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When choosing a sign for your business, the right material is critical to ensuring it is suitable for its intended purpose. In our business, we have often witnessed real horror stories of customers ordering signs that aren’t fit for purpose.
If you’re considering which type of signage material is best for you, you’re likely considering both Aluminium Sign Board and Foamex Signs. Each of these materials is equipped with its unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Whether you require a temporary indoor sign or a long-term outdoor sign, understanding the key differences between these two materials is crucial to achieving your signage objectives.
This article compares both materials and helps you decide which suits your requirements. We explain both materials and their applications, discussing some key advantages and disadvantages.
Fomaex is a lightweight material made from PVC foam board. Although its name suggests foam, its structure is not foamy. Foamex sign printing boasts durability and rigidity and has a super-smooth surface that facilitates stunning print quality.
It is commonly used for medium—to long-term application requirements. It can be used indoors and outdoors, offering short—to medium-term protection against rain, UV, and general wear and tear.
Frequently used by businesses needing a flexible signage solution for events, advertising boards or displays, this material provides an elegant and eye-catching finish without breaking the bank.
For a more detailed introduction, read our Foamex Board Printing guide.
Aluminium Composite is a durable material made from two aluminium sheets that sandwich a Polyethylene core. It is well known for its robust and weatherproof features and is used extensively in harsh working environments, such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering.
Aluminium Sign Board’s core strength is its unrivalled toughness. It offers long-term protection against rain, UV, chemicals and general wear and tear. It can be placed in wet outdoor environments for 5-10 years without losing its print vibrancy. Although made using aluminium, it is exceptionally lightweight thanks to its soft core, which allows for a stress-free installation.
For a more detailed introduction, read our Dibond Board Printing guide.
Cost-effective: Foamex boards offer premium quality at budget prices, making it a highly cost-effective signage solution.
Lightweight: It is exceptionally light, making it an ideal candidate for short-term applications or when the sign must be constantly repositioned.
Highly Versatile: Foamex Boards are ideal for indoor or outdoor applications, making them exceptionally popular regardless of the business you’re in.
Easy Installation: Lending to its lightweight nature, Foamex offers a stress-free installation.
High-quality print: The smooth surface provides the perfect canvas to create breathtakingly crisp custom prints.
Despite its extensive list of benefits, like all things in life, Foamex has disadvantages. These are –
Limited Outdoor Lifespan: Although Foamex Signs can undoubtedly be used outdoors, they do not offer the same long-term resistance to the elements as Aluminium Sign Board.
Warping Risk: Foamex is susceptible to warping, especially with thinner thicknesses such as 3mm or 5mm. To reduce the risk, try to keep it away from high temperatures.
Durability: Although it can hold its own, it’s nowhere near as tough as Aluminium Sign Board.
Now, let’s move on to Aluminium Composite. Here’s a few key reasons why this signage material is extremely popular –
Unrivalled durability: Aluminium Composite is undeniably your best option if you’re after a durable sign. Offering long-term protection against whatever the elements throw its way.
Premium finish: The smooth Aluminium finish creates an air of professionalism and sophistication.
Lightweight: Although it’s made of Aluminium sheets, the soft core makes these signs surprisingly lightweight and portable.
Versatility: Aluminium Composite is the king of versatility. Whether you need a short-term indoor sign or a long-term outdoor sign, it has you covered.
Environmentally friendly: Aluminium Composite are fully recyclable, working hand in hand with your business’s sustainability objectives.
Higher costs: Aluminium Composite is the most premium signage material and is more expensive than Foamex Signs.
Weight: Although Aluminium Composite is lightweight, it’s heavier than Foamex. Therefore, it may not be the best option for a repositionable sign.
Now for the big question. Which sign is best, Foamex or Aluminium Composite?
Well, when it comes to signage, there are no absolutes. Instead, the best sign for you depends upon how your sign will be applied.
If you’re looking for a short-term sign or a sign for indoor use, we recommend Foamex. Its highly cost-effective and lightweight nature makes it ideal for temporary applications such as events, exhibitions, and shows.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more long-term solution that offers durability and longevity, Aluminium Composite Signs is the undisputed winner. It is the go-to sign for those who work in harsh environments, such as manufacturing, construction, or engineering.
Now that you have all the information you need to make a wise decision, you can purchase your sign with full conviction that you’re making the best choice for your business.
If you’re looking for a reliable supplier, BEE 4 is a specialist UK sign manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. We offer unrivalled pricing and print quality, and our friendly sales team is happy to provide further advice and support.
Contact us today at 01443 841840 or Sales@BEE4LTD.co.uk to get the ball rolling on your project! Our site offers a wide range of alternative signage products, so make sure you check us out!
Are you wondering how Foamex compares to other popular signage materials? Read our Correx and Foamex comparison guide to get the full scoop!
Joe is our digital marketing lead. He specialises in SEO strategy, web development and PPC advertising.
He can be contacted at Joseph.Beese@Bee4LTD.co.uk