Aluminum composite

[knightsofni]

Hi I am not sure where to post this
Has anyone got experience with this product?

It forms well and is waterproof
Regards
Knights

[jonw]

Having the name of the product would help...

[knightsofni]

Having the name of the product would help...

I agree
Somebody brought it in to be sheared. They did not say what it is.
On the film it said Al Clad. Tried googling it and could not find it.
I wasn't sure if it was common stuff or not.
Knights

[Nobody]

Probably 'Alucobond', 'Dibond', 'Alumalite', or some other brand name aluminum sandwich material. They consist of two very thin sheets of aluminum (may or may not be painted/coated) bonded to a core of non-aluminum (generally some kind of thermoplastic) material of varying thickness depending on use. You can buy panels in various sizes (I've seen 'em as large as 6x12' & I'm pretty sure larger sizes are available). Not inexpensive, they're used a lot in commercial construction for ceilings, facades, signs, etc. They're lightweight & strong but sometimes do present problems for 'home builders' as they may require 'dedicated' type fasteners or joining equipment. I've used Alucobond to build portable 'truck' boxes for hunting dogs.

[knightsofni]

Thanks for your reply.
I am in the planning stages of my build and came across this stuff when someone brought it in to shear.
I found a supplier this morning and they sell it in 60" x 196" sheets, they will cut it down but they charge for the whole sheet $6 Cdn per square foot.
As you said not inexpensive!
With the right techniques I thought it would make a good skin / roof.
Thanks again
Knights

[mallymal]

I'm planning using this stuff when I start my build. In the uk you can even get 5x 10 sheets, which is useful.

They use it extensively in the signage industry.... Shop fronts etc, so it's definitely ok for uv exposure etc.

I'm thinking of just bonding it to a cookie cutter wall with vhb tape or some kinda rv adhesive/mastic. That would be strong, but I would use mechanical fixings got edge trim etc to be doubly sure.

The one unknown for me - especially as it's a painted finish, is how well it holds up to dings and scratches..... A shop front sign doesn't usually get towed down the highway ! Another uk builder used a black alu composite, and said he had some issues, but I guess there are varying prices and qualities and no doubt cheapo chinese copies of the original branded item, dibond.

[michaelrsydney]

Fantastic stuff!

I used it for the roof of my TD, just glued it directly to the spars. The edges were screwed down to the walls and covered with an edge trim. For me it was a far better solution than a plywood roof clad in aluminium... less work and zero chance of rot. It can be easily bent or even folded if you rout a grove on the inner surface.

[mikefree]

Thanks for your reply.
I am in the planning stages of my build and came across this stuff when someone brought it in to shear.
I found a supplier this morning and they sell it in 60" x 196" sheets, they will cut it down but they charge for the whole sheet $6 Cdn per square foot.
As you said not inexpensive!
With the right techniques I thought it would make a good skin / roof.
Thanks again
Knights

Hi Knights. Where did you find this? I am in fredericton nb and havent had much luck finding aluminum sheet.

[wyrdone]

Say I wanted to buy some of this stuff here in the states, When looking around what kind of stores should I call to ask or search for on the internet? (The idea of using this stuff for the roof skin appeals.)

[teddy]

Here in Holland it is sold by signshop suppliers and plastic suppliers. It's probably of no use for you, but If a dutchie ever needs it:

http://www.vinkkunststoffen.nl/
http://www.colltec.nl
http://kunststofshop.nl/

[knightsofni]

Sorry
I have not been on for a while.
I found this stuff at companies that do architectural building fronts / commercial doors. etc

[dales133]

aluminium stockists, big plastic places that sell perspex, styrofoam and plastic sheet or products and sign suply companies would be the go.
good range of natural finishes and colours too

[felixx]

Here in New Zealand these guys do it:
http://ullrich-aluminium.co.nz/rolled/signboard_composite_panels.php

I was thinking of using it in 4mm thick for the outsides of my build.
(6mm ply inside with a wooden frame nailed to it)

[dales133]

Ulrich is the brand I was looking at.
Still not sure witch way I'll go yet but there's is one of the better products

[Sheddie]

Hi Guys
I used acl from Ullrich. 3x1.5m sheets for the sides, 4.8x1.5 sheet for the roof. Mostly glued on with screws around the edges for the roof. The sides are glued and only have the screws that hold the doors. Would definitely use it again, it was easy to cut, bent over the curves easily and once it was on it was finished. After two years and more than 10,000kms it still looks good.