Bending ACM Panels - Help!
I am looking to make some panels with bent flanges out of 3mm ACM for a personal project, not looking to break the bank. They are pretty large panels (roughly 52x58") with bends along the entire length. I've been working with a local sign shop and they told me that they have had better success with bending the "thicker" aluminum material (i.e. DiBond) that has a 0.3mm skin thickness. They said the thinner-skinned panels tend to crack/break.
Because of the size of the parts I need, a 5x10' sheet is necessary. The 5x10 sheet in DiBond is SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than a 5x10' sheet with thinner aluminum (0.15-0.2mm).
Does anyone have experience bending ACM panels? Can I get away with the thinner-skinned pieces? I feel like I could potentially heat the outside of the bend a bit to help it bend more easily (obviously have to make sure I don't melt the plastic too..).
Edit: sorry, for some reason I can't see/reply to comments even though I can see them in my inbox. I am planning on v-grooving and bending 90*. I'm hoping I could do this with the thinner-skinned panels because it is $125 vs $500 for the thicker ones.