Aluminium
Aluminium is a relatively soft, ductile metal. The tensile strength of pure aluminium is approximately 49 MPa, while its alloys range from 300 to 700 MPa. Its elastic modulus is approximately 70,000 MPa, depending on the alloy. It is easily drawn and can be rolled into very thin foil. Wrought aluminium alloys can be readily machined, bent, pressed and forged even at lower temperatures. Stresses from cold working can be relieved by gentle heating (up to 250 °C). At these temperatures, duralumin can also be formed. Aluminium alloys containing 3% magnesium or silicon cast well (aluminium die castings) and can subsequently be machined. At approximately 1,2 K, pure aluminium exhibits superconducting properties. Aluminium melts at 660,4 °C and boils at 2470 °C. With a density of 2,7 g/cm3, it has the characteristics of a lightweight metal.
Because of its low density, aluminium is often used where weight reduction is essential, such as transport machinery, reducing weight and consequently fuel consumption. This applies particularly to spacecraft and aircraft. Aluminium has also become increasingly important in the automotive industry. Historically, automotive use was limited by high cost, difficulties welding aluminium parts and concerns about material fatigue and deformation. As early as the 1930s, some American companies used aluminium to reduce the weight of military amphibious vehicles. In small and medium-sized yachts, its resistance to corrosion in seawater was highly valued, as it forms a thin protective oxide layer on its surface.[19] In 2010, approximately 35% of global aluminium production was consumed by the transport equipment industry.[8]
In alloys with magnesium, silicon and other metals, aluminium's strength can be increased to levels comparable with steel. Aluminium's use for weight reduction is therefore mainly found where material cost is not a major factor. Aluminium and its alloy duralumin (an aluminium alloy with copper and molybdenum) are particularly widespread in aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing. Much of the structure of modern commercial aircraft consists of joined aluminium sheets of different strengths and alloys. In newer aircraft models (Boeing 787, Airbus A350), aluminium has been replaced by even lighter carbon-fibre synthetic materials.
LED Lighting
Alongside LED lighting's well-known characteristics, we would highlight several details when selecting lighting for your illuminated sign: optimum operating temperature, light output per module, power, protection type and beam angle.
1. Optimum Operating Temperature
The optimum operating temperature for professional outdoor lighting should be between -35 and 85°C. Within this range, the manufacturer guarantees that the LED chip will not be damaged and consequently lose light intensity. During hot summer months, we recommend avoiding switching on a sign exposed to direct sunlight. Damage occurs only when the lighting operates above the permitted temperature.
Standard lighting intended for general use has a maximum operating temperature of 30–50°C; exceeding this temperature causes permanent LED chip damage and loss of light intensity.
2. Light Output and Power
A module's main characteristic is its light output, measured in lumens. LED module energy efficiency relates the power consumed to the light output obtained.
3. Protection Type
For outdoor conditions, IP68 and IP67 protection are recommended. These module markings guarantee that the LED chip is protected from rain, moisture and other outdoor conditions, ensuring stable LED sign operation.
LED Power Supplies
A diode's characteristics are more closely associated with loss of light intensity than complete failure. Choosing power supplies from reputable manufacturers is the right approach. Outdoor LEDs require IP67 or IP68 power supplies, while indoor lighting requires supplies with good passive cooling. LED power supplies are the most common failure point.
Connections Between Power Supplies and LED Lighting
All connections between LED power supplies and lighting should use GEL connectors guaranteeing IP67–IP68 protection.
Alu-Bond – Aluminium Composite Panels
Alu-Bond (ALUCOBOND, Tubond) is a lightweight, rigid, durable and attractive composite panel for general use. It consists of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) core and lacquered aluminium outer faces. Layers are bonded mechanically and chemically, making the sheet highly resistant to separation and delamination. Tubond (Alu-Bond) is ideal for designs requiring a lightweight, flat and rigid surface.
Benefits and Advantages
Excellent surface flatness
High panel rigidity
Low product weight
Excellent weight-to-rigidity ratio
Easy machining
Can be bent and perforated
High weather resistance
Wide colour range
Applications
Exhibition stands
Signs and lettering
Displays and illuminated signs
Sign pylons
Partitions
Facade cladding
Processing
Cutting
Bending
Screw fixing
Drilling
Punching
Bonding
Direct printing
Dimensions
Standard stock sizes:
TuBond 2mm - 1500x4050, aluminium thickness 0,21mm and 0,30mm
TuBond 3mm - 1500x4050, aluminium thickness 0,21mm and 0,30mm
TuBond 4mm - 1200x3200, 1500x4050, 1250x5050 and 1500x5050mm; aluminium thickness 0,30mm, 0,40mm and 0,50mm
Source: tuplex.rs
Forex Foam PVC
Foam PVC sheets (FOREX) are solid sheets produced by foam extrusion, with a standard structure. They can be white or coloured, generally with a matt surface, although one or both sides can be glossy.
