Perforated plate sublimation customized aluminum sheet plate

Common Aluminum Alloys for Perforated Sublimation Plates

Alloy	Purity / Strength	Typical Use
1050	High purity	Decorative panels, signage
1060	Excellent formability	Custom perforated designs
3003	Higher strength	Architectural and industrial use
5052	Strong corrosion resistance	Outdoor panels

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Standard Thickness Options

Thin to medium thickness aluminum sheets are commonly used for sublimation and perforation.

Thickness (mm)	Application
0.6 – 0.8	Lightweight decorative panels
1.0 – 1.2	Signage and wall panels
1.5 – 2.0	Structural decorative use
2.5 – 3.0	Industrial and outdoor panels

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Perforation Types and Hole Specifications

Hole Size Range

Hole Diameter	Typical Use
2–4 mm	Fine decorative designs
5–8 mm	Ventilation panels
10–15 mm	Architectural features

Open Area Ratio

Open Area (%)	Function
10–20%	Visual focus, strength
20–40%	Balanced airflow and design
40–60%	High ventilation

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Sublimation Coating Types

Coating Type	Surface Finish	Printing Effect
Glossy White	High gloss	Vivid colors, photos
Matte White	Low reflection	Soft color tone
Satin White	Semi-gloss	Balanced appearance

All coatings are optimized for heat press sublimation printing.

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Recommended Sublimation Printing Parameters

Parameter	Recommended Value
Temperature	190–205°C
Time	45–60 seconds
Pressure	Medium
Cooling	Natural air cooling

Correct parameters ensure consistent image transfer on perforated aluminum sheets.

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Applications

• Architectural decorative panels
• Interior wall art and partitions
• Advertising and signage boards
• Ventilated display panels
• Custom photo metal panels
• Furniture decorative surfaces
• Exhibition and retail displays

Perforation adds both functionality and visual appeal.

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Advantages Over Solid Sublimation Aluminum Sheets

Feature	Perforated Plate	Solid Plate
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Airflow	Excellent	None
Design Flexibility	High	Limited
Visual Depth	Strong	Flat
Customization	High	Medium

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Customization Options Available

• Sheet size (A4, A3, 4×8, custom)
• Hole pattern and spacing
• Alloy and thickness
• Surface coating type
• Edge treatment (rounded or straight)

This flexibility makes them suitable for both small batch and large-scale projects.

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Why Choose Customized Perforated Sublimation Aluminum Plates?

• Combines printing and functionality
• Enhances airflow and reduces weight
• Supports modern architectural design
• Durable and long-lasting material
• Suitable for both decorative and industrial use

These aluminum sheet plates offer a perfect balance between design freedom and performance.

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Sublimation Aluminum Sheet Plates

Choosing the right specifications ensures optimal printing results and long-term durability.

Perforated Plate Sublimation Customized Aluminum Sheet Plate

A perforated sublimation aluminum sheet is a coated metal plate with holes in it. You can print a full-color image on the surface. The holes let in light, air, or sound. This mix of print and pattern is why more shops now ask for custom perforated plates.

→ Print on metal and keep the holes open
→ Choose hole size, pitch, and shape to fit your design
→ Order in your own size, finish, and pattern

What Is a Perforated Sublimation Aluminum Plate?

The result looks light and modern. It is also lighter than a solid plate.

How It Differs From a Solid Sheet

Point	Solid Sublimation Sheet	Perforated Sublimation Sheet
Image area	Full surface	Surface between holes
Weight	Higher	Lower
Light and air	Blocked	Pass through holes
Sound	Reflected	Can be partly absorbed with backing
Rigidity	Higher	Lower for the same thickness
Look	Flat, clean	Textured, layered

How the Print Works

• The design is printed on sublimation paper.
• The paper is placed on the plate.
• Heat and pressure move the ink into the coating.
• Ink does not stick to the holes because there is no coating there.

Hole Shapes You Can Choose

The hole shape changes the look and the strength. Each shape has its own uses.

Round Holes

Square Holes

A modern, graphic look. Good for architectural and display panels.

Slotted Holes

Long, narrow openings. Often used for vents, grilles, and linear designs.

Hexagonal Holes

A honeycomb look. Gives a strong, balanced pattern.

Decorative Shapes

Stars, flowers, logos, and custom cutouts. Usually made by laser or CNC.

Shape	Look	Strength	Typical Use
Round	Classic	High	Screens, sound panels
Square	Modern	Medium	Architecture, displays
Slot	Linear	Medium	Vents, grilles
Hexagon	Honeycomb	High	Decor, partitions
Custom shape	Unique	Varies	Signs, branding

Hole Size, Pitch, and Open Area

Three numbers define a perforated pattern. Hole diameter, pitch, and open area.

• Hole diameter (d): the size of one hole.
• Pitch (p): the center-to-center distance between holes.
• Open area: the percent of the sheet that is open.

