Sign Update
You are not logged in.
Login
A real revolution in built-up lettering
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00
A new patented process could revolutionise production of 3D lettering and signage, says G-57 3D Design.
The process was developed by Guy Satchwell who has a lifetime's experience in the signmaking industry, producing highly specialised solutions for major brands and household names. The new system was launched through mother-company Central Signs and Graphix.
"The popular belief is that there's no mechanised process for built-up letter production, which there hadn’t been. But now that's all changed with this new method of production," says Guy.
The G-57 process produces letters and shapes manufactured to exacting specifications and with a much wider choice of finished profile than achievable with hand-built letters. For example, any type of face can be chosen, the edges can be bevelled to almost any design, patterned, or even have two radii.
When manufacturing letters by hand, slight differences in each one are unavoidable; but the G-57 process automatically produces any number of identical units. Another advantage is that the finished units are also more durable than hand built ones, as well as being lightweight.
"What can be produced using the G-57 process isn’t limited to a small range, like it is with hand built letters," says Guy. "Now we can create practically any design in 3D to the highest quality, incorporating LED or face and/or backlit illumination."
"We can recreate logos or even a letterhead in 3D that truly are unique. One of our most striking pieces is a six foot high illuminated shrimp, which even if it were possible, would have been a ridiculous amount of work by any other method."
Another recent project G-57 3D Design completed involved creating a giant mobile phone for the launch of a new model.
"It certainly worked as an attention grabber. Everyone walking past was stopping and staring at this giant phone and it got a lot of people into the shop," adds Guy.
For the customer, the G-57 process provides almost unlimited potential. For the signmaker, it delivers major commercial and competitive advantages with simplified final assembly and huge savings in labour costs.
"This is the fastest ever process for building a 3D letter and even better, it can all be done at very affordable prices," says Guy. "It's so much faster because machines do the work and only a low skill level is needed for assembly. Typical savings are 50 per cent compared to traditional manufacturing techniques, which means more profit for the signmaker."
"I've only shown it to a limited number of people so far and the response has been phenomenal. Until people actually see it, they don't believe it; then they’re blown away."
Crucial to the success of the G-57 production method was sourcing the correct material and it took some time for Guy to find it.
"This composite material is easy to work with. It's got fantastic properties and means these new signs produced by the G-57 process knocks spots off old projecting signs," adds Guy.
Working from signmakers’ designs, G-57 3D Design will produce letters or any shape in almost any colour for both interior and exterior applications. The company also offers a design service at a small additional cost. The 3D item comes complete in kit form for easy assemble and fitting with virtually no tools required and no hidden costs.
"My only worry really is that we won’t be able to keep up with the demand and will have to turn work down," says Guy.
Consequently, Guy is also considering selecting a limited number of signmakers to carry out G-57 3D production under agreement, and to supply businesses in their area of the country.
To find out more tel. 0121 326 7744 or visit www.freewebs.com/satch17
Tips and tricks for choosing the right Vinyl
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00
Spandex understands that it is essential to get things right first time and therefore aims to help sign makers select the right materials and procedures to get the job done on time, with minimum effort within budget. Here, Spandex helps sign makers choose the right vinyl for the job.
It is essential to choose the right vinyl for every job. Labour will inevitably account for the bulk of production costs. Choosing the best possible materials for a job will improve quality, enhance productivity, ensure peace of mind, and minimise wastage. In order to choose the right vinyl for the job it is necessary to understand the different types of face films and adhesives.
Face films - At first sight, there is little to distinguish between the three basic types of vinyl available today: cast, polymeric calendered and monomeric calendered films. However, the difference between them is obvious after they have been applied in a challenging environment for any length of time.
Cast films - A cast film is a premium grade vinyl that starts life as a liquid, which is then allowed to spread out to an extremely thin layer. Cast films have no memory and are stable, so shrinkage is barely perceptible. Because cast films are thinner and softer, they are easier to cut, weed and apply. Cast films conform over substrate irregularities such as rivets and textures, making them the preferred option for the most extreme exterior applications, especially vehicle wraps. Cast films are also often used for interior or less challenging applications when special or Pantone colours are required. If there is any doubt as to which film to use, always choose cast for its enduring quality and long life.
Calendered films - Calendered films start life as a lump of plastic that is then flattened by being passed through two pressure rollers. Though not as high quality as cast films in demanding applications, film produced by this process can nevertheless be adequate in less demanding conditions. Calendered films come in two types: polymeric and monomeric.
Polymeric calendered films - Polymeric calendered films have added polymers to reduce shrinkage. However, although they have developed significantly over the years, they still fall short of the stability and durability of cast films. Polymeric films fare much better in exterior applications than monomeric films but are not suitable for application over surface irregularities such as rivets and corrugations. For less demanding exterior work, polymeric films offer a workable alterative to cast. If there is any doubt as to which film to use, avoid risk and choose cast film.
