Front Lit Channel Letters Face Lit Logo Signs Manufacturer

Product Description of Front Lit Channel Letters

Front Lit Channel Letters also called face lit channel letters or standard channel letters. Face Lit Channel Letters of Internally Illuminated Sign is stainless or aluminum as returns with the internal illumination of the LED. And the stainless steel border is welded with the side on the face to make trim caps. The Face Lit Meaning letters light up from the front face, so we called it “Face Lit Channel Letters”.

Considered the “standard”, Front-Lit Channel Letters have translucent faces. Neon gas tubes or, more commonly, LED modules are used to illuminate the letters and each letter has an acrylic face and aluminum backing and is self-contained.

The kind of Front Lit Channel Letters offer many options of varied materials, sizes, and colors to choose from, and then to create Face Lit Letters that reflects your business professional image at day or night

We use durable stainless steel or galvanized sheets with painted color as the material, and inside install the LED module that projects an eye-catching glow from the front of the LED Channel Letters and is very noticeable from a distance.

Front lit channels are the most common type of channel letter and they draw attention during the day or night.

Front lit channel letters use lights to illuminate the face of the letters. This is done with a translucent acrylic face and lights that shine from within the letter itself. Front lit channel letters are the most common type of channel letter and they draw attention during the day or night.

Most front lit channel letters are three-dimensional and made of sheet metal cut to create the letter shape. The letters can be painted to the color of your choice and you can select neon or LED illumination for the lighting. Front lit channel letters can be seen from a distance and have several choices for customization.

Trim Cap Channel Letters VS. Trimless Channel Letters

Traditionally, face lit channel letters have a plastic trim cap glued to the edge of the face. The trim cap slides over the edge of the returns and is then secured with screws. LED Sign Solutions also offers a trimless edge, which offers a cleaner, more sleek look.

Front-Lit or Standard Letters

Front-Lit or standard letters use aluminum backs and translucent acrylic or polycarbonate faces. Light is emitted from the front of the sign which gives the Front-Lit letter style the best overall visibility. Front lit or standard is the most common channel letter type. As the name indicates, these signs emit illumination only from the front of the letters. They are often used in both shopping malls and outdoor plazas. These three-dimensional fabricated signs are mostly made out of aluminum sheets and colored acrylic faces, illuminated from the inside with either neon or LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

All of our signs use only the highest quality materials along with field-proven components when producing your sign. Contact us today to give you a free quote on your face li channel letter sign needs.

Face Lit Channel Letters are by far the most common form of illuminated signage and as the name implies, consist of illumination through the face of the letter only. Constructed in two different methods (trim-cap or Let-R-Edge), both types are ideal for different business models, as well as budget.

• Possible to be formed into any shape, logo, or font to convey your business’s unique branding.
• Constructed of CSA Approved Materials in our COR Certified Shop.
• Illuminated with energy-efficient LED technology.

Day/Night Letters

A Special Front Lit face style is the “Daytime Black / Nighttime White” Face, which allows the best of both worlds. A dark-colored face on a light background, but a white letter when the background turns dark at night. It’s an upcharge to standard Front Lit channel letters because of the special vinyl used to make this cool feature but well worth the cost if you have “Black Lettering” in your logo.

Key Benefits

• Front-lit channel letters are highly customizable, economical, and easy to read
• The light shines toward the viewer from inside each character, making it appear to be fabricated from pure light
• Front lit channel letters create an upscale appearance that highlights your business’s brand message

Typical Specs

• 3″ or 5″ deep 0.040″ pre-finished aluminum returns
• 1″ trim cap
• 3/16″ acrylic faces
• 1/8″ white ACP backs
• LED illumination
• 120V power supplies
• UL/CE certified

Available Upon Request

• Vinyl (translucent, day/night, or digital print vinyl)
• Custom painted trim cap/returns

Standard or Front Lit Channel Letters

Channel letters are one of the many marketing and brand recognition tools available. Whether it is indoor or outdoor malls or stand-alone shopping centers, channel letters are often the best choice available to identify a business. Channel letters come in a wide variety of lettering types, fonts, styles, and LED or Neon illumination.

Front-lit channel letter signs are the most common channel letter type. As the name implies, these signs emit illumination only from the front (or face) of the letters. They are often used in both shopping malls and outdoor plazas.

