From architectural signage and museum exhibits to wayfinding systems and luxury branding, aluminium panels are the high-end substrate for serious visual impact.
Let’s explore how these materials work, what makes them unique, and where they shine in digital print applications.
Most aluminium panels used in digital printing are aluminium composite panels (ACPs). These consist of two thin sheets of aluminium bonded to a polyethylene (PE) or mineral-filled core, resulting in a lightweight yet extremely rigid board.
These panels are:
UV-printable with a smooth, coated surface
Weatherproof and corrosion-resistant
Fire-rated variants available for interior and architectural use
Dimensionally stable — they won’t warp or bow over time
Available in various finishes (matte, gloss, brushed metal, or custom colors)
Architectural signage
Outdoor wayfinding and building IDs
Museum or gallery wall-mounted displays
Luxury retail branding and placards
Frameless art reproductions and photo panels
Corporate and institutional signage
Transportation hubs, airports, and universities
Anywhere that demands longevity, sleek aesthetics, and rigid strength, aluminium panels deliver.
Aluminium panels are best printed with:
UV flatbed printers — for strong ink adhesion, sharp detail, and fast curing
Latex and solvent inks are generally not recommended unless using specific pre-treated panels or primers
Print tips:
Clean panel surface prior to printing — use isopropyl alcohol or manufacturer-recommended cleaner
Test for ink adhesion, especially if using third-party panels
Allow printed panels to cure fully before cutting, routing, or installing
White ink may be used on brushed or metallic surfaces for vivid contrast
Durable enough for long-term indoor/outdoor use
Dimensionally stable — stays flat in extreme weather or humidity
Smooth, professional finish — enhances photo and graphic detail
Fire-rated variants available for regulated environments
Sleek, modern aesthetic — especially in frameless displays
Use Substrate Bank to find aluminium panels by core type (PE vs. FR), surface finish, and compatibility.
Cut using CNC router, panel saw, or shear cutter
Drill or V-groove for architectural mounting
Use edge trim, standoffs, or direct wall mounting depending on design
Handle with gloves — aluminium is prone to scratching
Store flat, ideally with protective film on until post-install
Aluminium is highly recyclable, and many ACPs are produced using recycled content
Look for low-VOC coatings or non-toxic core materials for interior use
Flame-retardant (FR) cores meet ASTM E84 or EN13501-1 ratings — often required in public buildings
Printable aluminium panels are where form meets function — offering unmatched strength, elegance, and permanence. For projects where precision and polish matter, these boards provide the kind of foundation that makes your graphics look like they belong on the wall, the building, or the brand.
Because in digital print, when the message matters most, you want a material that’s built to last — and look good doing it.