Expertise in Plastics
Aluminium Composite
The ideal material for almost any decorative or cladding application, including signage, point of
sale, exhibition stands, displays, internal cladding, portable buildings, kiosks, boat interiors and
external cladding. Aluminium composite sheet is durable, versatile and easy to use. Lightweight
and extremely flat, the sheet is exceptionally rigid and does not corrode. The high quality finish
polyester coating makes it an ideal substrate for printing.
Rightbond Superlight
Ideal for lightweight flat sheet applications including exhibition panels, photo mounting, internal
signage, temporary or short term external signage. Rightbond Superlight is suitable for flat sheet
applications only.
Rightclad
A heavy duty aluminium composite sheet particularly suited to external use for new building
cladding or for building renovation projects. A white/mill finish with a white PVDF paint system,
this material offers a 15 year warranty for outdoor applications. Five sheet sizes are available in
a 4mm thickness with a 0.5mm aluminium layer. All sheets are supplied with a fire resistant
core.
Accessories
A range of special aluminium sections in silver anodised aluminium are available in 5 & 5.5m
lengths to complement our 3mm thick aluminium composite sheet range.
29
Aluminium Composite
Stock Range
Rightbond White
Rightbond Standard
0.3mm aluminium layer
White/White Bright
White polyester paint
2500 x 1250 x 2
2500 x 1250 x 3
2500 x 1250 x 4
3050 x 1500 x 2
3050 x 1500 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 4
3050 x 2000 x 3
4050 x 1500 x 3
4050 x 1500 x 4
4050 x 2000 x 3
Rightbond Economy Grade
White
Aluminium
Layer
0.18
0.21
0.15
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
2440 x 1220 x 3
Bright white matt one side.
Aluminium reverse.
PE film bright white side only.
2500 x 1220 x 3
2500 x 1230 x 3
2500 x 1250 x 2
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 2
3050 x 1500 x 3
Gloss/Matt. Standard core.
60% tack film.
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
Aluminium
Layer
0.3/0.21
0.3
Yellow
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3/0.21
0.3
Green
White
Aluminium
Layer
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3/0.21
0.3
Blue
2440 x 1220 x 2
2440 x 1220 x 3
0.12
0.12
Bright white matt.
White service coating reverse.
Standard black core.
White film on bright white
matt side only.
Rightbond UV Grade
Special paint formulation to
aid printing with UV curing
inks.
White/White
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
Aluminium
Layer
0.18
0.21
White/Mill
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
30
Red
Rightbond Superlight
Rightbond Digital
0.21/0.18/0.12mm
aluminium layer
White/White Bright
White polyester paint
Rightbond Colours
0.18
0.18
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3/0.21
0.3
Black
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3/0.21
0.3
Cream
2500 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3
0.3
NHS Blue
2500 x 1250 x 3
0.21
Gloss level: 85% gloss side,
45% matt side.
High tack film: Clear on gloss
side. White on matt side.
Aluminium Composite
Stock Range
Brushed Finish
Brushed
Finish
2550 x 1250 x 3
3050 x 1500 x 3
Dual Metallic Finish
Aluminium
Layer
0.3
0.3
Gold/Bronze
3050 x 1500 x 3
Aluminium
Layer
0.3
Bright Silver/Champagne Silver
Brushed aluminium one side.
Metallic silver polyester paint
reverse.
Exterior grade.
Standard core.
High tack film.
Arrow on protective film
indicates direction of brush
finish.
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3
Champagne/Metal Silver
3050 x 1500 x 3
0.3
Clear film.
Standard core.
Rightclad
Mirror Finish
Rightclad
Mirror Finish
Silver & Gold
2440 x 1220 x 3
Aluminium
Layer
0.3
Mirror one side, mill
aluminium reverse.
Standard core.
High tack film.
For interior use only.
Will tarnish in outdoor
applications.