A standard channel letter is a 3-dimensional letter that is fabricated from sheet metal, most often aluminum since it will not rust. A flat sheet of aluminum is typically cut using a computer-controlled router that becomes the back of the channel and is the basis for the letter shape.

The sides of the channel letter called the returns are formed by bending a 3 to 6-inch-wide (150 mm) strip of aluminum sheet around the aluminum back. This return can be welded at the seam or flanged and riveted to the back to create a solid can in the shape of the letter.

A translucent plastic face usually of 3/16″ thick sheet acrylic or polycarbonate is cut to fit the open face of the letter can. A trim cap border is applied to its edges which gives the letter face a finished appearance and creates a fastening surface to attach it to the letter can. When illuminated at night, channel letters draw the eye of passers-by.

The letter can is painted and fitted with any lighting components necessary such as neon gas tubes or light-emitting diode (LED) modules. LEDs in a channel letter have a life of over 100,000 hours before needing replacement and are the most energy-efficient option for lighted signage creating significant electrical bill savings. LED channel letters are about 80% more efficient than neon-lit channel letters, and provide a green and environment-friendly sign solution.

General Face-Lit Channel Letter Specifications

Though trim-cap and Let-R-Edge letters are slightly different in their construction, both forms of Face Lit Channel Letters have similar specifications:

Letter Depth:

• Also known as the Return of the letter.
• 3, 5, or 12″ deep depending on the overall height of the letter (5″ is the most common.)

Illumination

When we first began manufacturing face lit letters for Edmonton businesses back in 1947, custom Neon was the only illumination option available. Today, due to the fragility and high-energy draw of custom Neon tubing, light-emitting diode (LED) modules are the industry standard for channel letter illumination, and a great Green Energy option for environmentally conscious businesses:

• LED illumination is carefully sourced from the industry’s top suppliers.
• All LED modules are tested and intended for exterior signage applications.
• Through extensive research & development initiatives, we have determined proper LED spacing within the letter and distance from the face to ensure even illumination without hot-spots.

Colour

• The letter returns are painted (we use the Sikkens automotive-grade paint system).
• The 3/16″ thick acrylic face is either colored acrylic or vinyl film applied to the face.
• As 3M certified installers, we can pass along the extended product warranty to our clients.

Construction Methods

Trim-Cap Channel Letter

Trim-Cap letters are machine-produced letters formed when rust-proof aluminum sheet metal is bent around the router-cut back of the letter, which is then welded and riveted into place. A 3/16″ thick acrylic face is cut to fit, and then a trim-cap border is added which is screwed into the letter returns.

• Expected to last 7-10 years.
• Difficult to service; the trim-cap is easily damaged when removed from the body of the letter and is difficult to re-install.
• UL/CE Certified.

Let-R-Edge Letters

Let-R-Edge Individual Face Lit Channel Letters are hand-crafted by talented signage experts here in our shop using CSA-approved materials.

• Expected to last 40+ years.
• Easy to service; the body of the letter is removed from the backplate and easily re-installed.
• CSA Certified

Front Lit Trimless Channel Letters Wholesale

While there are always numerous trends evolving in the signage industry at any given time, there are currently three rapidly growing trends in the channel letter industry, in particular, that have caught my attention: Channel letters and logos are trending towards being smaller, low profile, and trimless.

The driving force behind these trends is typically commercial property entities or corporate branding experts, architects, and designers. Ultimately these are the people specifying smaller, low profile, and/or trimless letters in airports, shopping centers, strip malls (or their storefronts), franchise operations, and restaurants. The goal is to present a clean, sophisticated, identifiable, yet distinctively unique, image for their brand or facility.

So how are companies responding to these trends and overcoming the challenges created by them in order to seize the opportunity to benefit financially?

The answer to this question is fairly simple: Companies are making significant investments in improved equipment, materials, processes, and techniques in channel letter fabrication.

For example, trimless channel letters have been fabricated for years, but the process typically required unsightly fasteners to be driven through the walls of the return into the edge of very expensive, thick acrylic.

By eliminating the notching and flanging function of the automated letter bending process, letters today are formed about 50 to 60 percent faster than returns for traditional face-lit can be processed.

