Notes

The History of Channel Letter Signage

Channel letter signage is one of the most striking exterior business signs. Commonly found on storefronts, strip malls and large buildings, channel letters can both be easily seen during the day as well as illuminated at night to draw in customers.

These signs are constructed with four components. The back, often aluminum, serves as the framework while returns are bent and shaped using computerized bending machines to complement CNC routed backs and faces.
Origins

Channel letter signage is striking and eye-catching - often drawing customers' attention when entering a shopping center, office building or restaurant for the first time. Unlike traditional business signs that include letters or shapes that make up their company name, channel letter signs use individual letters or shapes that create its name to make sure customers see them even in low light conditions.

Front lit channel letters are one of the most common forms of signage, as their internal light sources make them visible both day and night. Back lighting allows an accentuation of negative space behind each letter; this style is known as halo channel lettering due to the glowing effect it creates when lit from behind.
Development

Channel letter fabrication has evolved significantly thanks to recent industry innovations, producing eye-catching signs that draw customers' attention day or night.

Front-lit channel letters feature inlaid lighting that creates a halo effect around your business name and logo, giving them an elegant glow that casts its silhouette upon passersby. This style is particularly well suited to ventures open late such as restaurants or retailers.

Computerized Cutters(tm) introduced Accu-Bend in 1994 to bend aluminum channels letter backs and faces perfectly into trim cap sides. Signs Manufacturing(tm) was one of the first companies to adopt this technology, though similar products exist today and are widely used by sign companies as a binding device for face and returns.
Styles

If your company wants its signage to make an impression and capture customers' attention, illuminated channel letters are an ideal solution. These three-dimensional signs illuminated with LED lights offer more cost-effective illumination solutions than other forms.

Customizable with different fonts, colors and design features; there are even backer mounts available to conceal wiring and power sources.

Returns, or sides, of a channel letter can vary in depth from 3 to 8 inches depending on the desired look and are often made from router-cut aluminum in various thicknesses. cheap channel letter signs connect the face and returns by means of either plastic or aluminum trims that connect them all together.
Materials

Aluminum is one of the more popular choices when it comes to channel letter fabrication, being both lightweight and durable - perfect for painting to match company branding colors.

Back and sides of a sign are constructed from aluminum, while its front face can be made of acrylic (for front-lit signs) or aluminum (reverse-lit signs). LED's or neon tubing provide lighting.

Paint technology advances have led to the production of impact-resistant acrylic, which allows sign makers to offer extended warranties for their work and ensures quality signage. Signs Manufacturing(tm) uses clear Akzo(r) Acrylite(r) Resist SG translucent acrylic on all sets of front-lit channel letters as part of our commitment to long-lasting signs.
Installation

Channel letter signs can be installed directly onto a storefront facade (flush mount), or using raceways - rectangular extrusions used to hold channel letters in place and house electrical components - for additional support.

Lighted signs are an effective way to bring more light to your business at night and increase visibility for visitors. Furthermore, these signs make your company look professional and reputable - which in turn attracts customers.

Letter faces can be created using acrylic or metal and attached to their returns with trim caps for an unique look. Choose between various colors, fonts, sizes and illumination types (front lit signs are generally more economical).
Website: https://competitivesigns.com/services/channel-letter-signs/