Aluminum Composite Material—popular brands like Dibond®, e-panel™, MaxMetal, and Polymetal—has earned its place in the fabrication world for one big reason: it can be routed, folded, and shaped into clean, dimensional structures. From lighted sign cabinets to kiosks, architectural features, and retail displays, ACM is a remarkably adaptable material.

But here’s the big question many shops still ask:

“Can I V-groove ACM on a panel saw?”

Yes — when you’re using a SawTrax Panel Saw with the Floating Router attachment.

Why Routing Is the Key to Folding ACM

The official Dibond ACM fabrication manual confirms that ACM panels are specifically designed to be routed on the back skin to allow accurate folding. The method is known as Rout-and-Return and uses a 90° to 105° V-groove to create a controlled bend without damaging the exterior aluminum skin.

According to 3A Composites:

• The V-groove must be cut to a consistent depth, leaving the outer aluminum skin intact, typically with ~1/64″ of core material remaining to prevent “spring back” and ensure a clean 90° fold.
• Accurate depth control is essential to avoid scoring the exterior aluminum, which weakens the bend.
• Panels can be routed with handheld routers, table saw blades, or automated routing systems.

This is exactly what the SawTrax Floating Router system is designed to do — but with a simpler workflow and better control.

How the SawTrax Floating Router Makes ACM V-Grooving Easy

Every SawTrax Panel Saw features a universal, interchangeable carriage system. This allows you to swap the standard circular saw for specialty cutting tools in seconds—no time-consuming setup.

When equipped with our Floating Router attachment and an ACM V-groove bit:

✔ The router plate “floats” over the ACM, maintaining constant pressure

This ensures depth consistency — one of the key requirements highlighted in the Dibond fabrication guidelines.

✔ Perfect V-grooves for Rout-and-Return bending

Clean folds, no cracking, and no guessing at router depth.

✔ Repeatable accuracy across long bends

Ideal for long sign bands, cabinets, or architectural panels.

✔ Space-saving alternative to a CNC router

Perform routing operations vertically, right on your panel saw—especially valuable for smaller shops.

✔ Fast attachment changeover

Release two pins → drop in the router carriage → start grooving. On most CNC tables you’d still be zeroing the bit.

Applications Made Possible with V-Grooved ACM

SawTrax users commonly fold ACM for:

• Lighted sign cabinets
• Trade show structures
• Architectural wraps and column covers
• Point-of-purchase displays
• Router-ready dimensional signage

These categories match the applications listed by 3A Composites for ACM use, including POP displays, sign bands, routed sign faces, kiosks, and architectural signage.

Which SawTrax Models Work Best for ACM V-Grooving?

Because the Floating Router fits any SawTrax panel saw with a universal carriage, several series are ideal for ACM fabrication:

1000 Series — Medium Industrial (Most Popular for Sign Shops)

• Makita 5007F saw included
• 10 ft frame
• Dust collection included

Varsity Series — Space-Saving 5 ft Frame

Perfect for smaller shops or mobile setups.

Sign Maker’s Series — Built for Substrate Work

Includes razor knife cutter & spring hold-down system for sheet goods.

2000 & 3000 Series — Heavy Industrial

For shops routing ACM all day, every day.

Panel Saw Kit

If you want to integrate SawTrax routing precision into a custom or job-site setup.

How SawTrax Supports Correct ACM Fabrication

The Dibond manual details multiple routing profiles (90°, 135°, flat rout, etc.) and emphasizes proper depth, clean tooling, and stable guidance for reliable folds.

SawTrax directly supports these fabrication methods by providing:

• Stable vertical guidance
• Consistent router pressure
• Accurate depth control
• Easy repeatability for long folds
• A rigid frame that keeps cuts square

This means you can reliably produce:

• 90° rout-and-return corners
• 135° folds
• Multi-fold panels with gussets
• Clean flat-routed curves
• Tight bend radii without panel distortion

—All on a vertical panel saw.

A Panel Saw That Does More

V-grooving ACM is traditionally associated with CNC routers—but SawTrax has changed that.

With our Floating Router attachment, you can:

• Score, groove, and fold ACM
• Save space and reduce equipment costs
• Maintain accuracy across long folds
• Expand your shop’s capabilities immediately

Don’t just buy a panel saw. Buy a SawTrax.
Anything else just doesn’t cut it.