Traditional trim cap, which is the weakest link in the chain durability-wise, is eliminated entirely with trimless material. Along with eliminating the trim cap material itself, the labor associated with measuring, notching, shaping, and gluing trim caps to acrylic faces is also eliminated.

Trimless letters also command a higher price due to their cleaner, more sophisticated appearance and the limited number of manufacturers with the ability to produce them.

A side benefit to these smaller, low-profile letters that is often overlooked is shipping and handling cost. These newer channel letters weigh less and take up less space so shipping costs are reduced significantly. The amount of packaging material needed to pack and ship the letters to their final destination is likewise reduced. All of this means lower costs for the manufacturer and the customer.

Sign manufacturers are also responding to the challenges presented by the trend of smaller, low-profile letters by investing in cutting-edge automated bending technology.

The automated channel letter machines sold ten to fifteen years ago were very expensive and unnecessarily huge. The output from these old-school, low-tech bending machines often resembled hieroglyphics more than finished letters and therefore required lots of additional hand forming.

These antiquated behemoths also produced about ten inches of waste per letter, resulting in huge piles of scrap (the value of which is roughly $.50 to $.60 per foot!).

Today there are automated benders available that are smaller, faster, substantially more accurate, and far more profitable to operate. These higher qualities, precision-engineered machines incorporate such exacting tolerances that they can dramatically increase accuracy and nearly eliminate hand forming after the automated bending process is completed.

A few of the bending machines available today are even capable of producing exceptionally crisp, accurate results like serifs measuring 3/16-inch in challenging materials like 20-gauge polished stainless steel and .063-inch aluminum.

Thanks to huge improvements in LED technology, letters as small as one-inch-deep are now becoming common, whereas it was previously impossible to illuminate such shallow letters without shadows and hot spots.

Resin-faced channel letters have been available from manufacturers in Asia for a few years, however, those letters are not serviceable, and the LEDs are often entirely encased in resin, which causes heat to build up and, in turn, the resin to fail.

Currently, there is technology available in China that allows manufacturers to build serviceable, resin-faced letters that only require a layer of resin measuring about 1/4-inch in thickness. This new method allows an air space between the resin and the LEDs to minimize heat buildup, which greatly enhances the performance and longevity of the letter in both interior and exterior applications.

Price competition for traditional reverse and trim cap style letters is increasingly intense. Margins on these commoditized products are under tremendous pressure and are being squeezed more than ever.

Manufacturers who embrace new methods, materials, and techniques are going to be the ones reaping the rewards offered by these new trends in the industry.

As the saying goes: “Lead, follow, or get left behind.”

Contact us to know more about trimless channel letters, and get a quote for custom trimless channel letters wholesale pricing.

Commercial Channel Letter Signs

Channel letters are a very common sign type for businesses. Generally, they are individual letters that are mounted to your building. There are a variety of ways to manufacture, illuminate and mount the signs. We use the latest technology in fabrication and lighting techniques so we are able to deliver our customers true value. Whether LED, neon, or fluorescent T-12, or T-8, we deliver the most efficient systems for the life of your sign.

Face Lit Letters and Logos

Weathertight aluminum letters with LED standard illumination inside. There is a Translucent Acrylic Face that allows light to illuminate through the front of the letters. This type of letter is commonly called a “Channel Letter”.

Face Color Options

• Solid Color Acrylic
• Modified acrylic with pigment color all the way through the acrylic. Limited colors produced. All other face color options are white solid color acrylic with graphics applied.

Digitally Printed

Full-color graphics applied to the acrylic.

Day/Night

Perforated vinyl applied to the face to show chosen color during the day and color of lighting during the night, usually white at night.

Installation Options

Remote Installation

Letters are installed directly on the building surface. Wiring for each letter passes through the wall to which letters are attached. Electrical connection penetrates the wall behind each letter. In most cases installed above a drop ceiling or other hidden area inside the building.

Wire Raceway

All electrical components that would otherwise mount inside the storefront. Raceway contains an On/Off switch for safety, Voltage/Amperage Tag, and optional Photo Electric Eye. Fewer penetrations to building structure for power, typically one hole for electrical connection.

Background

Mounted to the back of the letter if raceway is not used. If letters are mounted to a raceway the background can be used to conceal the raceway. An aluminum composite material that can be painted any color to add contrast between buildings and letters.

