FAQ
We combine the durability of powder coating with the limitless opportunities of sublimation printing. We were the first to bring this process to the wide-format graphics, wayfinding and themed entertainment industries. Our innovative ALTO™ process meets or exceeds Qualicoat, ASTM, ISO and DIN International standards.
The overall quality and long life of a vibrant graphic panel mostly relies on well-executed preparation prior to powder coating and sublimation. Other important aspects are powder-coat quality, a uniform application method, specially formulated dye-sublimation inks, printing equipment and properly formatted graphics. Last but not least, ALTO™ has been under extensive and continuous R&D since 2005, striving to improve and continuously offer products that surpass industry standards. Our product defect is under 0.01%.
Once the graphics are embedded in the powder coat during the sublimation process, no further treatment is necessary. We do not apply clear coats, sprays, varnishes, protective wraps, or any type of overlay. As the process eliminates the need for protective coatings, there is no peeling, cracking or delamination.
Absolutely! Our powder coats contain no solvents, and therefore emit negligible, if any, polluting VOCs into the atmosphere. The powder-coating process is a low-exhaust procedure, and over-spray can be retrieved and reused. Our powder coats are non-toxic and contain no TGICs (triglycidylisocyanurates).
ABOUT ALTO™
Sublimation is a chemical process in which heat and pressure are used to turn a solid into a gas without putting it through a liquid phase. It has become a popular digital printing technology, in which special inks are applied to a variety of substrates with a heat and pressure process.
We exclusively use aluminum because it is lightweight, durable, will not rust and can be recycled over and over without losing its great properties. It is also ideal for the powder coating and sublimation processes.
We use Grade 5052 aluminum, an aluminum alloy known for its strong, ductile and light-weight profile. It is corrosion-resistant, especially in salt-water and marine atmospheres, and is not affected by heavy rains or high humidity. Grade 5052 aluminum is at peak performance in cold-weather conditions.
We sublimate exclusively on aluminum. While dye sublimation is most commonly used for fabrics, such as banners, t-shirts, etc. and can be applied to many other materials, we choose to stick with aluminum. As such, we use different equipment than that required for other types of sublimation.
DYE SUBLIMATION
Powder coating is a high performance dry-finishing process that uses electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) to cover a metal substrate in a polymer resin powder. It is popular process with applications in a variety of industries because it is supremely durable and eco-friendly.
Class 2 powder coatings use enhanced resin systems and higher-grade pigments and stabilizers for a higher resistance to degradation and UV rays. This class of powder coats has increased lightfastness (especially towards short wavelengths) and to environmental factors (heat and humidity), which are the main reasons for coating products’ degradation.
By specifying ‘Qualicoat™’ when requesting an architectural-grade powder coat, specifiers are guaranteed to get the very best quality and consistency of coating available from the Qualicoat™ network of powder-coat manufacturers, pre-treatment systems and applicators.
We can do custom powder coating in uniform colors, but our speciality is the sublimation process, in which we embed custom images and graphics into a powder coated panel.
SH has a fully integrated metal shop with extensive capabilities in welding, folding and cutting aluminum, so we are able to supply and prefabricate the aluminum for almost any project. If you have a proprietary system, please contact your representative to evaluate the possibilities.
POWDER COATING
Anything you want! As long as the resolution is 150 dpi, we can print and sublimate it!
ALTO™ products can be used to replace or replicate organic materials, as they can be sublimated to resemble different types of wood, marble, stone, and even multiple types of metal (treated, weathered, manufactured, Corten, etc.).
Absolutely! All the graphics are embedded in a UV-resistant powder coat. We have several projects that have been installed for years in Florida, Asia and South America.
One of the most important properties of aluminum is how well it performs in cold weather. In fact, aluminum strengthens when the temperature drops, unlike other materials that become brittle. We have several ALTO™ projects installed in Alaska & The Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The largest single flat panel we can sublimate is 4’ x 8’ (48” x 96” or 1219.2 mm x 2438.4 mm). For larger format projects like murals, panels can be expertly aligned to achieve desired size.
