A sign can look almost identical from the front and still be made very differently. That is the main thing to understand when comparing aluminum and JBond. Both are available for indoor and outdoor signs, but one is solid metal and the other is a layered panel. Knowing what is inside helps you compare the options more accurately.
What each material is made of
Onyx Print Group's aluminum signs use solid aluminum with a glossy surface. They are available in .040-inch and .080-inch thicknesses. The measurement describes the thickness of the metal itself.
JBond is an aluminum-composite material. Composite simply means that different materials are combined in one product. JBond has aluminum on its two outer surfaces and a polyethylene plastic center. Those layers form a rigid sign panel, available in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses.
The distinction matters when you read a specification. A 3mm JBond sign does not contain 3mm of solid aluminum. Its measurement includes the outer metal layers and the plastic center.
How to compare the thickness options
Within the aluminum range, .080 inch is twice the thickness of .040 inch. Within the JBond range, 6mm is twice the thickness of 3mm. Those are useful comparisons within each material.
Comparing the two materials takes another step. Convert the measurements to the same unit if you are checking how much space the panel will occupy. The aluminum options are approximately 1mm and 2mm thick, while JBond is 3mm or 6mm thick. Thickness alone, however, does not establish which finished sign will be best for a particular installation.
Think about the sign's size, its location, and how it will be supported. If you are replacing an existing panel, measure the available space and check the requirements of the existing installation before choosing a thickness.
Which fits your project
Solid aluminum is worth considering when you want a metal panel with a relatively slim profile. Onyx's aluminum signs are suitable for business identification, property signs, directions, and other information displayed indoors or outdoors.
JBond is worth considering when you want a thicker, rigid composite panel. It is also suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including storefront panels, property signs, construction-site information, and directional displays.
Because their uses overlap, start with the physical requirements of your project rather than assuming one material belongs only indoors or outdoors. For a large or exposed installation, establish the support and mounting requirements before ordering either option.
Plan the printed message
Onyx offers custom sizing, single- or double-sided printing, and square or rounded corners for both materials. Choose two-sided printing when viewers need to see the message from both directions, and prepare artwork for each face.
Keep the most important information easy to find. A property sign might lead with the address; a directional sign might lead with an arrow and destination. Onyx asks that important text and graphics stay at least a quarter inch from the edges. Check the correct size, proportions, spelling, and both previews if your sign is double-sided.
Your final choice should bring the panel and the placement together. Start with solid aluminum or layered JBond, select the thickness your installation calls for, and then build a clear design around the message people need to see.
Compare available sizes and pricing for aluminum signs and JBond signs before choosing your material.
