Peraluman-100

• Aluminum thickness = 0.020 inches

As sold

• Nominal thickness: 4mm
• Nominal weight: 1.56 lb/ft2
• Moment of inertia: .000212 in4/in
• Section of modulus: .00275 in3/in
• Rigidity: 2143 lb-in2/in

Working Properties

Extremely versatile material: can be cut on wood or metal cutting saws or die-punched; milled/machined with router (CNC, router table or handheld), or metal-milling equipment; drilled with drill bits for wood or metal; bent using roll-bender (for gradual curves, minimum radius 2.36”) or break (for corners); fastened with rivets or screws (requires pre-drilling a pilot hole) or core material can be tapped for extremely lightweight applications. Store in flat dry area.

• Punching: video
• Jointing (fastening): video
• Contouring (machining/routing): video
• Bending: video

Forms and Sizes

Alucobond® is sold in thickness of 3, 4 and 6 mm with a variety of surface finishes.

Sheet widths

• Standard coil-coated width of 62”*
• Some finishes are stocked in 40”, 49.2” or 50”. Please refer to stock material list
• Custom widths of 40” and 50” available on request

Sheet lengths

• Standard coil-coated length of 196”
• Reflect Mirror is offered in 146”
• Custom lengths for coil coating: maximum 400” - Custom lengths for anodized: maximum 216”

Resources and Citations

• AlucobondUSA: [website]
• Alucobond: [Technical Sheet]
• Exhibit Guidelines Technical Notes: Using Composite Panels in Exhibit Case Construction
• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002
• Website: www.alusuisse-comp.com/aluco_prop.html
• Website: Material Explorer at www.materialexplorer.com (Accessed Oct 27, 2005)