Channel letters are three-dimensional signs designed for exterior illumination or non-illumination use, featuring various fonts, sizes, designs and illumination options to fit the requirements of storefront signage. Channel letters may either be front/reverse lit or back/halo lit to achieve optimal illumination of storefront displays.

Aluminum sheet metal signs don’t rust, making them the perfect material for making signs that won’t rust. You can build one into a sign frame known as a raceway or mount directly/flushly onto buildings.

Design

Channel letters are custom-fabricated metal or plastic signs used for exterior signage on public and commercial buildings, often lit internally. Composed of an aluminum back and sides (returns), an illuminated letter or symbol on their face, and lighting elements, channel letters typically consist of custom backlit signs attached to aluminum returns with lighting elements embedded within each letter face and can even be made unlit using three-dimensional letters applied directly onto panels referred to as dimensional letters.

Custom channel letters can be installed directly onto building facades, mounted onto raceways or wireways, or flush mounted directly into walls. Fabricated from either acrylic or polycarbonate faces, custom channel letters come in an assortment of fonts, sizes and colors for optimal use.

Illuminated channel letter signage creates a professional aesthetic, making your business easily visible from afar day or night, setting it apart from competitors. A reliable sign company can assist in selecting the optimal option to meet your branding and location needs – for instance if you wish to increase visibility after dark consider an LED-illuminated channel letter sign as it will add extra shine!

Manufacturing

Channel letter manufacturing is an intricate process requiring both technical knowledge and artistic expression in order to complete. As a result, channel letter signage solutions help businesses stand out from their competition with unique and eye-catching solutions that stand out.

Illuminated channel letters are an increasingly popular choice for storefront signs, offering businesses the ability to continue marketing their brand even after sundown. Not only are these signs energy efficient; they will save businesses money on energy costs.

A sign’s back is typically constructed out of aluminum, while its face material may include acrylic or polycarbonate that can be painted using PMS colors. The return, which forms the side of letters and canvases, may either be welded or bent into its final form known as the can. LED modules are then installed inside this can and the lighting color depends on which back type was chosen – for instance aluminum backs may feature either clear backs for bright halo effects, or colored with translucent vinyl to add a more subdued look.

Assembly

Assembly line production is the final stage of manufacturing process and brings all areas together to assemble signs for customers.

At this stage, the sign is assembled by notching and cutting aluminum for its sides (returns), then adding plastic or aluminum faces with trim for trim to the letters. LEDs are then attached with harnesses on their faces for each letter.

Raceways or wireways, also referred to as raceways, are often used to conceal power supplies and wiring for signs on buildings such as brick, block or concrete walls in order to reduce the need for drilling multiple holes into walls for flush-mounted signs. They’re especially beneficial in situations that make installing flush mounted signs challenging or dangerous.

SDS Automation’s fourth-generation ChannelBender machines provide the industry’s easiest assembly process for trim cap and reverse/halo type channels without welding using their LetterForm primer coated aluminum return material, creating cleaner signs than traditional trim capped signs.

Installation

Channel letters are an attractive form of signage that are highly visible, illuminated with backlighting for 24-hour visibility, making your business accessible even in low lighting or adverse weather conditions. Lighted signage is particularly suitable for theaters, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, convenience stores and gas stations.

Beginning the process of designing and fabricating custom channel letters involves consulting with clients to establish desired design specifications and sign specifications. After this, sign components must be assembled and welded together either on site or via outsourcing depending upon customer preferences.

After assembly, channel letter manufacturers install electrical and lighting components. Next, sign faces are secured to their bases before being backlit with LEDs or neon for that distinctive halo effect that makes a channel letter stand out in busy cityscapes or retail centers. Finally, an elegant finish is applied for an attractive finish on each sign.

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