Standard panels are 1/8” (0.3175 cm) thick. Though this may seem too thin, it is incredibly sturdy. It is extremely hard to bend, while at the same time being lightweight and easy to handle. Other panel thicknesses are available. Prices vary based on market value of aluminum.
Standard corners have eased edges with approximately 1/8" radius for inside corners. Custom corner radius available upon request.
All edges are sanded smooth for safety. The graphic image covers the entire surface and wraps around the edges for a professional finish.
Note: Image will cover the entire flat surface of a panel and the edges (up to a 7” return, please check with your representative), except in the case of round panels (ex. tables).
We offer various options:
- Unfinished backs (A mix of aluminum and excess powder coating)
- White Powder Coated back
- Double-sided: Both sides sublimated of the panel (panel max. 24 x 36”).
Important note: As panels must be hung to be powder-coated, we require either a hole or a temporary stud that we remove afterwards. It is important to coordinate with your SH project manager to ensure that the holes or marks left by our temporary studs are covered by your mounting brackets/posts or frames.
Our standard powder coat base is white because it results in super vivid colors after the graphic is sublimated. Note: white areas in your graphic will be the same white as the base coat, as we do not print and sublimate white.
We use a fine matte texture that offers optimal scratch resistance and reduces glare.
We offer a variety of custom shapes. Some limitations apply. For example, inside bends and interior edges on cut-outs are difficult or impossible to sublimate.
PANELS
Welded studs can be mounted to the back of an ALTO™ panel. The location of studs will vary based on the mounting structure.
No frames are needed, as ALTO™ panels have finished edges. Panels can be self-supporting or use one of our mounting options.
HARDWARE
This is where we will examine your graphic files to ensure that they conform to our specifications. When the graphic file is ready, we send you a pdf file for your approval.
Please refer to our graphic file preparation for guidelines on bleed, resolution, color profiles, dielines, file types, fonts, embedded links and document size.
Yes. We have successfully matched colors for some of the world’s leading brands. We can color match with recognized color systems (e.g. RAL, Pantone and print match).
We do not offer graphic design services at this time.
PREPRESS GUIDELINES
Yes, please do! We can send you a couple of complimentary ALTO™ sample kit with 4"x 6" samples or you can buy a Full Sample Box. Click here to learn more.
Before entering production, we can produce an 8x10” sample with some elements from your art file (a bit of text, colors, or any significant piece of the file). The lead time on a custom sample is 3-5 business days.
Note: Anything beyond this size and format qualifies as a prototype.
Absolutely! A mini version of your future project can be done. This will help you present your concept to your clients and give you a better sense of the material. Lead time on a prototype is 2-4 weeks.
Our typical lead time is between 3 and 6 weeks once the PDF file is approved, depending on the complexity of your project. A more precise date can be confirmed once project details are provided.
All panels undergo a thorough inspection to ensure they meet our quality standards. We only reprint panels that exceed our 2% margin of error.
PRODUCTION
ALTO™ panels do not require any special maintenance beyond regular cleaning that follows our instructions, which are included on the specification sheet. Never sand, wax or varnish ALTO™ products.
Clean with a rag and soapy water. Do not use abrasive products or materials, highly acidic cleaners or cleaners with unknown chemicals. Dry with a non-abrasive cloth. Tough stains can be cleaned with mild cleaners like Windex and damp cloth, then the panel should be rinsed and dried.
To remove graffiti, use DISAPPEAR Organic Graffiti/Adhesive Remover. For tough marks, use Professional’s Choice Shadow Max. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
We offer a limited warranty of up to 10 years.
MAINTENANCE
Shipping is based on the size and weight of your order and is based on standard postal or courier rates; expedited shipping is available upon request. Our logistics expert will find the best available rates for your region.
We can ship FOB everywhere in US & Canada on daily basis. We also ship internationally.
We ensure that your panels are well protected when we package your order.
Do not sign for damaged packaging as we will not be able to make a claim for you with the shipping company if it signed.
SHIPPING
Quotes are valid for a maximum of 3 months.
We accept major credit cards, wire transfers and cheques.