2500 x 1250 x 4
3200 x 1250 x 4
3200 x 1500 x 4
4000 x 1250 x 4
4000 x 1500 x 4
Aluminium
Layer
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
Rightclad is made to order.
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Aluminium Composite
Right-trim Aluminium Extrusions
Edge Protector
U Section
Suitable for 3mm thick sheet.
Will also act as a stiffener for PVC foam.
Supplied in 5m lengths, 10 lengths per sealed bundle.
White or Silver anodised.
Panel Joint
H Section
Suitable for joining two 3mm thick sheets or panels.
Supplied in 5m lengths, 10 lengths per sealed bundle.
White or Silver anodised.
Corner Joint Section
0
This allows for sheets to be joined together through 90
without sheet fabrication.
Aluminium Composite Accessories
Sign Post System
A range of sign post accessories suitable for aluminium composite or aluminium signs.
Stock Range
50mm stainless steel clip c/w bolt, nut & washer
76mm stainless steel clip c/w bolt, nut & washer
89mm stainless steel clip c/w bolt, nut & washer
114mm stainless steel clip c/w bolt, nut & washer
140mm stainless steel clip c/w bolt, nut & washer
Also available: PVC coated & galvanised poles in various diameters & lengths up to 7.5m medium
sign channel in 5 & 6 metre lengths.
32
Aluminium Composite
Sign Post System
A range of sign post accessories suitable for aluminium composite or aluminium signs.
System Fit Guide
Bolt post into base plate and ensure bolt is tight before placing into pre-dug hole and filling with
concrete. Ensure concrete is dry before fitting sign systems.
Slide post clip and bolt into rail before fixing around the post. The number of rails required will
depend on the size and weight of the panel used. Material choice will determine whether the
panel should be bonded, screwed or rivetted to the rail.
For back to back signs, the clip is attached to the front rail and then bolted to the back face to
secure it permanently. Once fixed, a top pole cap can be fitted to provide weather protection
and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
33
Aluminium Composite
Colour Matching
Rightbond
Bright White colour matched to RAL 9016
Red close to RAL 3020
Sea Blue close to RAL 5002
Light Blue RAL 5017 (NHS) RAL 5013
Green close to RAL 6016
Can be matched if required
Yellow close to RAL 1003
Black close to RAL 9005
Cream RAL 1015
*The mill can colour match to any RAL number, Pantone or sample piece for a minimum order
quantity of 600m2.
Warranty Summary - Rightbond & Rightclad
Aluminium Layer
Internal
External
Rightbond
Polyester/Polyester
E.g. Whites, Colours
0.3
0.21
0.18
0.12
8 years
8 years
6 years
6 years
5 years
5 years
3 years
1 year
Feve Paint
0.3
Min 10 years
10 years
Mirror
0.3
6 years
None
White Satin
0.3
8 years
None
Brushed Aluminium
External Grade
0.3
10 years
5 years
PVDF
0.5
Min 15 years
15 years
34
Aluminium Composite
Rightbond Data Sheet
Rightbond
Colour
White. Polyester coating.
Finish
Gloss/Matt
Standard
Tolerances
for Rightbond
& Rightlam
Length
Width
Thickness
Squareness
+/- 3mm
+/- 2mm
+/- 0.2mm
< 5mm
Rightbond
Coating thickness
Min > 16um
Pencil hardness
3H
Coating flexibility
2T
Impact resistance
50 kg.cm
Face density
3.5 kg/m
Bending strength
83MPa
Bending elastic modulus
5.0KN
Shearing strength
21.1MPa
Thermal expansion co-efficient
1.69 x 10 C
Heat distortion temperature
109 C
Fire certification
BS476 Part 7 Class 1
2
-5.0
-1
0
Polyester coatings can be used for interior and outdoor applications.
The coating may experience some fading or chalking after 4 years
exposure to the sun. For prolonged outdoor use, material with a
PVDF coating and a 15 year warranty can be supplied.
35
Aluminium Composite
Rightclad Technical Data Sheet
Colour
White PVDF
Finish
White one side, mill reverse.
