Channel letter signage has quickly become the go-to sign choice for storefronts, featuring formed metal letters lit with either LEDs or neon bulbs.
Start by routing an aluminum back into the desired letter or number shape, before fabricating side pieces by bending an aluminum strip around the back, creating what’s known as “cans”.
Trim caps constructed of premium-quality anodized or polycarbonate aluminum are used to secure them to the face of the sign, with various colors of trim caps available to coordinate with your business logo.
The Face
Channel letter fabrication involves creating custom signage using individual letters or symbols to form the name or logo for your business. These signs typically feature neon or LED lighting to draw customers in and increase foot traffic.
Channel letter signs are made with translucent acrylic or polycarbonate sheets which can be customized with vinyl lettering in any color of your choosing, then attached to aluminum returns using what’s known as a trim cap to protect from harsh weather conditions and help create a uniform look across their letter set.
Channel letter returns are generally 3-8 inches deep and come painted in any standard color of your choosing. They can then be attached either directly to the body of a sign or through welding onto a raceway structure designed to conceal and protect its wiring system.
The Return
Channel letters are 3D alphanumeric symbols used to spell out business names or logos on storefronts and other buildings, illuminated using neon gas or LED tubes, and come in an assortment of font styles, shapes and sizes. Fabricated by cutting individual metal elements into desired shapes using CNC machinery.
Once aluminum has been cut and shaped according to your specifications, it’s passed through an auto bender machine to form its sides into letters. Once complete, they’re fastened onto a raceway base which provides protection for both signage and its power supplies.
Returns are attached to the back of signs with welding and fitted with acrylic faces of various colors to match. You may also choose to leave this section open for creating a halo effect with backlit channels.
The Back
channel letters illuminated with LED lighting create a halo effect that draws people in your storefront, inviting customers inside. You can customize fonts and shapes to meet the branding of your store. Furthermore, this sign type is durable and lasts longer than other signage options while remaining eco-friendly; using less power than neon lighting.
Standard channel letters, whether illuminated or non-illuminated, are made from flat sheet metal (usually aluminum since it does not rust), cut using a router on the backside and bent using computerized bending machines on each of its four sides – known as returns.
These signs are attached to buildings with non-corrosive fasteners. To allow the letter to stand out more elegantly and create a more memorable appearance, they may be mounted flush to the building using non-raceway mountings; otherwise they can be placed on backer panels which hide wires and power supplies.
The Lights
Illuminated channel letter signage is an effective way to draw customers’ attention at night, and many reputable signage companies specialize in its creation and LED illumination for optimal results that set apart businesses from competitors.
Channel letter signs feature a face that is routed into the desired letter, number or logo shape while its returns (sides) are made of aluminum sheeting. On its back is typically clear acrylic to create a “halo” effect allowing LED lighting to shine through it.
Illuminated channel letters are a popular form of signage used by businesses to draw in customers both day and night. Available as front lit or reverse lit letters, with LED lighting providing the energy efficiency and cost savings over neon bulbs. Non-illuminated letters may also be mounted either flush to a raceway/wireway for easy installation; this form of signage can often be found in retail stores that remain open after dark.
