We Still Recommend Aluminium for Most Signage

Aluminium vs Aluminium Composite: Which Is Better for Sign Making?

At Ashby Trade Sign Supplies, we openly advocate for aluminium in most sign manufacturing scenarios. But that doesn’t mean aluminium composite materials (ACM) don’t have their place. Both materials offer distinct advantages depending on the requirements of the project. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each.

Aluminium: Durable, Versatile and Recyclable

Why we prefer it

Aluminium remains our go-to material thanks to its exceptional strength, long lifespan, and fabrication flexibility. Unlike steel, it won’t rust, with exposed surfaces naturally developing a stable oxidised layer that acts as a protective barrier against corrosion. It’s also lightweight and structurally strong, allowing us to fabricate complex or large-scale signs without excessive bulk.

Finishing flexibility

Aluminium must typically be powder coated or overlaid with vinyl or print to achieve a coloured or textured finish. The benefit, however, is total control and allowing for highly customised aesthetics with superior durability. Powder coating adds both visual appeal and an additional layer of protection.

Mounting variation

Aluminium can have sign clip fixing rails mechanically rivetted or welded, as well as being strong enough for sign trays with externally mounted posts.

Environmental credentials

Aluminium is near-infinitely recyclable. While initial production is undeniably energy-intensive, recycling requires just 5% of that initial energy cost, and with no degradation in quality. All our extrusions include at least 20% recycled material, and we recycle 100% of our aluminium waste. Our billet is sourced from hydro-powered plants to further reduce our carbon impact.

ACM: Cost-Effective and Convenient for Everyday Signage

Why it’s popular

ACM is a cost-effective alternative, especially for flat panels and non-structural signage. With a polyethylene core bonded between two thin aluminium skins, ACM offers good rigidity at a fraction of the weight and the price of solid aluminium. It also comes pre-finished in a wide variety of colours and metallic effects, saving time and finishing costs.

Ease of use

Modern ACMs have improved in stability and workability, with strong core bonding making them suitable for both indoor and short to medium-term outdoor use and even CNC routing, making them a practical option for many everyday applications. It's construction makes for very light weight signage, which can be a real positive for ease of installation.

Environmental considerations

Recycling ACM is more complex. The aluminium skins must be separated and cleaned, while the polyethylene core requires separate processing. Due to this complexity and its low scrap value, ACM is less likely to be targeted for theft; an unfortunate but practical advantage in some public-facing installations. At Ashby, we’ve partnered with Perspex Distribution for their unmatched "closed-loop" product system - they collect then recycle all ACM offcuts, further reducing wastage.

Which Should You Choose?

This really boils down to your specific needs on a project-by-project basis, and what the end goals are for your signage.

Choose aluminium for structural strength, long-term durability, full customisation, and unmatched recyclability.

Choose ACM for cost savings, pre-finished simplicity, light weight, and efficient panel production where structural strength isn’t a primary requirement.

Both aluminium and composite signage can be found in our Component Shop and our 3D Sign Builder. For more bespoke manufacture please get in touch or fill out an enquiry form on our Sign Systems pages.

Need Help?

Contact our team weekdays 8am–6pm on 0118 981 5343, or email sales@ashbytrade.co.uk.