More Than a Soda Can, an Aluminum That's Tough - Aluminum Metal Signs
Most people have seen it on television or in a movie; some character insists upon smashing an aluminum beverage can against his head (ouch!) and the material crunches from five inches right down to two in one swift whack. This particular scene frequently leads people to think aluminum just isn't as robust as it really is. But it's all about the grade of thickness - and beverage containers usually are not that thick and durable, but an aluminum metal sign is!
Just what exactly does "grade of thickness" mean?
For instance, an individual, small real estate property sign you commonly see on display in yards is made of just one metal sheet which has a .040" grade of thickness.
While very lightweight, this grade offers exactly the same quality as thicker grades in sturdiness, weather resistance and design capabilities. Plus, you can easily pick your sign up and put it in to another yard with out straining your back. If you don't have to move your sign around often or plan on mounting it, a thicker grade of aluminum would be better to use in for your .
The next step up is just a few "grades" away!
Bigger metal signs generally call for a thicker gauge of aluminum. These larger signs are not built to stand alone but to be installed on flat surfaces like an inside wall in your small business or outside in a location with little traffic. Most sign businesses offer aluminum grades up to .083". Despite the fact that this is still relatively thin, your metal sign will not bend, warp or be crushed by with your head!
Is there something more robust than a .083" grade metal sign?
Of course there is! For larger tailor made aluminum signs that will be hung in between two standing posts or even placed on the top of your company building, we suggest one of the following aluminum-based sign products.
* ARMOUR-Wood: This is the strongest aluminum-based metal sign material currently available, and the name states it all. ARMOUR-Wood is a 1/2" piece of plywood sandwiched and sealed between two sheets of aluminum. Now that is one tough sign!
* Alumalite: This is an aluminum composite material (aluminum alloy composition) that actually falls right behind ARMOUR-Wood in terms of strength. It is nearly as thick, lighter in weight, and great for durability.
* Dibond: Although the least strong of these selections, Dibond is ten times the thickness and strength of a single panel of aluminum. A perfect selection for flexibility and durability when you need more than the .083" grade aluminum.
These types of signs require little or no maintenance and are made to last. You're able to entirely customize any of these options to meet your business needs. Not quite sure if you need one of the thicker grades of aluminum or not? Not an issue! One of our highly experienced team members at SignsUS will be glad to take you step-by-step through the selection process and help you pick the proper grade for your
Whether it's a metal real estate sign or an ARMOUR-Wood billboard to mount on top of your business, you can move forward knowing that your aluminum based signs are tough, strong and there for the long haul. And we wouldn't suggest even attempting to crush one of these signs against your head...you'd end up with quite the awful headache if you did!