Material Substrates | Ashby™ Signage Options & Information

Substrates

50+ varieties of sheet materials stock on site at any one time
More than 100 different sheet sizes, materials and finishes

Overview

Choosing a substrate is always an important decision. Budget, appearance and life-expectancy of the sign all need consideration.

Depending on the project, two or three different substrates might be called for. Finding a supplier who can work in a range of substrates is a very important piece of the puzzle. Here at Ashby we understand that and have built up machinery and skills (as well as an industry-leading stock holding) to service all signage requirements. We can boast an unrivalled range of aluminium, acrylic, composites, foamboard, MDF and PVC on equally unrivalled lead- times.

We think that being a one-stop-shop is important but it doesn't mean being a jack of all trades and a master of none; speak to us for expert advice and guidance on a range of materials and products, or for advice on specific projects.

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Aluminium
Composite

Finish (Side 1/ Side 2)	Thickness	Sheet Sizes Available (ft)	Sheet Sizes (mm)
Mill / Grey (BS 381 693C)	12swg (2.64mm)	a) 10'x5', b) 8'x4', c) 6'x3'	d) 2100 x 1525mm e) 2000 x 1000mm
Mill / Mill	12swg (2.64mm)	a) 10'x5', b) 10'x4' c) 8'x4', d) 6'x3'	e) 2100 x 1525mm f) 2000 x 1000mm
Mill / Mill	04swg (10.16mm)		a) 2500 x 1250mm
Mill / Mill	05swg (5.39mm)		a) 2500 x 1250mm
Mill / White (RAL 9016 White)	16swg (1.63mm)		a) 2500 x 1250mm
Mill / Mill	16swg (1.63mm)		a) 2500 x 1250mm
Mill / Mill	18swg (1.22mm)		a) 2000 x 1000mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Aluminium is (as well as being the most common element on earth) one of the best available materials for the manufacture of signage. It is not only receptive to finishing materials (paints, vinyls etc.) but also malleable and particularly resistant to corrosion. Once the sign is finished it is recyclable so there are no nasty surprises once the sign reaches its end of life (although this shouldn't be a concern for many years!). Ashby Trade Sign Supplies is above all else a manufacturer of aluminium signage products (and we think a pretty good one). We pride ourselves on short lead times and high quality; it is, therefore, important we stock high-quality material in a range of sizes and quantities. Holding such a large range of sizes, thicknesses and finishes in stock means that we can always get a good cut, resulting in much less wastage. This means we can offer you a better price for your signage. Additionally, our large stock range allows us to offer a much shorter lead time for the majority of orders. Take a look at our aluminium specs for more information.

Composite (Variations)	Finish (Side 1/ Side 2)	Thickness O/A / Skin Thickness (mm)	Sheet Sizes Available (mm)
Hoarding	White (RAL 9016) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.12mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	White (RAL 9016) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Black (RAL 9005) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Red (RAL 3020) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Yellow (RAL 1021) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Blue (RAL 5002) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Ivory (RAL 1015) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Silver (RAL 9006) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Standard	Grey (RAL 7042) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Specialist	Brushed Silver / Mill Finish	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Specialist	Mirror / Mill Finish	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Traffic Grade Dibond	Traffic Grey (RAL 7042) Gloss / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Dibond	White (RAL 9016) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Black (RAL 9005) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Red (RAL 3020) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Yellow (RAL 1023) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Blue (RAL 5002) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Ivory (RAL 1015) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Silver (RAL 9006) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Dibond	Green (RAL 6005) Matt / Gloss	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist Dibond	Copper / Mill Finish	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist Dibond	Brushed Silver / Mill Finish	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist Dibond	Gold / Mill Finish	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist Dibond	Mirror / Mill Finish	3mm / 0.3mm	a) 2500 x 1250mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Aluminium composite (otherwise known as Dibond, Reynobond, Ibond etc.) is a material that comprises a low-density polyethylene core bonded between two very thin layers of aluminium. Composites are generally lightweight and cheap to produce making them an ideal material for the sign maker or end user on a budget. It can't (unfortunately) be recycled but that means it doesn't have any scrap value either; so if you're worried about your sign getting stolen this is the material for you. Ashby Trade Sign Supplies stocks a range of composites for a range of uses: from specialist, traffic grade composites through to lighter weight hoarding. We are pleased to be a Dibond specialist meaning that we get great rates on Dibond materials (so if you don't see your colour in stock we can almost certainly get it).

Acrylic
Foamboard

Finish (Colour)	Thicknesses (mm)	Sheet Sizes (mm)
Opal (Opaque)	3mm / 5mm / 10mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Blue	3mm / 5mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Green	3mm / 5mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Orange	3mm / 5mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Red	3mm / 5mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Yellow	3mm / 5mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Black	3mm / 5mm / 10mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
White	3mm / 5mm / 10mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Clear (Glass Effect)	3mm / 5mm / 10mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Green Tint (Glass Effect)	3mm / 5mm / 10mm	a) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Black	25mm	a) 3000 x 2000mm, b) 2000 x 1500mm
White	25mm	a) 3000 x 2000mm, b) 2000 x 1500mm
Clear (Glass Effect)	15mm/ 20mm / 25mm	a) 3000 x 2000mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Acrylic is a lightweight thermoplastic that, due to its shatter-resistant properties, is an ideal material for signage. It is an alternative to polycarbonate and is typically used where weight and flexural strength are more important than impact strength or thermal resistance. Acrylic is available in many colours and thicknesses according to requirement and is used in everything from flat wall signage to backing fret cut sign trays. It is a versatile and attractive material that gives a clean and professional appearance to any project. As with other stocked materials, multiple variations and sizes are used to give the best possible cut on the shortest possible lead time. Have a look at our stock acrylic specifications for further information (to the left).

Finish (Colour)	Thicknesses (mm)	Sheet Sizes (mm)
White	3mm / 5mm / 10mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm, b) 3050 x 1560mm (Note; 5/10mm (b) only)
Black	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Dark Blue	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Light Blue	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Green	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Grey	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Orange	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Red	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm
Yellow	5mm	a) 2440 x 1220mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Foamboard is a very lightweight, easily cut material. Frequently used for photograph mounting or as a backing for picture frames, Foamboard can also be used for signage (although mostly internally). Because it is so lightweight and easily malleable it is ideal for internally mounted flat cut letters (for example) and semi permanent signage. Prints and vinyls can be applied easily for when speed is necessary and it is a highly cost effective material (for when budget is a serious concern).