Standard
Tolerances
Length
Width
Thickness
Squareness
+/- 3mm
+/- 2mm
+/- 0.2mm
< 5mm
Average Test Result
0 - +2.1mm
0 - +1.4mm
-0.04 - 0.06mm
1.4mm
Testing Item
Standard
Finish coat thickness
ISO 2360 (CNS 8406)
Pencil hardness
ASTM D3363-00
Toughness
ASTM D4145-83
Adhesive force
ASTM 3359-97
Impact resistance
ASTM D2794-93
Abrasion resistance
ASTM 968-93
Mortar resistance
ASTM 605.2-91
Humidity resistance
ASTM D714-97/ASTM D2247-02
Boiling water resistance
ASTM D3359-B
Salt-spray resistance
ASTM B117-03
Acid resistance
ASTM D1308-87/AAMA 605.2-91, TEST 7, 7.31
Alkali resistance
ASTM D1308-87
Solvent resistance
ASTM D2248-73/ECCA T5&NCCA NO.11-18
Colour retention
ASTM D2244-93
Chalk resistance
ASTM D4214-98
Gloss retention
ASTM D2244-93
Fireproof core
Fire rating BS476 Part 7 Class 1. BS476 Part 6 Class 0.
UK Building Regulations 1991 Approved Document B
(Amendments 2002) Appendix A, Paragraph 13.
36
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Fabrication
Prior to fabrication, ensure both sides of the panel and all work areas are clean and free from
dust. Cutting chips generated from saws, routers and drills as well as particles caught in
between panels will cause damage to the surface.
Saw Cutting
Rightbond panels can be cut using various types of circular saws including table saw, hand
circular saw and panel saw. Carbide tipped blades suitable for aluminium or plastic use can also
be used for cutting Rightbond panels.
Example of Suitable Saw Blade
Operating Conditions
Blade diameter
255mm
Rotation of saw blade
2000-4000 rpm
Number of teeth
80 to 100
Feed speed
10-30 m/min
Cut width
2.0 to 2.6mm
Rake angle
10
Tip
Carbide
0
Notes on Saw Cutting
a. When cutting, ensure the effective side is facing upwards to prevent the surface from being
scratched and to prevent the film from peeling off.
b. Remove any cutting chips from the surface of the panel to avoid dents appearing during
storage or assembly.
c. Ensure saw blade is sharp to avoid distortion of the panel at the cut edge.
Shear Cutting
Square shear permits an efficient sizing work. Generally, the most suitable clearance and rake
angle are as follows:
Clearance: 0.04 - 0.1mm
0
Rake angle: 1
Trimming
It is important to ensure the exposed cut edge of the panel is carefully checked. In saw cutting,
burr appears on both sides of edges. In shear cutting, either droop or burr appears on each
edge. Therefore in saw cutting the saw blade should be kept sharp and in shear cutting the
clearance of the die should be adjusted correctly. Generally, the condition of the edge is more
important for interior applications and a trimmer, plane or sand paper may be used for
trimming after edge cutting. For solid and metallic colours, deep trimming like chamfering will
have a visual effect. However, for granite or woodgrain effect finishes this is unsuitable as it
damages the appearance of the finish. To avoid any cuts, make the edge dull using fine sand
paper.
37
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Hand Grooving Machine
This machine can be used to create grooves in Rightbond panels. Suitable cutter blades
and operational conditions are as follows:
Cutter Blade
Operating Conditions
Outside diameter
110 - 120mm
Number of teeth
4-8
Material
Carbide tip
Rotation
5,000 - 9,000 rpm
Feeding speed
5 - 20 m/min
Hand Router
A hand router can groove straight or curved lines. The suitable bit and operating conditions are
as follows:
Router Bit
Operating Conditions
Number of teeth
2-4
Rotation
20,000 - 30,000 rpm
Material
Carbide tip
Feeding speed
3 - 5 m/min
Panel Saw
Efficient grooving work is possible with a panel saw. The typical conditions are as follows:
Cutter Blade
Operating Conditions
Outside diameter
20mm
Number of teeth
8
Material
Carbide tip
Rotation
2,500 - 5,000 rpm
Feeding speed
30 m/min
Folding
After U-grooving, it is possible to fold Rightbond panels with a folding jig. The typical folding
procedures are demonstrated in the diagram below.
