Need advice for cutting Dibond ACM Panel

[ttwark]

We are making a large reception desk. Going to cut the letters "L C" on a sheet of 3mm thick Dibond that has a brushed aluminum finish. The letters will scale about 24" tall. We want to remove the aluminum face,with the tool path being an area clear. We are going to paint the black center the color red. I have no experience with cutting this material, and nothing really to practice with. Any advice with bit selection, speeds etc would be helpful.

[jerry_stanek]

I use a 2 flute up spiral bit at 10000 and 3.5 ips to cut mine. You may want to rethink doing the pocket and get some brushed aluminum laminate and laminate some red sintra of Plexi after you cut out the letters. That would give you a better finish.

[tom_fiddler]

I find a straight 2 flute bit leaves a better finish. Holding the Dibond flat with vacuum is a must IMHO.
Not sure what paint really sticks to the plastic.
The red insert as Jerry mentioned will make a MUCH sexier sign.

[coryatjohn]

>> Not sure what paint really sticks to the plastic.

Krylon Fusion paints seem to work quite well on plastic.

[tom_fiddler]

>> Not sure what paint really sticks to the plastic.

Krylon Fusion paints seem to work quite well on plastic.

Thanks for the info.

[jerry_stanek]

We use an auto primer and auto acrylic on our sintra. When you take the surface off it will suck up the paint so you want a high build primer.

[feinddj]

When painting or gluing Sintra, wipe it down with lacquer thinner first. There are a lot of oils on that sheet.