Attributes: Four significant attributes distinguish this composite material made from aluminium and polyethylene: low weight, perfect flatness, high rigidity and weather-resistance.

In order it ensure that the plastic/metal composite Dibond will be recycled properly (sorted to types) the company Alcan Singen GmbH, which is the first and, until now, only producer of alu/PE composite panels, has put in place a system whereby all Dibond waste can be returned to any of their trading partners. At special facilities the material is separated to type and then reused.

The extremely high quality of the lacquer used allows any objects made from Dibond to be reused many times because even the removal and exchange of adhesive films covering the entire surface of the material does not leave any traces.

Applications: Because the panels can be successfully printed, sprayed, painted and laminated as well as glued with films or paper, they are a great material for making signboards.

Its dimensional stability, durability and the fact that it is easy to work with predestined Dibond for use in the construction of displays, furniture or trade booths. By means of chamfering and bending or folding, a multiplicity of three-dimensional forms can be created.

In order to provide protection for the edges of Dibond from moisture when outdoors or in case a frame for the panel is required, we have the aluminium DIBOND U-CHANNEL STRIPS on offer.

Treatment: When stored, Dibond should be protected from rain or splashing water. The protective film should not be removed until whatever work being done is finished.

Dibond panels can be both screen and digital printed (flat-bed printer), can be spray and brush painted and provide a great surface for adhesive films. Its perfect flatness and flawless surface are the basis for the excellent lamination of adhesive films or dispersion adhesives to the extent that even large photographs can be affixed without any problems.

Cutting Dibond can be done using a table saw, circular saw, jigsaw and guillotine shears; curved cuts can be made with a SCROLL SAW but even more professionally with a CNC milling machine or by means of a water jet. Holes can be drilled using metal drill bits.

Punching work can be done on the panel using a band steel punching tool on a crucible or a sheet steel punching machine. In order to fold the sheet the so-called “mill-folding technique” is employed: grooves are cut on the reverse side of the panel using a profiling or disc-milling cutter. In doing so, the aluminium top sheet and part of the polyethylene core remain as they were. The reduced thickness of the remaining material makes it possible for the folding to be done by hand – an edging or folding machine is not necessary. The shape and size of the grooves determines the radius of the fold. If the panels are bent without doing the mill cuts beforehand they will exhibit a similar spring-back effect to that of solid steel sheets.

Joining and fixing work can be done with the usual screws and rivets or by welding the PE core with a hot air plastic welding machine and PE welding rods or by gluing. Gluing is best done using metal adhesives for aluminium (e.g. EPOXY TWO COMPONENT GLUES) or two-sided adhesive tapes. For joining and fixing that can be separated and reapplied it is good to use Velcro tapes like, for instance, the sturdy DUAL LOCK.

If screws are to be used in an outdoor application the resulting hole should allow enough play that the panel can expand without creating waviness. We will be glad to supply you with more complete information about processing Dibond panels upon inquiry.