CORFLUTE
What it is Corflute is a twin-walled fluted polypropylene sheet. The internal fluted structure runs through the board in one direction, similar to corrugated cardboard but made from plastic. Lightweight, rigid, and weather resistant.
What it looks and feels like Lightweight and stiff with a slightly hollow feel when you press the face. The fluted channels are visible on the cut edges. The printed surface is smooth and takes full colour print well. Available in 3mm and 5mm thickness. 5mm is our standard for most signage applications.
Outdoor or indoor Outdoor and indoor. Corflute is weather resistant and holds up in rain and wind. UV exposure will fade the print over extended outdoor periods. For short to medium term outdoor applications corflute is hard to beat on value. Not recommended for permanent signage where longevity matters.
Best for Real estate signage, construction site signs, event directional signs, school notices, community board signs, and any application where cost effective outdoor signage is needed in volume. Corflute is also widely used for indoor retail and event display where a lightweight rigid board is required.
What to watch out for The fluted channels run in one direction which means corflute is stiffer in one axis than the other. For large format signs this can cause bowing if the sign is not supported correctly. Double sided printing is available but the fluted core means the two printed faces are slightly offset from each other at the edges.
One thing worth knowing Corflute UV resistance is limited. The print will hold up well for weeks to months in direct sunlight but will fade over a longer outdoor lifespan. If the sign needs to look good in two years, ACM is the right choice. For seasonal and temporary applications corflute is the most cost effective option available.
ACM (ALUMINIUM COMPOSITE)
What it is ACM is aluminium composite material. Two thin sheets of aluminium are bonded to a solid polyethylene core. The result is a rigid, flat panel that is significantly more durable and stable than any foam-based substrate. The aluminium faces give the panel a clean machined edge finish that no other substrate can match.
What it looks and feels like Rigid, flat, and clearly premium. ACM panels do not flex or bow. The printed surface is smooth and holds colour well. The edges are clean and can be finished in a range of ways. Standard thickness is 3mm. Heavier than corflute and foam board but the weight communicates quality.
Outdoor or indoor Outdoor. ACM is designed for outdoor use and performs well in all weather conditions over extended periods. It does not absorb moisture, does not warp, and holds up to UV exposure significantly better than corflute or any foam-based substrate. ACM is the right choice whenever a sign needs to look good and stay looking good outdoors for years.
Best for Permanent outdoor signage, building identification, real estate signage that stays up long term, office nameplates, corporate signage, wayfinding systems, and any application where longevity and a premium edge finish matter.
What to watch out for ACM is more expensive than corflute and foam-based substrates. It is also heavier which affects shipping and installation. For temporary or short term signage applications corflute is a more cost effective choice. ACM is the right investment when the sign is going to be in place for an extended period.
One thing worth knowing The edge finish on ACM is one of its most distinctive features. A clean machined ACM edge looks professional in a way that foam board and corflute cannot match. For corporate and permanent signage applications the edge is often as important as the printed face.
FOAM BOARD
What it is Foam board consists of a polystyrene foam core sandwiched between two layers of paper. It is lightweight, rigid enough for indoor display use, and takes a smooth printed surface well. Available in 5mm and 10mm thickness. 10mm is our recommended thickness for most signage applications as it is significantly more rigid and less prone to bowing than 5mm.
What it looks and feels like Lightweight and easy to handle. The surface is smooth and white with a slight give when pressed. 10mm foam board feels noticeably more substantial than 5mm and holds its shape better in larger format applications. The edges are soft and can be easily damaged if knocked.
Outdoor or indoor Indoor only. Foam board is not suitable for outdoor use. The paper faces absorb moisture and the polystyrene core is not weather resistant. Even in indoor environments with high humidity such as kitchens or marquees, foam board can warp and bow. Keep it in controlled indoor environments.
Best for Retail point of sale displays, exhibition stands, event signage, reception area displays, indoor directional signs, presentation boards, and any indoor application where a lightweight rigid board is needed quickly and cost effectively.
What to watch out for Foam board edges are soft and easily damaged. In high traffic environments the edges and corners will show wear quickly. For applications where the sign will be handled or moved regularly, Palight is a more durable alternative. Do not use foam board outdoors or in humid environments.
One thing worth knowing 10mm foam board is worth the upgrade from 5mm for most signage applications. The additional thickness makes a noticeable difference to how rigid and premium the sign feels and significantly reduces the risk of bowing on larger format signs. If you are unsure which thickness to specify, go with 10mm.
PALIGHT - FOAMED PVC
What it is Palight is a solid, homogenous sheet of foamed PVC. Unlike standard foam board which has a polystyrene core sandwiched between paper faces, Palight is the same material throughout. This gives it a fundamentally different performance profile. Available in 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm thickness.
What it looks and feels like More rigid and durable than standard foam board. The surface is smooth and slightly harder to the touch. The edges are clean and do not crumble or dent the way foam board edges do. Palight feels more like a solid sheet of material than a sandwich construction. Lighter than ACM but more substantial than foam board.
Outdoor or indoor Both. Palight is weather resistant and can be used outdoors for short to medium term applications. It does not absorb moisture and holds up in wet conditions significantly better than foam board. For permanent outdoor signage ACM remains the better long term choice, but Palight offers a good middle ground between foam board and ACM for applications that need more durability than foam board without the weight and cost of ACM.
Best for Point of sale displays, retail signage, exhibition panels, indoor and semi-outdoor event signage, menu boards, and any application where a more durable alternative to foam board is needed without the weight and cost of ACM.
What to watch out for Palight is more expensive than foam board. For applications that are strictly indoor and will not see heavy handling, standard foam board at 10mm may be a more cost effective choice. Palight comes into its own when the application needs more durability, a cleaner edge finish, or some outdoor exposure.
One thing worth knowing The key difference between Palight and foam board is what happens when they get wet or are handled in demanding environments. Foam board absorbs moisture and deteriorates. Palight does not. If there is any chance the sign will be exposed to moisture, a kitchen environment, or an outdoor setting even briefly, Palight is the right choice over foam board.
QUICK COMPARISON
| Substrate | Outdoor | Thickness | Relative Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corflute | Yes (short-medium term) | 3mm, 5mm | Low | Temporary outdoor, events, real estate |
| Foam Board | No | 5mm, 10mm | Low-mid | Indoor display, retail POS, exhibitions |
| Palight PVC | Yes (short-medium term) | 2mm, 3mm, 4mm | Mid | Durable indoor and semi-outdoor display |
| ACM | Yes (long term) | 3mm | High | Permanent outdoor, corporate, building ID |