Typical Round Hole Patterns (Staggered 60°)

Hole Diameter	Pitch	Approx. Open Area	Look
1.5 mm	3.5 mm	17%	Fine, subtle
2.0 mm	4.0 mm	23%	Light, delicate
3.0 mm	6.0 mm	23%	Medium, clear
4.0 mm	6.0 mm	40%	Open, airy
5.0 mm	8.0 mm	35%	Bold
6.0 mm	10.0 mm	33%	Large, graphic

Quick Formula

For staggered round holes, open area is about 90.7 × (d ÷ p)² in percent. For straight (square grid) holes, it is about 78.5 × (d ÷ p)² in percent.

Staggered or Straight Layout?

Layout	Look	Strength	Notes
Staggered 60°	Dense, even	Higher	Most popular
Straight 90°	Grid, formal	Slightly lower	Good for modern designs

Alloy and Temper for Perforated Plates

Alloy	Temper	Features	Best For
1050	H24	Very flat, soft, easy to punch	Fine patterns, light use
1060	H24	Good surface, low cost	General perforated plates
3003	H24	Stronger, holds shape	Larger plates, signs
5052	H32	Strong, corrosion resistant	Outdoor and coastal use

Which Alloy to Choose?

• Small indoor items: 1060 H24.
• Bigger screens and panels: 3003 H24.
• Outdoor or humid places: 5052 H32.

Thickness Guide

Thickness	Feel	Common Use
0.5 mm	Light, flexible	Small decor, tags
0.8 mm	Firm	Signs, small screens
1.0 mm	Rigid	Wall panels, lamp shades
1.5 mm	Very rigid	Screens, partitions
2.0 mm	Heavy duty	Large panels, outdoor use

Thickness and Open Area Together

Open Area	Suggested Minimum Thickness
Under 20%	0.5–0.8 mm
20–35%	0.8–1.0 mm
35–50%	1.0–1.5 mm

Larger open areas need thicker plate or a frame.

Finish and Coating Options

Finish	Look	Best For
Gloss white	Bright, vivid color	Photos, bright art
Matte white	Soft, low glare	Art, interiors
Brushed silver	Metallic lines	Modern signs
Gold or pearl	Warm shine	Gifts, premium items
Wood grain	Natural look	Decor
Clear or frosted	Shows the metal	Special designs

Single Side or Double Side Coated

Option	Use
Single side coated	Most common, lower cost
Double side coated	Print both faces, good for screens and partitions

Custom Options You Can Order

Option	Examples
Size	Any size from small tags to large panels
Shape	Rectangle, circle, oval, custom outline
Hole pattern	Round, square, slot, hex, logo
Hole size and pitch	Fine to large patterns
Thickness	0.5–2.0 mm and more
Corners	Square or rounded
Edges	Plain, smooth, folded
Mounting holes	Two, four, or special layout
Color and finish	White, silver, gold, wood grain
Backing	Black fleece, acoustic pad

Custom Artwork Files

Many factories accept DXF, DWG, or AI files for cutting patterns. Send a clear drawing with sizes in millimeters.

Standard Size Examples

These sizes are common starting points. Custom sizes can be made on request.

Size	Millimeters	Typical Use
4″ × 8″	102 × 203	Small signs
8″ × 10″	203 × 254	Decor plates
A4	210 × 297	Display panels
A3	297 × 420	Wall art
12″ × 12″	305 × 305	Tile panels
600 × 600 mm	600 × 600	Ceiling and wall modules
600 × 1200 mm	600 × 1200	Large screens

Where Perforated Sublimation Plates Are Used

This product fits many projects.

• Decorative wall panels
• Room dividers and screens
• Ceiling panels with printed patterns
• Lamp shades and light covers
• Speaker and sound panels
• Signs with air or light flow
• Store displays and shelving backs
• Furniture panels and cabinet fronts
• Sunshade and privacy screens
• Event and exhibition booths
• Gift and award plates
• Vent covers with a printed look

Matching Product to Project

Project	Suggested Spec
Wall decoration	1.0 mm, 3003 H24, round holes, 20–30% open
Room divider	1.5 mm, 3003 H24 or 5052, hex or round holes
Lamp shade	0.8–1.0 mm, 1060 H24, small holes
Sound panel	1.0 mm, round holes, black fleece backing
Outdoor screen	1.5–2.0 mm, 5052 H32, strong coating
Small gift plate	0.5 mm, 1060 H24, decorative holes

Design Tips: Make the Print and the Holes Work Together

Holes break up the image. A smart design uses this to its advantage.

Image Tips

• Use bold images. Fine details can get lost at the holes.
• Avoid small text near holes.
• Use large shapes, patterns, and strong color blocks.
• Keep key parts of the image on solid areas.

Pattern Tips

• Smaller holes with tight pitch keep more of the image.
• Larger holes make a stronger pattern but cut the image more.
• Keep a clear solid border around the edge for strength and mounting.

Hole Size vs Image Clarity

Hole Pattern	Image Clarity
Fine holes, low open area	Very good
Medium holes, medium open area	Good
Large holes, high open area	Pattern led, less image detail

Pressing a Perforated Sheet: Step by Step

Pressing is not the same as a solid sheet. Ink can pass through the holes and mark the pad.