1. U-groove
Leave 0.2-0.4mm
core.
2. Folding jig
Folding is made of
aluminium or steel
angle.
3. Fold
Use a little longer jig
than folding length.
4. Roundness
Suitable roundness
is 2-3 mm R.
2-3mm R
38
5. Support
Support with aluminium
angle, if necessary.
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Notes on Folding
a. To ensure the fold line is straight, panels should be folded on a flat & steady work table.
b. To avoid a crack in the coating, the folded corner should have a suitable roundness of 2-3mm in
0
radius and should be worked at temperatures of 10 C or higher.
c. Folding after U-grooving creates a slight elongation of 0.5-1.0mm depending on the roundness of
the folded corner. Therefore, the position of the grooving lines must be pre-adjusted when the
fabrication drawings are prepared.
Drill Holes
Holes can be made with a hand drill, a drill press equipped with drill bit, a hole saw or a circle
cutter. To reduce burr, make the hole from the side you wish to have on display.
Punching & Notching
A punching machine can be used for notching and cutting out. The suitable clearance between
the punch and die is 0.1mm or smaller (material thickness x approximately 2%). A small droop
will appear at the punched edge.
Bending with a Press Brake
Rightbond panels can be bent using a press brake. The minimum bendable radius with a press
brake is as follows:
Bending Direction
Minimum Bendable Radius
Traverse
50mm
Parallel
80mm
Notes on Press Brake Bending
a. “Traverse” and “parallel” show the bending direction towards the rolling (coating) direction,
printed on the protective film.
b. The minimum bendable radius means the limit with which visible wrinkles appear on the
aluminium surface of the Rightbond panel.
c. Use the top die (punch) with a similar radius to the desired radius. If the radius of the top die
is too small, it is possible for the bending radius to become partially smaller than the above
limit.
d. Use a urethane pad for the bottom die or place a rubber mat between the bottom die and the
Rightbond panel.
e. Use a scratch free top die. Polish and wipe the top die. Do the bending work without peeling
off the protective film.
Bending with a 3-Roll Bender
Rightbond panels can be bent using a manual or electric-drive 3-roll bender. The minimum
bendable limit is normally 250mm in radius, but it depends on the length of the bender and the
type of machine. The following is an example of the relationship between the length of the
bender and the minimum bendable limit.
39
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Bending with a 3-Roll Bender
Roll Length (mm)
Minimum Radius (mm R)
500
120
1000
150
2000
180
2500
200
Notes on 3-Roll Bending
a. Prior to the bending operation, wipe the roll surface carefully.
b. Remove any burr on the edge of the Rightbond panel, to avoid any dents being caused with
rolling.
c. Remove any dust particles on the Rightbond panel and ensure the protective film is wrinkle
free to avoid dents during rolling.
d. Do not tighten the panel with the rolls. If the roll clearance is rigid in the machine, adjust the
clearance to panel thickness plus 0.5mm approximately.
e. If a notch is required in a curved panel, make it after edge bending to avoid any distortion in
the curve.
f. When bending to a small radius, gradual bending is necessary, achieved by adjusting the
elevation of the bending roll.
g. If a consistent curving line is required near the edge of the panel, additional edge bending
will be necessary after regular bending.
CNC Router
Rightbond panels can be cut and grooved using a CNC router, particularly where a process is
being repeated. The recommended bit and operating conditions are the same as for a hand
router.
Turret Puncher
A turret puncher can be used for the perforation of Rightbond panels. The suitable clearance
between the punch and the die is 0.1mm or smaller (material thickness x approximately 2%).
