Channel letters are widely utilized exterior signage solutions used by various businesses. Available both illuminated and non-illuminated versions, channel letters come with many font options, materials and styles that make them suitable for various businesses.
Router-cut aluminum sheets are transformed into letter characters using computerized bending and shaping machines, while their acrylic faces and trim caps come standard colors or can be customized to your branding specifications by selecting PMS colors or shades from their selection list.
Design
Channel letters are constructed by using individual cut metal elements assembled to form three-dimensional signs, and usually internally illuminated using LED modules for greater visibility. They’re often found as storefront signage or office building signs.
Aluminum sheets are routed into letters or numbers using CNC equipment, then attached with aluminum backs that form sides (known as returns ) of channel letters. An acrylic face is formed around each can and a trim cap added for completion of the sign.
Channel letters with non-illuminated LED signs typically feature standard colors; those illuminated usually use bright, long-lasting LED bulbs. We offer logo fabrication services as an added enhancement for larger impactful channel letters.
Materials
Channel letters are three-dimensional metal or plastic signs which are illuminated to attract passersby from a distance. With the option to illuminate face or halo lighting, channel letters can draw attention from far away while emphasizing messages via face lighting or halo illumination and come in various fonts, colors and depths for increased visibility – commonly found as commercial signs on busy intersections or streets.
Letters begin their lives as flat sheets of metal – typically aluminum as it doesn’t rust – which are routed into shape using vector-based art files such as CDR, EPL, AI, SCV or SCi files. Once cut to shape, their returns (sides of letter) are formed using computerized bending and shaping machines into enclosed channels – hence where its name originates from.
Computerized Cutters(tm), a Plano-based CNC router manufacturer, introduced its Accu-Bend(tm) machine in 1994; this first of its kind machine could bend and form channel letter returns to perfectly match acrylic faces and CNC routed letter backs. Today it resides at Signs Manufacturing(tm).
Installation
Channel letters provide an economical, attractive solution for business signage – both indoors and outdoors – that attract traffic in retail centers or draw the eye of passersby along busy highways. Plus, they’re highly durable with only periodic cleaning needs and bulb replacement required!
Based on your needs, channel letters may be front-lit, back-lit, or combination-lit. LEDs illuminate their faces while translucent backing or “halo” illuminates behind them in front-lit channel letter signs; back-lit channel letters use polycarbonate backing which can be coated with translucent vinyl for color and also feature LED illumination behind their faces.
Channel letters can be mounted directly to a building or raceway for extra protection of electrical components of their sign. They can also be flush mounted for easier exterior installation with less holes required in exterior surfaces; lightcloud technology allows control via smart device, tablet or computer.
Maintenance
Professional channel letter manufacturing companies provide a range of fonts, materials, sizes and colors for business signage to stand out from competition and attract new customers. Their premium signs are long-lasting and energy efficient – perfect for making an impactful statement about your company!
No matter the size or nature of your business, your exterior business sign is likely the first thing that potential clients see. Unsightly or dusty channel letters give an unattractive appearance while potentially disrupting lighting equipment and leading to costly repairs or replacement costs. Regular professional cleaning service like Tupp Signs will help ensure a professional appearance while saving both time and money on repair or replacement bills.
Channel letter signs can be mounted using three methods: raceway, wireway or backer mount. A raceway is a metal box which stores wiring and power supply for each letter in an easy-to-access space; commercial properties often prefer this mounting method as it requires less drilling into their building surfaces. A backer mount works similarly but only contains wiring; this type can even be painted to match with building facades.
