Channel letters are made from metal or plastic and are utilized for exterior signage on public or commercial buildings. They are typically illuminated internally. The letters that are not lit up can be added to panels and are referred to as 3D letters. Channel letters refer to any letter, number, or character that is used as a sign. The main components of channel letters include the face, return, and lighting elements. The returns, also known as letter sides, are made from aluminum sheeting. The back and face are typically made of acrylic, but they can be aluminum or not exist. Since they’re extremely flexible, channel letters are available in a variety of fonts, colors, and sizes.
How are Channel Letters Fabricated?
Channel letters are made up of the following elements:
- Face: For a front or standard-lit channel, the face is created by using 3/16″ thick, colorfast acrylic sheeting which is cut into shape with the Multicam or CNC router. The sheeting of acrylic is available in a wide range of colors and can be tailored to offer a greater variety of colors by the use of top-quality transparent vinyl or perforated vinyl from top manufacturers like 3M, Avery, and Oracal. The face of the acrylic channel letter is connected with the letter “can” utilizing “trim caps”.
- Trim Cap: This mechanism is used for connecting the acrylic channel letter face with the main body environmentally friendly, UV-stabilized, robust plastic that is made by extruding aluminum foil. The trim cap connects to the channel letter’s face by using an adhesive liquid that “welds” it to the face of the channel letter. The face can then be connected to the letter body.
- Return: This side of the channel letter is referred to in the form of”return “return”. For front-lit channels with standard letters, it is common for the thickness of the return to be usually 3″ or 5″ as well as 8″ and can be defined within the Sign Criteria of your Lease Agreement or in local county/city ordinances. Returns are made into the proper character with the use of computer-controlled benders. The aluminum sheeting used for the production channels is available in a range of standard colors or can be customized with your preferred PMS color or any other shade that matches your color.
- Backs: On the back side of the channel letter are created by cutting aluminum sheets with a router that can be found in a variety of thicknesses. These include .040, .063, and .090.
- Lighting Source: Channel lettering can be created as a sign that is illuminated as well as a non-illuminated sign alternative.
Channel Letter Signage Tips
Here are a few final suggestions to help you pick the ideal channel letters sign to suit your needs:
- Contact your landlord as well as the local zoning offices to make sure that you know the regulations in your local area.
- Choose the right signage within your budget to ensure you get the best long-term plan and reap the most lucrative ROI. Contrary to direct mailing, your signage has to create a lasting impression on business partners and customers.
- Don’t make a mistake. Utilizing low-quality LEDs will mean your sign won’t appear as bright. Consequently, if it’s dim now, the quality will only decrease over time. Additionally, trim caps made of inferior materials will likely break and become damaged, affecting how your signage appears.
- Make use of high-quality acrylic for high-quality results that are colorfast. This can help keep the red, blue yellow, green orange, or purple face of your signage.
Attention to detail is crucial. Attention to detail which improves the value of your signs is cheaper than paying for higher quality ones in the future. When comparing the costs of different types of signs take into account your choice of thickness, acrylic face, and metal returns. You should be aware of the warranty of the power supply as well as the typical life expectancy of LEDs you select.
Store Sign Express is experienced in channel letter signs that help create an image of your brand that is memorable and guides customers both inside and out of your establishment.