→ Step 1: Clean the plate and remove dust and burr dust from the holes.
→ Step 2: Print the design in mirror mode.
→ Step 3: Fix the paper with heat tape.
→ Step 4: Place a clean sheet of paper or a Teflon sheet under the plate.
→ Step 5: Press with heat and medium pressure.
→ Step 6: Peel the paper while it is warm.
→ Step 7: Cool the plate flat.

Suggested Starting Settings

Plate	Temperature	Time	Pressure
0.5 mm, small holes	190–195°C	50–70 s	Medium
0.8 mm, medium holes	190–200°C	60–80 s	Medium
1.0 mm, medium holes	195–200°C	70–90 s	Medium
1.5–2.0 mm	195–205°C	90–120 s	Medium to firm

These are guides. Always test a plate first.

Protect the Press and Pad

Common Problems and Fixes

Problem	Likely Cause	Fix
Ink marks around the holes	Ink passing through the holes	Use a cover sheet below, check paper size
Burr scratches the paper	Rough hole edges	Request deburred holes
Plate warps after pressing	Thin plate, large open area	Use thicker plate, cool flat
Pattern does not match the image	Paper shifted	Use tape and register marks
Dull color	Heat too low	Raise heat by 5°C, add time
Ghosting	Paper moved	Fix the paper well, peel quickly
Coating chips at hole edges	Punching after coating	Ask for a coating suited for punching
Uneven color	Pressure uneven	Check pad and press

A Note on Hole Edges

When holes are cut after coating, the edge shows bare aluminum. This is normal. For a cleaner look, ask about edge sealing or a matching edge color.

Perforated Plate vs Other Ways to Decorate Metal

Method	Detail Level	Durability	Perforation Friendly	Cost
Sublimation print	Very high	High indoors	Yes	Medium
Powder coat	Solid color only	Very high	Yes	Low to medium
Screen print	Medium	High	Yes	Medium
Vinyl wrap	High	Medium	Limited	Medium
Direct UV print	High	Medium to high	Yes	Higher
Anodized	Limited colors	Very high	Yes	Higher

Sublimation gives full-color photo quality that powder coat cannot match. It also lasts longer than vinyl on most indoor surfaces.

Quality Checks Before You Accept an Order

Check	What to Look For
Hole size	Within tolerance of your drawing
Pitch	Even and aligned
Edge burrs	Smooth or deburred
Flatness	No wave or twist
Coating	No chips, scratches, or marks
Color	Matches the sample
Dimensions	Correct length, width, and thickness
Packing	Protected with film and paper

Typical Tolerances

Item	Common Range
Hole diameter	±0.05–0.10 mm
Hole position	±0.10–0.20 mm
Sheet size	±0.3–0.5 mm
Thickness	±0.02–0.05 mm

Tolerance depends on the process and the sheet size. Confirm with your supplier.

How to Order a Custom Perforated Sublimation Sheet

A clear process saves time.

→ Step 1: Send a drawing or sketch with size and hole pattern.
→ Step 2: Choose alloy, thickness, and finish.
→ Step 3: Approve a sample or drawing proof.
→ Step 4: Confirm price, quantity, and lead time.
→ Step 5: Production and inspection.
→ Step 6: Packing and shipping.

Typical Time Frame

Stage	Common Time
Drawing check and sample	3–10 days
Production	15–30 days
Shipping	Depends on route

Inquiry Template

Product: Perforated sublimation aluminum plate
Size: ______ mm
Alloy and temper: ______
Thickness: ______ mm
Finish: gloss white / matte white / brushed silver / other
Hole shape: round / square / slot / hex / custom
Hole size and pitch: ______
Open area target: ______ %
Corners and mounting holes: ______
Quantity: ______ pieces
Destination port: ______
Please send a quote and sample details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Questions

What is a perforated sublimation aluminum sheet?

It is a coated aluminum plate with holes. You can print a full-color image on it with sublimation. The holes stay open.

What alloy is best for perforated sublimation plates?

For most indoor items, 1060 H24 or 3003 H24 works well. For outdoor use, 5052 H32 is a stronger choice.

What thickness should I pick?

Use 0.5–0.8 mm for small decor and signs. Use 1.0–1.5 mm for screens and wall panels. Use 2.0 mm for large or outdoor panels.

Can I order a custom hole pattern?

Printing Questions

Does the image print over the holes?

No. The image prints only on the solid areas. The holes stay open.

What temperature do I use?

Most sheets work at 190–200°C for 60–90 seconds. Thicker plates may need a little more time. Test a plate first.

How do I stop ink from marking the press?

Place a clean cover sheet under the plate. Change it when it gets marked.

Can I print a photo on a perforated plate?

Order Questions

Do you offer custom sizes and shapes?

Yes. Plates can be cut to your size. Round, oval, and custom outlines are possible.

Can I get a sample?

Yes. Samples help you test the print and the pattern before a bulk order.

What is the lead time?

Many orders take 15–30 days. Custom patterns may take longer.

Can you supply double side coated plates?

Yes, on request. This is good for screens and room dividers where both sides are visible.