Cutting
CNC Routing ACM — Dibond panels, routed shapes & folding prep
ACM (aluminium composite, branded as Dibond and similar) is the workhorse signage panel — light, flat, weatherable, and clean to route.
Standard capability
CNC Routing ACM- Process
- CNC routing
- Machines
- Avid CNC · Multicam SR3012V
- Material
- ACM / Aluminium Composite Panel
- Stocked thicknesses
- 3–6 mm
- Max sheet size
- 3000 × 1220 mm
- Max cut thickness
- 50 mm
- Standard cut tolerance
- ±0.2 mm
Job-specific details — yield, edge finish and lead time — are confirmed when we quote your file.
Cutting on the Gold Coast? ACM CNC routing — Gold Coast →
Materials
Industries
CNC Routing ACM
ACM is what most exterior signage panels are made of in Australia. Two thin aluminium skins bonded to a PE sign-grade or FR/A2 fire-rated core — we stock both — with a painted-on finish in a stocked range of colours. It's rigid, weatherable, doesn't warp like single-skin metal, and the price-to-finish ratio is hard to beat.
We route ACM for signage shops, shopfitters and fabricators doing illuminated and non-illuminated signs, cladding details, way-finding panels and architectural detail work. For regulated cladding applications, specify the FR/A2 fire-rated core. Plain rectangular cuts come off fast; routed shapes — logos, lettering, custom outlines — take longer but still hold a clean machined edge.
The big-ticket capability with ACM is V-grooving, which is a separate page on its own. By routing a V-groove on the back face of the panel we leave a thin painted skin on the front, which then folds cleanly to give a finished three-dimensional return — the basis of folded sign cans, fascias and architectural reveals. For that work, see the V-groove ACM Folding page.
We stock ACM in common signage colours by request and source brand-specific or speciality finishes on demand. Confirm colour, gauge, core grade and quantity on the quote request and we'll supply the panel and work from your file.
Good for
- Exterior signage panels (illuminated and non-illuminated)
- Architectural cladding details and feature panels
- Way-finding signage and large-format directional work
- Routed logo and lettering panels for storefronts
- Front skins of folded sign cans (paired with V-grooving)
Not for
- Heavy-load structural applications — ACM is a skin, not a structural plate
- Anything where the painted surface will be ground or sanded away
- High-detail intricate lettering with very small interior radius (use a different process)
CNC Routing ACM — common questions
- Do you supply the ACM?
- Yes — we supply the panel. We hold common signage colours in standard gauges and source brand-specific colours, speciality finishes (anodised, brushed, mirror) or non-stock sizes on demand. Flag what you need in the quote and we'll price it in.
- How does ACM compare to single-skin aluminium?
- ACM is lighter, doesn't warp, holds paint better and is cheaper for large flat panels. Single-skin aluminium is the right choice when you need structural strength or are folding/welding the part. ACM folds via V-groove; aluminium folds via brake.
- What file types can I send?
- DXF is the cleanest — that's a single-line vector format the cutter reads directly. AI, SVG, PDF, EPS and DWG all work too. If you've only got a JPG or a sketch on paper, send it anyway and we'll tidy it for you (small file-prep charge applies).
- How should I prepare a DXF?
- Outlines only, no fills. One closed path per cut. Different operations (cut, engrave, drill) on different layers so we know what gets which tool. Convert text to outlines before exporting so we don't have to chase the same font. If anything's ambiguous, write it in the file name or add a note in the quote request.
- How quick is a quote?
- Most quote requests reviewed within 1 business day. Simple trade jobs may be quoted faster during business hours (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm AEST). Complex, review-required, or unusual jobs may take longer. We'll tell you up front if so.
- Can I pick up or do you deliver?
- Both. Pickup is from Helensvale by appointment — we'll send the address when your job is ready. Local delivery covers the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan and Tweed Heads, quoted per job. Freight elsewhere in Australia on request.
Related
Paired cutting processes
Recommended add-ons
- ServiceDrillingPrecise CNC drilling for mount holes, pilots, and repeat-pattern arrays. Spec your hole sizes and we quote alongside the cut.
- ServiceRadius CornersRounded internal and external corners — safer handling, longer-wearing edges. Specify your radius in millimetres.
- ServiceEdge FinishingSanded, machined or polished edges depending on material and end use. From rough trade-grade to retail-ready finishes.
- ServiceDeburringSharp-edge removal on cut parts. Standard on ACM jobs; on request for plastics and timber. Solid metals are sourced and cut by review.
- ServicePowerpoint CutoutsAustralian standard powerpoint, switch and service cutouts in panels and cabinetry. Custom sizes on request.
File-prep rules · How to prepare your artwork for cutting
Ready to quote cnc routing acm?
Quote back, usually within 1 business day. No card needed.