Gator or Ultra Annodized aluminum finish?

[jhicks]

We have been calling around to our normal plastic sheet and sign supply suppliers trying to find 1/2" to 1" gator or ultra board with the aluminum surface in brushed silver, gold, etc.
So far all we hear is 20 sheet minimum or we don't stock that.
It cuts well and makes a nice letter or logo so we want to explore more opportunities to use it but can't seem to find a supplier anywhere in the midwest.
Even the authorized distributor lists from Foam visions and Alcan don't seem to have any.
Is anyone using this stuff or have an alternate brand they know might be stocked or available in less than 20 sheet minimum order qtys?

[aaasigncom]

TRY LAIRD PLASTICS 317-890-1808

[jhicks]

Thanks, no luck at least in the Chicago Branch. They are happy to quote 20 sheet min but don't stock. At least not today.
Any other ideas? We've tried Laird, grimco, GE Polymer shapes,and a few more but no inventory yet.

[Brady Watson]

Jerry,
One of my customers laminates his own .040 AL (kenmetal, brushed. polished etc) to gatorboard. You need a high-temp contact cement or the AL will come off when machining. I've cut a ton of this stuff...use a Spiral O.

You can see what shipping is via my supplier or if they can recommend a supplier out by you. External Link to HarborSales.net (http://www.harborsales.net/fullsheetlookup.cfm?categoryID=6&subcategoryID=14& cat=Foam%20Boards)

-B

[jhicks]

Thanks guys, Well I finally found it through an unusual path and learned the following.
As you know Gator Foam is manufactured by Alcan composites but to my surprise they do NOT make an aluminum anodized skin in gold or silver or any other aluminum finish on Gator Foam specifically. Yes they make DiBond which has an aluminum surface but not on gator.
The Marketing & tech folks were nice enough to help me by directing me to Charette here in Chicago. I told them I had already called them but she insisted on getting me in touch with their local sales manager.
The material (which I had samples of and called all over about is Ultra Foam)but heard no, not in 1", min 25 sheets etc.
Well it turns out that Charette did have stock, was very helpful, is sending samples, and had a decent price ($145.00/ 4x8 sheet 1" thick) and only $25.00 shipping cost.
Charette Site is easy to navigate and looks like easy to order on line.
http://www.charrette.com/
Main site for Ultra Board material including ULTRA ALUMINUM is
http://www.ultraboard.com/

Thanks for the input and hope this helps someone else out.
If nothing else order the ultra aluminum or other samples for testing. Looks like easy and nicely finished interior and exterior material for letters and logos.


Just goes to show its out there somewhere but often the folks on the phone or at the desk really don't connect the dots too well even if you ask by brand name. Probably something to do with software and what it says or doesn't on their computer screens.

[oscarg1971]

I have someone who wants to have an engraving done on a 24x36 sheet of Colored Anodized Aluminum, like the kind used in laser engraving. Does anyone know of a supplier or better yet, know of an alternative to the material that is more easily found?? -Oscar

[Brady Watson]

Oscar,
You might want to try a place like this: http://www.idplates.com/smp-alum.html or other laser blank supplier...there are a ton of them out there.

-B