A small droop will appear at the punched edge.
Water Jet Cutting
A plunge cut (piercing at the starting point) in water jet cutting may cause some delamination
between the aluminium skin and core material of a Rightbond panel. Therefore, a plunge cut
must be made in a disposable area of the panel or at the start of the panel edge. After
penetrating the panel, water jet cutting can be successfully used on Rightbond sheet.
Laser Cutting
Testing to date has shown that Rightbond panels are not suitable for laser cutting. This is
because the fumes generated from the panel may harm the optical instrument of the laser
system.
40
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Rivets
Rivets, nuts & bolts and tapping screws can be used for joining panels to aluminium extrusions.
Blind rivets should be made from aluminium whilst, nuts, bolts and tapping screws may be
either aluminium or stainless steel. Riveting work can be done from one direction only.
Adhesive
Commercial adhesives can be used for joining and assembling Rightbond panels. The exception
is any adhesive that may corrode aluminium, for example vinyl acetates that are widely used for
timber and styrene foam. The main adhesives that are suitable for the adhesion of Rightbond
panels and other materials are as follows:
Adhesives Applicable to Rightbond Panels
Epoxy
Chloroprene
Silicone RTV
Cyano-acrylate
Metal
Timber
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
Gypsum board
OK
OK
OK
OK
Styrene foam
OK
OK
OK
OK
Adhesive Type
Suitable
material
to be
adhered
Notes on Adhesives
a. Prior to adhesion ensure the panel is clean and free from dust, particles, grease, water etc.
b. Select the most appropriate adhesive that will ensure the necessary adhesion power in the
given atmospheric conditions. The adhesion power will depend on the surface conditions of
the substrate. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
c. It is important to pre-test the adhesive before fabrication and installation, as it is possible for
a Rightbond panel, when adhered to a different material, to show a deflection due to the
thermal expansion difference or dimension change of the material.
d. Some adhesives may cause a distortion after hardening due to shrinkage of the adhesive.
Generally epoxy, polyurethane and silicone adhesives may show this kind of distortion,
therefore pre-testing may be necessary.
Welding of Core
One end of a Rightbond panel can be adhered to the end of another panel by welding the core
with hot melt adhesive (glue). For good adhesion, the core surface must be pre-heated before
heating a glue stick. Normally, mechanical reinforcement is necessary after welding.
Double-sided Tape
Double-sided tape such as 3M’s VHB tape is suitable for joining Rightbond panels to other
materials. The tape simplifies the joining work and the thicker tapes allow some movement of
the two materials.
Hook/Loop Fastener
These removable and restorable fasteners can be used for guide signs and displays.
41
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Sealant
A sealing material is used to ensure waterproofing of joints between panels. The sealing
material should meet the performance required for the atmospheric conditions. Generally, the
sealants that can be used are silicone, modified silicone, polysulphide and polyurethane. To
ensure the necessary performance, please follow the sealant manufacturer’s specifications.
Screen Printing
Vinyl and polyurethane type inks are suitable for all Rightbond finishes. Normal adhesion is
0
achieved with these inks after drying at 80 C for 30 minutes and curing at room temperature for
24 hours. Before printing, remove dust and dirt with a soft cloth. Any oily dirt residue will cause
printing defects. It is important to cure or dry under the correct conditions. Please follow
instructions from ink manufacturer.
Notes on Screen Printing
0
a. To avoid deflection of the panel, keep the curing temperature below 90 C for less than
30 minutes.
b. Select the ink suitable for the atmospheric conditions where the panel is located.
Cutting Film
Various types of cutting film can be used with Rightbond panels. If you are going to fold the area
where the film is applied, the film may change the colour at the folded corner. Confirm with pretesting.
Digital Print with Ink Jet Printer
Various types of decorative films and wallpapers printed with inkjet printers can be applied on
Rightbond panels. Confirm the fire approval conditions of the film. Direct digital print is also
possible with special ink jet printers.
