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
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.
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)