Monomeric calendered films - The least expensive vinyl film is monomeric calendered. These films are not suitable for demanding exterior applications such as vehicle liveries or fascia signs. The face film of monomeric film is not stabilised so it will almost certainly shrink to reveal the adhesive beneath. Dirt will adhere to this revealed adhesive and will be clearly visible as a sticky, black outline around the lettering and other elements. The sticky black outline is usually only the start of more severe degradation to come. Eventually, the vinyl face film will begin to curl up and flake off like peeling paint. Monomeric films, therefore, are best suited to short-term exterior applications and interior work.
Adhesives - Adhesives are either emulsion or solvent - based. Emulsion-based adhesives can be affected by water and humidity and are not recommended in demanding environmental conditions. Solvent-based adhesives are more widely used and their performance generally matches that of the face film.
Beware - bargain vinyls often use cheap adhesive to achieve their low price point.
For more information about products and services contact Spandex on 0800 772633 or visit www.spandex.co.uk
William Smith - More choice for customers
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00
In response to customer demand for a wider choice of materials, the Arlon ink jet range is the latest family of products to be added to William Smith's material supply portfolio, starting with two films and their appropriate overlaminates.
The 6000 series, a cast ink jet printing film, with either permanent or repositionable adhesive is available in gloss, transparent and translucent finishes, plus a special gloss with an air release adhesive system known as x-scape. It has a seven year life and is suitable for long-term interior and exterior applications and can be applied to more complex curved surfaces.
The 4500 series, a polymeric calendered ink jet printing film with a clear or grey permanent adhesive is available in a gloss or matt finish as well as a special gloss with x-scape adhesive finish. The 4500 series has a five year life and is suitable for application to flat and slightly curved surfaces on glass, metal and rigid plastics, making it ideal for fleet graphics, general signage and display and window graphics.
Overlaminates are also available for both ink jet films in gloss, matt and satin options with durabilities from five to 10 years. All have permanent adhesives.
Self-adhesive films from William Smith are available as full, part or custom slit rolls and same day despatch is provided on full or part roll orders of stock ranges received up to 5.30pm.
For further information call William Smith on Tel: 01833 694707 or visit www.williamsmith.co.uk
Bomar upstroking aluminium saws
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00
Kettering based sawing specialist Prosaw, have introduced the Bomar range of upstroking high speed circular carbide saws for aluminium, plastics and non ferrous materials.
These heavy duty semi automatic machines allow easy mitre cutting left and right to 60º (ie past 45º).
Large capacity is provided with machines incorporating blade sizes of 400, 500 and 600 mm diameter.
The heavy duty construction with powerful motor and two adjustable horizontal and two vertical pneumatic clamps allow quiet, vibration free cutting with a first class finish. Mist spray is provided as standard.
Also available are fully automatic versions with either 400mm or 500mm blades. The larger machine includes a bull screw vice feed with NC control allowing different cut lengths and pieces to be cut from the same stock material without re-programming. These machines can be left running unattended.
The blade rises from the bed and drops back under the bed at the end of the cut. A fully enclosed interlocked safety hood is provided together with two button, two hand safety control.
Both ranges of saw incorporate a large swarf collection tray together with connections for swarf extraction if required.
For further information contact Prosaw Ltd on Tel: 01536 410999 or visit www.prosaw.co.uk
New Infopanel clips from Spandex
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00
Two Infopanel clips, one for rigid sheets the other for glass, have been added to the extensive Spandex range of exterior sign systems.
The Infopanel Rigid Sheet Clip allows flat rigid substrates to be fixed to all existing Signpole and Signpost profiles, providing an economic alternative to current systems whilst retaining the robustness of the Signpoles and Signposts. Available in two formats, 3.3 and 5.3mm, the clip works with a range of rigid sheet panels including aluminium sheet, Dibond, foam board, acrylic and many others.
When using the rigid sheet clips the sign does not have any extra fixings or rails, which offers an added benefit for trouble free graphic application to both sides.
The Infopanel Glass Clip is ideal for both internal and external signs and suitable for glass up to 8mm thick. It is fitted with an internal protective gasket and silicon coated spacer bar to prevent damage to the glass surfaces and provides a secure non-slip positioning. This simple-to-use clip system is compatible with Signpole 55, 80, 140 and Duoline using two spacer bars and a locating screw.
For further information contact 0800 772633 or visit www.spandex.com
More Articles...
Page 64 of 66
<< Start < Prev 61 62 63 64 65 66 Next > End >>
