DIBOND® and Alupanel®: What’s the Difference?

If you work in the sign, print or display industry, you’ve probably come across both DIBOND® and Alupanel® when searching for aluminium composite sheets.

 

So, is one necessarily better than the other? The short answer is no.

 

Both are established brands of aluminium composite material (ACM) and are widely used across signage, printing, display and fabrication applications. DIBOND® is manufactured by 3A Composites, while Alupanel® is manufactured by Multipanel UK.

 

Although they sit within the same material category and can be used for many similar applications, they are separate branded product ranges with different grades, finishes and specifications available.

Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the requirements of your project, including factors such as skin thickness, finish and fabrication needs.

 

What is aluminium composite material?

Aluminium Composite Material, commonly known as ACM, is made using aluminium outer skins bonded to an inner core.

 

This construction creates a sheet that is lightweight, rigid and easy to work with, making ACM a popular choice throughout the sign and display industry.

 

Common applications include:

  • Sign making
  • Construction hoarding
  • Direct digital printing
  • Vinyl application
  • Retail and shop signage
  • Wayfinding
  • Point of sale displays
  • Exhibition graphics
  • Interior displays
  • Fabricated signs

Not all ACM is manufactured to the same specification, so factors such as aluminium skin thickness, surface finish and fabrication requirements should always be considered when selecting a sheet.

What is DIBOND®?

 

What is DIBOND®? 

DIBOND® is an aluminium composite sheet manufactured by 3A Composites.

It is a well-established name within the sign and display industry and is used across applications including signage, digital printing, shopfitting, interior design and exhibitions.

 

Standard DIBOND uses two 0.3 mm aluminium cover layers combined with a polyethylene or mineral core, providing a combination of low weight and high rigidity.

 

The wider DIBOND range is also available in a variety of colours, surfaces and specialist finishes for different creative and professional applications.

 

What is Alupanel®?

Alupanel® is a range of aluminium composite material manufactured by Multipanel UK.

The Alupanel family includes a number of different grades, from economical products for hoarding and flat applications through to materials suitable for everyday signage and fabrication.

Different Alupanel products use different aluminium skin thicknesses and surface finishes, allowing the material to be matched more closely to the requirements of the job.

 

Are DIBOND and Alupanel the same?

DIBOND and Alupanel are not the same branded product, but both sit within the wider aluminium composite material category.

 

As a result, products within the two ranges can be used across many similar sign, print and display applications.

 

The important thing is to compare the individual product specification rather than assuming that all aluminium composite sheets are identical.

 

Depending on the grade, differences may include:

  • Aluminium skin thickness
  • Core construction
  • Weight
  • Surface finish
  • Colours
  • Print suitability
  • Fabrication capabilities
  • Indoor or outdoor suitability
  • Expected lifespan

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you are comparing DIBOND and Alupanel, the right choice will ultimately depend on what you need the material to do.

Which Alupanel products are available from Pyramid?

Alupanel X

 

At Pyramid Display Materials, our core Alupanel range covers everything from cost-effective hoarding through to everyday sign making and light fabrication.

 

Alupanel X

Alupanel X, formerly known as Alupanel ECO, features 0.15 mm aluminium skins.

Our matt/primer grade is a cost-effective option for applications including:

  • Construction hoarding
  • Flat signage
  • Promotional graphics
  • Direct printing
  • General display work

SHOP ALUPANEL X

Alupanel X-Lite

 

Alupanel X-Lite features 0.12 mm aluminium skins, making it the lightest option within our core Alupanel range.

It is particularly suited to economical flat and short-term applications such as:

  • Hoarding
  • Temporary signage
  • Promotional campaigns
  • Event graphics
  • Display panels

SHOP ALUPANEL X-LITE

Alupanel Lite

 

Alupanel Lite features 0.20 mm aluminium skins with a gloss/matt finish.

It is a versatile option for everyday sign, print and display applications including:

  • General signage
  • Retail graphics
  • Wayfinding
  • Printed displays
  • POS
  • Exhibition graphics

SHOP ALUPANEL LITE

Alupanel Smart

 

Alupanel Smart features 0.26 mm aluminium skins with a matt/gloss finish.

It provides additional fabrication capability compared with lighter flat-sheet grades and can be used for applications including:

  • Fabricated signage
  • Folded displays
  • Shop signage
  • 3D displays
  • Corporate signage
  • Exhibition displays

SHOP ALUPANEL SMART

Colours and speciality finishes

 

Alongside our core white ACM products, Pyramid also stocks a selection of Alupanel colours and speciality finishes for projects where the appearance of the finished sheet is an important part of the design.

 

These provide additional options for retail environments, interior displays, exhibitions, corporate signage and creative applications.

 

We also stock Multishield, a specialist composite panel with galvanised steel skins that provide a magnetically receptive surface.

 

SHOP THE FULL RANGE 

Can Alupanel be used for similar applications to Dibond?

 

For many sign, print and display applications, customers researching DIBOND may also find an Alupanel product that meets the requirements of their project.

 

However, because they are separate product ranges, they shouldn’t automatically be treated as direct like-for-like replacements.

 

If you are comparing DIBOND and Alupanel for an upcoming project, consider the specification required for your particular application:

  • Skin thickness
  • Rigidity
  • Surface finish
  • Print requirements
  • Fabrication requirements
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Required lifespan

This will help you choose the ACM product best suited to the job.

Why buy Alupanel from Pyramid?

 

Choosing the right aluminium composite sheet is only part of the equation. At Pyramid Display Materials, we aim to make sourcing Alupanel straightforward for sign makers, printers and display professionals across the UK.

 

Competitive trade pricing

Our range includes different Alupanel grades to suit both the application and budget, from economical hoarding products through to everyday signage and fabrication options.

Next-day delivery

Need material quickly?

 

  • We typically operate on a next-day delivery basis for standard stock orders placed before 4pm, subject to location and availability.
  • For converted orders, please allow up to 48 hours as daily cut-off times can vary.
  • Free material samples
  • Not sure which grade or finish is right for your project?
  • You can request a free sample to see and feel the material before ordering.
  • Expert product advice

 

With so many rigid sheet materials available, choosing the right substrate isn’t always straightforward.

 

Our team works with the sign, print and display industry every day and can help you select a suitable material based on your application, print method, fabrication requirements and desired finish.

 

Whether you're looking for aluminium composite for hoarding, signage, print, display or fabrication, explore the Alupanel range available from Pyramid Display Materials.

 

DIBOND® is a registered trademark of 3A Composites.

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SHOP ALUPANEL

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