You graphics printed on the aluminum panel will scratch if not protected with a clear panel
An inject printer is not really much different than if you masked and spray painted the aluminum yourself other than the higher level of detail achievable including text.
Look into HPDL. ( High pressure Decorative Laminate. It is a phenolic panel ( no accidental shorts) in thickness up to about an 1" with the graphics imbedded in the top layer like Formica or other countertop sheeting.
It is used in National Parks for signs, maps, etc and virtually impervious to anything except maybe an axe. And drills nice and no chipping, cracking , etc.
Fmh
That panel is just a factory enamel coated sheet of .040" aluminum sheet. Commonly used to make internal raceways in signs.
It will also scratch or dent if you drop say a screw driver from about 12".
Still think acrylic is the way to go. Like wiring trains, just do it properly with the right tools and technique.
FMH
