Aluminium Signs

Submission specifications for Aluminium signs

Add 5 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 5 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances. You can submit your file with crop marks and printer's marks.

Keep 10 mm safety margin.

Keep all important text and images at least 10 mm away from the edge of the finished size.

Resolution of at least 150 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 150 dpi.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Here you can find the customized submission specifications for contour cutting.

If you want your product to be cut to a custom shape, you will have to add it as a vector shape on top of your design. Make sure the width of the stroke is 1 pt, the colour is a 100% magenta spot and named "cutcontour". If you want us to adjust it for you, please send the custom shape on a separate page in the desired position. Please note that bleed is still needed for custom shaped designs, meaning your design must go at least 5 mm past the contour cut line.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Fonts should be at least 12 pt.

With a minimum font size of 20 pt (30 pt for white text) make sure your text is readable.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions for Aluminium signs

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• Panels are one of our most-sold products and are a very popular promotional material. A panel is a sign for advertisement of your own store or project with your own design on it.
• 
  This product is used:
• • Introduce people to your business
• • Provide information
• • Promote at fairs and events
• • Represent your company's identity or brand

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Aluminium signs is:
• Nextday
• NOTE: only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). In this way the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated in the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• NOTE: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut off time.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of your Aluminium signs we use the following production technique(s):
• UV-print: the printing is fulfilled with eco-friendly ink which is cured by means of UV light. This technique is also used by dentists for placing a filling. Curing ensures that the quality is clear and the colours are printed sharp.
• Latex-print: the film is printed with eco-friendly latex inks. These inks are water based and doesn't contain harmful substances. The latex film is very secure and sturdy, and will be placed on top of the material.

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of your Aluminium signs we use multiple carriers. We use our most reliable carriers which in most cases are UPS or DPD.
• Other carriers we use are DHL and even our own courier service. These carriers are used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• The Aluminium signs that is chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• 
  If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you our offer within 1 working day.
• Depending on the complexity this can take a bit longer.

Are Aluminium signs fit for usage outside?

• All panels are made for inside use. For outside use, it is best to choose one of the following materials: Trespa, correx, painted or brushed aluminium.

Which materials can I choose from?

• Painted aluminium (Outdoor): Light weight, made out of two synthetic plates with a hard core (dibond). Doesn't bend and is water resistant. Ideal for facade signing or promotial signs. Maximum surface 2m2 per panel
• Brushed Aluminium (Outdoor): Brushed aluminium has a beautiful silver metallic finish. Ideal for advertising signs and stunning as wall decoration in for example your office building. Maximum surface 2m2 cm per panel.

What options are available for Aluminium signs?

• No extra options: A Clean Cut is the standard finish for your advertising panel. Your sign will be cut nicely to the exact size you requested.
• This finish has two holes in the upper left and right corners of your advertising panel. Perfect for hanging on your ceiling!
• 4 holes in the corners: Four holes will be drilled in each corner of your clean cut advertising panel. Perfect for wall suspension or hanging!
• Contour cut: Cutting your design on the contour lines gives your sign a great finish. Virtually any shape can be cut, creating a unique look! Please note: special design formatting required for this finish!

Are all types of material being printed directly on the panel?

• All materials are printed directly onto the panel. Except for trespa, here a latex based foil gets printed on the panel.

What is the diameter of the holes in Aluminium signs?

• The standard diameter of the drilled holes is 5mm.

Where are the drilled holes in the Aluminium signs located?

• The distance between the center of the hole and the edge of the panel is a standard 15mm. Beware when ordering a very small sign that this could be drilled into the main area of your artwork.

Is this panel fire resistant?

• Our Foamex signs panels are B1 certified, which makes them fire retardant.