Suggestions Exterior PVC (or alternatives?) For Thicker Unlit Signs

[DarkerKat]

Our go-to for inexpensive Unlit signs is ACM, but we have a client who specifically wants something thicker than 6mm.
We stopped using PVC outdoors almost a decade ago due to warping issues. I know there are some PVC brands that claim to be designed for exterior use but I am very skeptical.

The two jobs in question at the moment are in IL, both are planned to be flat panels painted on all sides with UV printed graphics the faces. No dimensional text
> Job 1 is 52"w x 30"h (Rectangular) - mounted flat over existing unlit sign face
> Job 2 is 67"w x 48"h (Hexagonal) - mounted to metal fencing (your standard black square tube railing style of fence)

Client's priorities are Fast and Cheap - under different circumstances we could just do welded aluminum boxes but that would way exceed the budget here.

Has anyone had luck with Flat 1/2" PVC panels at this size for exterior use, or are we just looking for trouble?
+ any suggested alternatives that would still be thicker than ACM?

*i know there are multiple older threads on this subject, sorry to post yet another one*

 

[ProSignTN]

I might consider panned aluminum. Break 2 aluminum boxes from .040 with 1" returns (imagine a shoe box lid). One needs to be about a 1/16th inch larger than the other. Fit the larger one over the smaller one and pop rivet on the edges. If rivets are a no go, then run a bead of epoxy in the inside fold of the larger face and just squeeze then together.

 

[White Haus]

^That, or similar equivalent using V-grooved ACM to meet the "Cheap" requirement.

Fast, Cheap, and Thick. Sounds like a fun challenge.

 

[Jean Shimp]

We use Celtec brand by Vycom PVC for outdoor signs, but never black backgrounds or very dark colors. For black backgrounds we switch to HDU as it seems to have less warping. For high traffic areas, black ACM works better than HDU. I've seen HDU chip or crack on smaller signs. The aluminum "pan" or V-grooved ACM turned edges are good suggestions.

 

[JBurton]

^That, or similar equivalent using V-grooved ACM to meet the "Cheap" requirement.

That would be an ideal solution here, but finding a good acm for folding is hard without getting 'structural' acm or whatever it's called. I've got about 20 sheets left from GSG that were the 'made in america' acm they pushed out in their final days, which is perfect for cut and fold, I'm not looking forward to finding another comparable sheet that cost $35 for a 4x8.

Fast, Cheap, and Thick. Sounds like a fun challenge.

Sounds more like Tex's ideal lady...

 

[spectrum maine]

EXTIRA

 

[ProSignTN]

Fast, cheap and thick, fat girls in Love, she bringing on the heat. Seriously, Poly Vinyl Chloride for exterior? Warp much.

 

[Signstein]

Not cheap, but Komacel would work. May be able to cut both shapes out of a 4'x10'.

KömaCel - Kömmerling USA

KomaCel is an integral strong, solid and rigid PVC sheet.KomaCel is a great PVC material for many applications including construction, marine, signs, printing, cabinetry and agriculture.

www.kommerlingusa.com

 

[netsol]

2 sheets of acm with a schmear of contruction adhesive between them, then run through the daige
it has worked for us

 

[ProColorGraphics]

That would be an ideal solution here, but finding a good acm for folding is hard without getting 'structural' acm or whatever it's called. I've got about 20 sheets left from GSG that were the 'made in america' acm they pushed out in their final days, which is perfect for cut and fold, I'm not looking forward to finding another comparable sheet that cost $35 for a 4x8.

Sounds more like Tex's ideal lady...

I have good luck folding the Grimco HD Maxmetal. Definitely need the thicker aluminum face. The thinner, cheaper stuff just cracks.

 

[JBurton]

I have good luck folding the Grimco HD Maxmetal. Definitely need the thicker aluminum face. The thinner, cheaper stuff just cracks.

See, this stuff I got is a minutely thinner face, but a stiffer aluminum. I delaminated and mic'd a couple of different sheets. The other odd characteristic of these sheets is the core does not snap when scored. You can bend it back and forth 10+ times before it gives. One claim aside from made in the USA, was 100% HDPE core. Just googling about, it seems most sheets are a blend of HDPE and LDPE, or just listed as PE. I don't know that this is a factor, just something I made note of.

 

[Gino]

Want fast and. Cheap.......... flatbed print on one of your flatbed to 1/2" or 3/4" mdo

 

[ProSignTN]

Damn Gino, I'm so old I forgot about MDO. Haven't used it in years. Used it everyday back in the day.

 

[Krissy Louderback]

See, this stuff I got is a minutely thinner face, but a stiffer aluminum. I delaminated and mic'd a couple of different sheets. The other odd characteristic of these sheets is the core does not snap when scored. You can bend it back and forth 10+ times before it gives. One claim aside from made in the USA, was 100% HDPE core. Just googling about, it seems most sheets are a blend of HDPE and LDPE, or just listed as PE. I don't know that this is a factor, just something I made note of.

I know what you're talking about. It seems like they used almost a rubbery adhesive.