Types of Foam PVC Sheets:
Standard foam PVC sheets – TUFOAM, ONGROFOAM, FOREX
Lightweight foam PVC sheets – ONGROFOAM LIGHT, TU-FOAM EASY,
Foam PVC sheets with hardened surfaces on both sides – COPLAST AS and AS-X
Benefits and Advantages
Low weight
Weather resistance
Very low water absorption
Corrosion and chemical resistance
Low thermal conductivity
Fire-resistant (certified by ITB – the Building Research Institute)
Sound insulation
Low mechanical and thermal processing costs
Excellent for printing, lacquering and vinyl application
Applications
Advertising:
Lettering, banners and advertising panels
Information boards
Window displays
Exhibition stands
Three-dimensional letters and structures
Advertising displays and stands
Large-format printing
Construction Engineering:
Interior design for shops and commercial spaces
Window and door infill panels
Suspended ceilings
Roller shutter covers
Partitions
Cladding for high-humidity rooms
Processing
Heat bending
Vacuum forming
Screen and digital printing
Drilling and template cutting
Bonding (cementing) and guillotine cutting
Foam PVC is unsuitable for cold bending, flame polishing, diamond polishing and laser cutting
Dimensions
White – 1, 3, 5 mm: 1560x3050mm and 2050 x 3050mm
White – 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm: 2050 x 3050mm
White – 15 and 19 mm: 1400 x 3050mm
Grey, green, blue and yellow - 3 mm x 1560 x 3050mm
Black, red - 3 and 5 mm x 1560x3050 and 2050x3050mm
PLEXIGLAS® Standard and Special Acrylic Sheets
PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) acrylic sheets are solid, naturally transparent materials. Locally known as Klirit or Plexiglas, they are also available under names such as PLEXIGLAS®, Altuglas, Akrylon and Perspex. They can be coloured to provide an almost unlimited range of colours and light transmission levels. This is the only plastic material with natural UV protection.
A wide range of neutral, iridescent, white, translucent and transparent sheets with gloss or matt surfaces provides extensive possibilities for different applications and designers' requirements. PLEXIGLAS sheets can be extruded (XT) or cast. Each process provides different technical parameters. Experience shows that cast and extruded sheets can be used interchangeably. Final sheet selection always depends on purpose, technical requirements and price. Extruded sheets: gold and silver mirrors – lightweight, resistant to breakage, easy to handle and ideal for interior design and signage.
Prismatic sheets – slightly textured on one or both sides, used for lighting installations and glazing. HI (high-impact) sheets – clear sheets with increased impact resistance and excellent mechanical properties. UVD sheets – transmit UV rays and are used in tanning beds. Cast sheets: LED-system sheets – opal with light transmission LT=50%, used with LEDs. They provide perfectly even, soft and pleasant light. UV-stable, with a 10-year warranty for discolouration, light transmission and strength. Dual Satin sheets – matt on both sides, with a lightly textured surface resembling frosted glass, scratch-resistant. Black&White and Color&White sheets – change colour when illuminated: black by day, white at night. Metal&Pearl sheets – imitate metallic or pearlescent surfaces, ideal for signs and interior design. Fluo and Soft Fluo fluorescent sheets – with bright edges. Vision (Vizio) sheets – single-sided and double-sided sheets for multimedia projection. Essential sheets – highly chemical-resistant. Block – 25 mm to 200 mm thick, for signs and interior design. SRD sheets – excellent for noise barriers. Aviation sheets – used in aircraft, with the German quality certification required for aviation applications.
Applications
Advertising: backlit sheets and panels, lighting installations (luminaires), exhibition stands, racks, shelves and more.
Architecture: stand and shop-fitting decoration, door infill panels, glazing, partitions and rooflights (domes).
Automotive: headlamps, front and rear lights, spoilers and number plate holders.
Special applications: tanning beds, car wash walls, protective housings for machinery and equipment, greenhouses and conservatories, motorway noise barriers.
Benefits and Advantages
Unmatched transparency (92%, the highest physically possible transparency of any material)
Excellent resistance to UV and weathering
Excellent resistance to many corrosive chemicals
Easy mechanical and thermal processing
Certified for contact with food products
Easy to recycle
Dimensions
Dimensions: cast sheets: 2030x3050 mm; extruded sheets: 2050x3050 mm
Thickness: cast sheets: 2 - 30 mm; extruded sheets: 1.5–15 mm. Extruded sheet thickness tolerances under ISO 7823-2:2003: 1.5 mm–2.9 mm +/- 10%; 3 mm–20 mm +/- 5%. Cast sheet thickness tolerance under ISO 7823-1:2003: 0.4 mm +/- 10%.
Processing
Mechanical processing: cutting, drilling, sanding, polishing, engraving and bending
Thermal processing: heat bending and thermoforming
Bonding
Information source: Tupleks.rs