Channel letters are eye-catching three-dimensional signage elements that create eye-catching letters and logos to spell out business names or logos. They come illuminated or not and come in various shapes and colors to stand out among competitors.
Manufacturers typically employ a CNC router to form the backs of letters and an aluminum bender to shape the returns – creating what is known as a letter can.
Design
Channel letter signage offers businesses an effective visual effect. Utilizing CNC routers and laser cutters, flat sheets of metal are cut into shapes for letter backs and faces using CNC routing tools such as CNC routers. Bending or welding then forms returns for side of letters which attach either directly to aluminum backs (Front Lit/Combination Lit signs) or attached directly to acrylic Faces (Back Lit or Halo Lit signs).
Preformed channel letters offer an economical option with their pre-made aluminum returns fed through an auto bender and attached directly. This process helps reduce production costs while speeding up production time; faces of letters can either be painted to complement a sign’s colors, or clear acrylic pieces are becoming increasingly popular due to minimalistic design trends.
Fabrication
Channel letter signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated depending on a business’s requirements and local building and signage codes. When allowed, illuminated signage increases brand recognition at nighttime while drawing more people’s attention. Most internally illuminated channel letters use LED illumination for increased energy efficiency.
Channel letters are made up of router-cut aluminum sheeting in various thicknesses that is bent into shape to form its back, known as the return and then either welded into place or coated with acrylic faces for extra durability.
Trim caps are used to enclose completed sign shapes, and ensure that acrylic faces don’t rattle or break, creating an elegant seamless appearance. Some channel letters are left open without caps for creating unique neon effects with LED tube lighting. Finally, signs can either be mounted directly to a raceway or flush mounted directly onto building walls using raceway mounting structures that house power supplies for mounting directly on building walls.
Lighting
Channel letter signs provide businesses with 24-hour client awareness that attracts customers day and night. As one of the most widely used forms of business signage today, these channel letter signs come with various illumination and color options for optimal client visibility. Common components include Plexiglas faces with aluminum sides and backs; front lighting options range from front/reverse or dual lit illuminators.
Router-cut sheet metal is bent using computerized bending machines, then painted in standard colors or customized with brand specific hues or Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors as required.
Illuminated channel letters can be installed flush against the facade of your building or hidden behind an oversized metal cabinet for a smooth appearance. Choosing this method allows power supplies for the lights to remain hidden behind your storefront while decreasing the number of holes required in its facade.
Installation
Channel letter fabrication produces three dimensional letters and symbols that spell out company names or display logos to draw customers into stores or offices. They’re commonly seen on exterior building signs of strip malls, offices and commercial spaces and illuminated versions are particularly eye-catching in low light conditions.
Back cases and trim borders of signs are made out of flat sheets of metal cut by computer-controlled router or laser machine using vector design files (.cdr,.eps,.ai,.scv etc). Sides of signs are formed by bending 2-3 inch wide strips called returns to shape their appearance.
Channel letters can be attached in various ways, including flush and raceway mount. When using flush mounting methods, the signs will be directly attached to your building facade using non-corrosive fasteners; when mounted onto backer panel mounts they provide architectural appeal while concealing electrical and power supply for safety.
