Advertising, architecture, and interior design all use printing on aluminum composite panels (ACP or ACM). ACP consists of a three-layer sandwich panel made up of two pre-painted aluminum sheets that are bonded to either a polyethylene (PE) core or a fire-resistant core. This composite structure provides ACPs with several advantages, such as lightweightness and strength. Additionally, ACMs are very durable, making them ideal for various applications, including architectural cladding, signage, and interior design.

Advantages of composite panels

ACM material has several advantages when it comes to signage printing. These include:

  • Durability: This material can withstand various weather conditions, including rain, moisture, and UV light from the sun. These properties make it excellent for both interior and exterior use.
  • Lightweight yet strong: Although this material is lightweight, its construction provides remarkable strength, making it easy to install and move around.
  • Smooth and flat surface: When utilizing UV flatbed printers, smooth materials facilitate printing. For this reason, ACPs offer a smooth, flat surface that enables these machines to produce sharp, vibrant, and professional-looking prints.

Digital printing on ACP

One of the most effective methods for printing on ACPs is utilizing UV flatbed printers. UV printers leverage UV light to instantly dry the UV inks, ensuring that prints bond well to the panels and remain bright and vibrant for an extended period. While it is possible to print on this material using screen printing, our focus in this article is UV printing on ACM.

To print on Aluminum Composite Panels, you will require several inkjet printing supplies, including a UV adhesion promoter, lint-free towels, and UV inks. The first step in printing on any surface is to carefully clean it, removing any dust, oil, or debris. For this step, use a lint-free cloth doused with denatured alcohol to clean the material prior to printing.

Next, apply the MD3 UV adhesion promoter to the surface of the material. This digital primer aids the UV ink in permanently bonding to the ACP material. For printing on aluminum composite panels, it is advisable to use hard uv printer ink. It is crucial to ensure that you match the UV ink with the appropriate printhead. For instance, the I3200 printheads utilize the 512N Series UV inks. We recommend using the Natron® 270 Series UV inks if your machine has Ricoh Gen 5 installed.

For machines with a jettable primer option, consider the Natron® JP254 primer for machines with Toshiba C4 or Ricoh Gen 5 or 6 printheads. The UV printer configuration should be CMYKW+V; for machines with jettable primers, the configuration is P+CMYKW+V. The varnish layer (protective layer) serves to safeguard the image from scratching. If your machines lack varnish capability, use the 613TC or the 714TC coating to protect the prints on ACP.

Uses of printed aluminum composite material

Signs, billboards, and shop displays all use printed ACPs. In architecture, ACPs serve to enhance wall panels and cladding. Within homes and offices, this versatile material finds applications in art pieces, interior decorations, and even furniture panels. The glossy finish of ACM enhances UV-printed images, making them appear stunning and elegant.

Therefore, printing on aluminum composite panels is a smart choice for printing companies aiming to produce strong, attractive, and long-lasting printed displays. Coupled with UV printing, this material offers endless possibilities.

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