|
Materials |
| The
latest sign materials are designed for maximum flexibility
and durability. We can help you select the best material
for your sign based on the sign's intended location, look,
and length of use. |
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| Vinyl |
| Cast
Vinyl |
Cast
vinyl is our highest grade vinyl due to the quality of
materials used and the manufacturing process. It consists
of high quality vinyl resin, organic pigments, solvents
and stabilizers (the same ingredients in paint). These
materials are mixed to form a paint-like liquid which
is then poured onto steel rollers that drop the right
amount of liquid onto a continuous roll of nonporous,
thick paper. The paper carries the liquid vinyl through
a series of low temperature ovens so that it dries. After
drying in the ovens, the vinyl is rolled up off the paper
and taken to a laminating line where it is carefully unrolled
and coated with a clear acrylic adhesive. Cast vinyl typically
has a higher gloss surface and is better for vehicles
and applications for outdoor use. Because of the materials
and manufacturing process, cast vinyl is much less likely
to shrink in outdoor usage and has a warrantied life of
5 to 7 years depending on the application.
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| Calendered |
Pellets
of vinyl, together with colors and modifiers, are ground
in the calendering machines. The resulting hot, molten
plastic is extruded onto a series of steel rollers which
will flatten it out to the right thickness. It then receives
a gloss or matte finish and is stretched to the right
width. Finally, rollers cool the vinyl before it is wound
up and adhesive and backing is applied. Heat, pressure,
huge volume, and stretching are the key words in this
process. There is a great deal of internal stress built
into the vinyl as a result. Calendared vinyl offers a
slightly shorter life span than cast vinyl with a warranted
life of 3 to 5 years depending on the application. However,
it is typically more cost effective due to huge production
volumes and easier to remove from signs that are resurfaced
on a regular basis.
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| Translucent
|
Translucent
vinyl is a cast vinyl. It is typically used in backlit
signs such as light boxes. Translucent vinyl offers color
consistency, a non-glare surface, and color brightness
not found in other vinyl. The benefit of translucent vinyl
is that when it is not illuminated it appears to be of
normal color and when backlit it allows part of the light
through for added visibility at night.
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| Reflective |
Reflective
vinyl is best known for its 24-hour advertising capabilities.
These films are generally cast vinyl. It is more difficult
to cut, weed, and apply due to its thickness, but it typically
has a higher impact due to its unique appearance. During
the manufacturing process, glass beads are added to the
paint-like liquid and spread across the entire surface
during production. These glass beads reflect light therefore
making the vinyl reflective. The more common applications
include fleet graphics, highway signs and locations where
night viewing and long distance visibility is required
|
| Metallic |
| Metallic
vinyl is a mirror finished film consisting of polyester
and various finishing products. Its surface creates the
look of an actual metal such as a silver, gold, or bronze.
This vinyl is typically used for signs that offer a richer
look, often times presenting the appearance of a higher
end sign such as gold leaf, but for a far more cost effective
price. This vinyl is typically used for interior or short-term
exterior applications. |
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| Substrates |
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| Aluminum |
Aluminum
is without a doubt the longest lasting material for outdoor
signage. It has a factory baked enamel finish, and is
coated with a plastic sheet to prevent damage during shipping.
It will not rust and is available in a range of sizes
and colors, based on the manufacturer. Typical applications
include real estate signs, directional signs and any area
where durability is a major factor.
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| Banners |
These
are probably one of the most popular types of signs used.
They come in many different colors for maximum graphic
impact. They are highly resistant to tearing and ripping,
and are also highly flame retardant, not to mention that
they are very easy to maintain! Banners are great for
everyday signage, announcement and retail sales applications.
|
| Coroplast |
Coroplast
is an inexpensive, lightweight corrugated plastic material
used for mostly small, indoor signs, or outdoor signs
that are temporary. It comes in many different colors,
and is easy to cut into different sizes. Use coroplast
stakes and you have an instant yard or tournament sign.
|
| Magnetics |
Magnetics
can be cut into all shapes and sizes, and can be used
outdoors or indoors. They are weather resistant and color
stable. One of the most popular uses for magnetics is
on car doors, for effective advertising that can be moved
between vehicles.
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| M.D.O.
(Medium Density Overlay Plywood) |
MDO is thick, durable, layered plywood
that can be cut into many different shapes and sizes.
This type of plywood is specific to the sign industry.
It is layered as to prevent warping and coated with a
finish so that vinyl and adhesives take to the material
easier. Typical application includes job site signs, semi-permanent
development signs and directional signs.
|
| Acrylic |
This is
a type of plastic, commonly referred to by its brand name
Plexiglas that can be formed and cut to make interior
signage. Its polished finish gives it a glossy and elegant
appearance which is great for office signs or more upscale
occasions.
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| Polystyrene |
This is an inexpensive, non-glare
smooth plastic that is very easy to work with. It is best
for interior signage. This material is light weight and
easy to transport. Because of its flexible nature, polystyrene
is perfect for a sign that has to fit or contour to a
curved surface.
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| PVC
(Sintra/Trovicel) |
| Also called Komatex, or Sintra, PVC
is a rigid plastic board available in many different colors.
This material is easy to cut into different sizes and
shapes. It has a textured surface for a matte appearance
and is flame retardant. Great for retail store directional
signs and interior identification signs.. |
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