Anodized Sheet Suppliers? Specifically larger sheets?

[Scott Shepherd]

Anyone got any sources for larger anodized sheets? I'm looking for 4' x 4' if possible. I quoted and got a job that has a lot of pieces in it, the company that is going to cut the shapes isn't thrilled with the use of 12" x 24" sheets and says it's going to run the cost up substantially because it'll be a different program for every individual sheet. I don't quite grasp why you can't just layout 8 sheets edge to edge and allow for that in one program, but I'm not in the position to complain to them since they are the only people I can find locally that will do it.

I'm looking for .025" thick black anodized in anything larger than 12" x 24". Anyone got any wholesale sources for that?

Thanks!

[Mike Null]

Steve

Call Johnson Plastics and see if they can provide some info.

[AL Ursich]

ChewBarka deals in lots of Tags, might be able to get you big sheets too.

[Keith Bielat]

I have a wholesale source near me (Chicago), but what do you plan to do after the pieces are cut? The type of aluminum and anodizing will affect the quality of the engraving it produces. I usually use my wholesale source when I have a large job but am doing mechanical engraving. The lasering on most stock anodized aluminum will come out a gray instead of the vibrant white most people are used to from the normal suppliers like Johnson Plastics. Not that it is much help, but when trying to track down a source for larger sheets to laser, Johnson and other laser supply vendors did not give up anyone who can do it in larger sheet sizes than 12x24, but if you do find someone please let me know!

[Dave Sheldrake]

Lots over here Scotty (not that it will be much use to you) Laser industrials use edge detection in most cases, more sheets means more set up time on big machines hence more expensive.

cheers

Dave

[Paul Phillips]

Steve, try this-
http://www.chemetal.com/designs/908-satin-black-aluminum

or this

http://www.wrisco.com/wrisco-products-and-services/prefinished-aluminum.html

I use chemetal quite often and have had good luck with them, only used wrisco once for a specific client, seemed fine, I think they both only offer 4"x8" sheets although they may be able to cut them for you.
Hope this helps!

[Tony Lenkic]

Steve,
IDPLATES lists some on their web in 24x48 sheet size.

http://www.idplates.com/sheet-metal/aluminum/#aa

[Kevin Gregerson]

I second ID plates, it's where we purchase everything we buy. It comes clean without any scuff marks.

[Scott Shepherd]

Thanks Guys! Those were just what I needed.