On this page we will try to explain how different signs are constructed. As a rule we can categorise these signs in 7 different ways.

From the most simple to most complex - pretty much every sign ever made follows the following manufacturing rules. Obviously it is common to mix different manufacturing methods to create more stunning results.

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1. FACE FIXED FLAT PANEL

Starting from as little as £75

As its name suggests this is a completely flat sign. As a rule the flat panels are manufactured from an extremely robust 3mm aluminium composite material (which can be made any colour or size). The decorative parts of the sign are then made from traditional cut vinyl graphics or digitally printed graphics / photographs. The panel is then face fixed to the building or surface using screws which go through the face of the panel and are then finished off using screw caps.

 

2. FLAT PANEL WITH ALUMINIUM FRAME

Starting from as little as £110

This sign is basically the same type of sign as sign number1 but with the addition of an aluminium frame. The frame can be painted any colour you wish. The addition of the frame means you don't see any screw fixings.

 

3. FLEX FACE SIGN

Starting from around £175

You might have guessed that this sign is flexible in more ways than one. The frame is of a traditional aluminium construction but with the exception of special grooves in the frame. A flexible printed PVC substrate known as the skin has specialy moulded nylon clips placed all the way around its perimeter.The clips are then pushed into the grooves of the frame and then tightened up to create a drum skin effect across the front of the sign. If your sign is very large or if you may have a need to change the sign every couple of years then Flex Face is a great choice. Flex face signs can be illuminated with either tubes or leds. It is commonly used by national chains on retail parks because of its cost effectiveness.

 

4. TRADITIONAL LIGHT BOX

Starting from around £200

Traditional light boxes are made from an extruded aluminium frame, then have tubes or led's fixed inside them. Ttransluscent opal acrylic panels are slid into grooves which typically run the full length of the frame. The frame can be painted any colour and the decorative panel can be made using traditional cut vinyl, digitally printed vinyl or even have flat cut or 3d letters applied to them. (See below for flat cut and 3d style signs).

 

5. FRET CUT / STENCIL CUT / APERTURE CUT SIGN

starting from around £220

Generally this type of sign is always illuminated via tubes or leds. It is made by machine cutting shapes or letters out of aluminium plate. The edges of the aluminium plate are then folded inwards to create a box shape. Transluscent acrylic is then applied to the rear of the folded panels. When illuminated only the machined area illuminates and the rest of the sign doesn't alter and just maintains its painted appearance.

 

6. FLAT CUT LETTER SIGN

Starting from only £250

Flat cut letter style signs are a happy medium between a vinyl letter and a 3d letter. Typically they are cut from a 3mm sheet material. Once painted or finished the letter or shape has a nylon or brass locator glued or soldered to its reverse. This male locator then sits firmly witihin a corresponding female locator which is fixed to a flat panel or folded box style panel. As a rule these types of sign letters are difficult to illuminate individually so it is normal to illuminate the whole length of the sign from above by using a trough light.

 

7. BUILT UP (3D) Letters

Starting from only £300

This is the Rolls Royce of signs and is hand made from start to finish and are the choice of businesses who really want to make a statement. 3d or 'built up letters' as they are know in the sign trade can be made from plastic, aluminium or stainless steel and can be finished in any colour. You then have a choice to embed leds inside each letter to create a halo style lighting effect to the rear of the letter or make the face of the letter illuminate which is called 'face lit'. These letters are nearly always fixed to a folded aluminium panel or box. The reason for this is to add depth to the sign but also it helps disguise the electrical cable which has to spool from letter to letter.

Obviously all signs are different as is the surface its to be fixed to but the above guide will give you an indication of what your sign could look like. Please call Steve on 07720 441664 to make an appointment for a free no obligation survey.

Obviously all signs are different as is the surface its to be fixed to but the guide alongside will give you an indication of what your sign could be made like. Please call Steve on 07720 441664 to make an appointment for a free no obligation survey.

An example of led wiring inside a face lit rim and return built up letter.