Digital Anoprinting for the Sign Trade

Digital anoprinting is a technique that creates full-colour graphics inside the hard anodised surface of aluminium. It makes excellent interior wayfinding signage for tough environments such as schools, where other signage types may be damaged. In situations where surface prints will become worn, such as museum displays, it allows the use of superb colour graphics that will not wear away, even with heavy use.

Tough graphics for challenging environments

We have developed our digital anoprinting technology to specifically suit sign-trade applications. We even have a specification for use on the decks of cruise ships where surface prints quickly fail, even if laminated. Because the graphics are genuinely sub-surface, there is no surface print that can be peeled or scraped off. The anodised aluminium is inert, and is resistant to solvents, acids, even paint stripper. Our digitally anoprinted interior wayfinding signage is certified to have passed BS 476: Part 6: 1989 + A1: 2009 – Fire Propagation, and has achieved Class1: BS 476: Part 7: 1997 – Surface Spread of Flame, so it is safe to use in high-rise buildings. It also complies with low smoke, zero halogen requirements, so can be used in trains, aircraft, and other areas where this is specified. See further details on our Fire Tested Signs page.

The graphics are created inside the aluminium oxide surface as part of the anodising process. We use a CMYK colouring system so there is no white, and images can therefore blend seamlessly into the surface. If white graphics are required, we have techniques that will create this effect. For a full understanding of the process, please take a moment to read the PDF on this page which explains the technology in detail.