Dibond printing refers to the process of printing images or designs onto Dibond panels. This process produces quality metal sign prints. Dibond is a brand name for aluminum composite panels which consists of two thin sheets of aluminum bonded to a solid polyethylene core. These panels have become a popular material for direct print signage and direct print onto brushed aluminum for a unique metallic texture.
Dibond – Aluminum Composite Material, or ACM
Dibond panels are part of Aluminum Composite Material or ACM family. ACM panels are used for multiple applications from building materials to sign substrate. We will be focusing on the signage and advertising applications of ACM metal prints.
ACM panels provide a much better print surface than traditional aluminum signs. It is lightweight, durable, and rigid, making it a popular choice for signage, displays, and other applications where a stable and weather-resistant material is required.
ACM Brands used for Signage Applications
As mentioned Dibond is a popular brand of ACM used by sign professionals. There are number brands other than Dibond that make up the metal prints signage side of the ACM family. The top ACM brands after Dibond include Alupanel, E-panel, and Signabond. All are brands of ACM and feature two sheets of Aluminum with a black polyethylene core.
Dibond vs Aluminum Signs
While both Dibond and aluminum sheets are both waterproof and provide excellent outdoor durability. Dibond features some additional benefits that make it the more popular choice by sign producers for metal prints. Some of the advantages of Dibond printing compared to traditional signs.
- Lightweight – Dibond signs are relatively lightweight, making them easier to handle and install compared to solid aluminum signs.
- Rigidity The composite construction of Dibond provides excellent rigidity, allowing it to maintain its shape and resist bending or warping.
- Flatness -Dibond signs offer a high level of flatness, making them suitable for applications where a smooth surface is desired.
- Weather resistance Dibond is designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and sunlight. It is resistant to fading, rust, and corrosion.
- Printability – Dibond signs provide a smooth surface for printing graphics and text, allowing for vibrant and high-quality signage.
As you can see Dibond presents many benefits and is a ideal choice for signs. This is especially true for outdoor use.
Standard Dibond Printing Process
As mentioned, Dibond provides a high level of flatness, which provides an excellent print media. This “flatness” produces vibrant Dibond prints that offer high picture quality. In addition to robust print quality with brilliant colors, Dibond prints provide durable and lightweight solution for custom signage.
Dibond Printing on Larger Sizes
Direct printing onto the Dibond metal surface is possible on a flat bed printer using UV resistant inks. This Dibond printing process can create quality Dibond prints on full 4×8 Dibond signs.
This ability to accommodate and print larger sizes produces an extremely durable option for custom signs intended for outdoor use.
4x8Signs.com offers full 4×8 Dibond Signs Shipped to Your Door!
Big Tex Banners offers full size 4×8 aluminum Dibond signs, as well as a wide range of custom sizes for alu Dibond prints. Choose any custom size from 36″ by 36″ or larger for direct print Dibond signs.
Our Aluminum Dibond prints feature a durable water resistant print with brilliant colors that will make your message stand out and demand attention.
FREE Shipping Aluminum Dibond Signs
4x8Signs.com makes it easy to order large aluminum Dibond outdoor signs. If you are needing a a large Dibond print, but was afraid of what the freight might cost. 4x8Signs.com offers FREE shipping on all our Dibond Signs. This includes any custom size Dibond print.
Applied Dibond Print
Another option for customizing a Dibond signs is applying a vinyl print to the Dibond metallic surfaces instead of printed directly onto the aluminum Dibond. This process of applying a vinyl print instead of direct print is used a lot on smaller Dibond signs. 4x8Signs.com never uses applied prints on Dibond signs, and only offers the more reliable direct printing with U.V. Resistant Inks and lamination.
Cost Effective Process
The main reason for using applied graphics instead of direct print on smaller Dibond signs is cost. On smaller orders it is not cost effective for directly printing on the Dibond for standard signage. Dibond Signs using the applied print process may not offer same outdoor durability of our direct print Dibond printing. Especially around the edges where print can separate.
Dibond Printing with Custom Shapes
4x8Signs.com offers the option for custom shaped dibond signs. If you need custom shape Dibond signs printed contact us for details and pricing.
Dibond Printing Summary
- Dibond Signs can be customized a direct printing process or applied graphic process.
- Direct Print on Dibond utilizes a flat bed printer that allows direct print of larger signs including 4×8.
- Dibond Signs are sometimes customized using an applied graphic process which is is less reliable than direct printing.
- Direct Print Dibond utilizes U.V. cured inks and the most dependable process.
- FREE Shipping on all Printed Dibond signs.
- Wholesale Pricing on Bulk Orders –Submit Quote for Large Orders.