Touch-up Coating Method
Commercial or custom acrylic paints are suitable to repair the coating of all Rightbond panels.
Typical procedures are as follows:
a. Clean the surface of the panel and remove any dirt, if any.
b. Stir the paint well and apply with brush.
c. Dry and cure at room temperature, as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Normally acrylic paints show good adhesion once cured, however the touched-up portion may
have a slightly different appearance even with an exactly matched paint. For granite and
woodgrain finishes, use an intermediate solid colour diluted with clear paint for touch-up. The
suitable dilution rate is, depending on the colour, 10-90% of clear content.
42
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
General Cleaning
Firstly, try removing any stains by applying a little pressure with a soft sponge and water. If the
stain remains after the panel is dry, then use neutral detergents or household cleaners diluted
with water. Typical cleaning procedures are as follows:
a. Dilute a detergent or a cleaner to 1-5% with water.
b. Apply the solution and spread on the panel surface with a soft cloth or sponge. Wait for one
minute and the foam will blacken.
c. Dry the solution with a squeegee and wipe the remaining solution with a wet cloth and clean
water.
According to tests, dilute Magiclean is suitable for all finishes of Rightbond panels. Magiclean is a
household detergent with pH 8. For all other detergents, please pre-test in a small area.
a. Add detergent to water
5 litres of water:
Detergent 50-250ml
b. Apply detergent and spread
on Rightbond surface.
Wait for 1 min.
c. Dry with squeegee and wipe
off with a wet cloth.
Stubborn Stains
According to tests, alkali cleaners such as Sharpshooter (from 3M, alkali, pH 12) and Windex
(from Johnson, alkali, pH 11) are suitable for cleaning stubborn stains on Rightbond panels.
However, metallic finishes will require a good rinsing with water afterwards as non-rinsing may
cause a colour change due to any remaining alkali. For solid colours, granite and woodgrain
effect finishes, rinsing with water is not necessary. As with all alkali solutions, avoid contact with
eyes and skin and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. For other cleaners or stain
removers, please pre-test in a small area. Generally, strong acid and alkali cleaners may cause a
gloss change, colour change or swelling of the film coating. Do not use cleaners containing
abrasives. Do not use strong solvents or paint thinners.
1. Apply Sharpshooter or
Windex with sprayer, soft cloth
or sponge.
2. Rinse with wet cloth and
clean water.
43
Aluminium Composite
User Guidelines
Handling
Always unpack and pack the wooden crates in a clean place. Remove any dust and chips from
the sheet and the packing paper as any hard particles such as sand and cutting chips can cause
dents if they are caught between the panels. Always handle Rightbond on a work table and not
on the floor. Sheets should be picked up by two people with the effective surface upward to
avoid possible rubbing of the sheet surface during handling.
Transporting Material
Lay Rightbond sheets horizontally and do not place any heavy objects on top. Packaging should
be clearly marked with “Handle with Care”, “Keep Dry”, “No Hooks” & “This Side Up”. Pallets
should be handled with care during transportation and loading and unloading. Incoming pallets
should be inspected for transport or moisture damage.
Protective Film
The protective film may become invalid if subjected to direct sunlight and moisture. Panels must
be stored in a dry area not exceeding 6 months. The film should be removed immediately after
installation, particularly in the case of the reversible series where protective film is applied to
both sides of the panel. Although the film is translucent it can sometimes be difficult to notice
it. If the protective film becomes partly delaminated from the surface during handling, it may be
possible for the build up of dirt deposits.
Storing
Rightbond panels must be stored in a cool, dry and temperate area and must not be subject to
rain, moisture or condensation. Pallets should contain only same size panels and you should not
stack pallets more than four high.
Recycling
We can offer a recycling service for used sheets or offcuts. All material will be collected free of
charge. This service is only applicable for products supplied by Righton Limited. Due to the cost
of shipment back to the reprocessing plant, no financial offer can be made for the product being
collected.
44