Guide to Channel Letters

Introduced in the early 1970s, Channel Letters quickly gained popularity and continue to be a standard in the signage industry. Channel Letters are typically illuminated, fabricated from metal with translucent acrylic, and installed on the exterior of a building.

Originally, Channel Letters were hand-made with color and font limitations. A myriad of industry innovations now allows fabrication to be extremely customizable, efficient, and precise. Today, the design of Channel Letters has become increasingly imaginative – limited only by building regulations or budget.

There are various factors to consider for Channel Letters such as type of illumination, mounting method, and location of installation on building.

Illuminated Channel Letters

Front-Lit, Standard, or Face-Lit Channel Letters: Face of each letter is translucent, so light shines out through the front.

Back-Lit, Reverse, or Halo-Lit Channel Letters: Face of each letter is nontransparent, while the Back is translucent– allowing the light to diffuse through the back of the letters instead of the front. The effect looks most pronounced on buildings that are painted a light color.

Combination-Lit Channel Letters: Combined features of Front-Lit and Back-Lit, allowing light to shine both one color from the Face and a different color from the Back of each letter.

Open Face Channel Letters: Face of each letter is left open, so light shines out through the front and the dimension of the inside of each letter is visible along with any light source.

A myriad of industry innovations now allows fabrication to be extremely customizable, efficient, and precise.

Creating Channel Letters

• Back: Building-mounted side of Channel Letter. For Front-Lit: A flat sheet of metal is typically cut by a router, laser, or waterjet. For Back-Lit or Combination-Lit: Typically a translucent acrylic or polycarbonate Back so that the illumination radiates out against the building from behind the letter Face, creating a halo effect.
• Returns: Sides of the Channel Letter. Typically formed by a metal strip that fits the Back and Face.
• Seam: Returns are welded, flanged, and riveted or fastened with wire to the metal Back if Front-Lit or metal Face if Back-Lit to create a solid Channel Letter. At this stage, the letter is ready to be painted.
• Light Source: LED is the most common and efficient Light Source, allowing Channel Letters to be thinner. For the best effect, utilize LED colors that match the color of the Face if Front-Lit or compliment your brand if Back-Lit.
• Face: Public-facing side of Channel Letter. For Front-Lit: Typically a translucent acrylic or polycarbonate Face so that light radiates outward. Applying black perforated vinyl causes the Face to appear black in the daytime and white when illuminated at night. For Back-Lit: Typically a flat sheet of metal is cut by a router, laser, or waterjet.
• Trim Cap: Border attaching the edges of acrylic or polycarbonate Face to the Returns for Face-Lit or Combination-Lit Channel Letters. Provides a clean, finished look.
• Backer Panel: Potential addition to adding a contrasting background color for the Channel Letters while hiding blemishes on the building. Able to contain power supply.

Today, the design of Channel Letters has become increasingly imaginative – limited only by building regulations or budget.

Top 3 Mounting Methods

1. Direct or Flush Mount: Most Common. Channel Letters are attached directly to the building. For Back-Lit, Channel Letters are generally given some separation from the building using standoffs. The power supply is housed behind the bulkhead wall.
2. Raceway Mount: Landlords may require a Raceway, a metal rectangular box that holds the Power Supply since it reduces the number of wall penetrations. Raceways are typically painted to match the color of the building.
3. Wireway Mount: Landlords may require a Wireway – thinner and broader than a Raceway, like a Backer Panel. Wireways require more wall penetrations than a Raceway, but less than Direct Mount. The power Supply is normally housed behind the bulkhead wall.

Channel Letters are typically illuminated, fabricated from metal with translucent acrylic, and installed on the exterior of a building.

Exterior Installation Location Options

• Canopy or Marquee Sign: Extends over the building’s entrance from the exterior wall.
• Parapet Sign: Mounts to the edge of the building’s roof on a wall or railing.
• Projecting Sign: Mounts to the building, extending down at a perpendicular angle.
• Roof Sign: Mounts to the building’s roof.
• Wall Sign: Attached to the exterior wall of the building.

Wholesale LED Channel Letters Manufacturer

IS LED Sign as the Wholesale Sign Manufacturer, we can do Channel Letter Fabrication, Wholesale Channel Letters, Backlit Channel Letters, Illuminated Channel Letters, Front Back Lit Channel Letters, Open Face Neon Channel Letters, Exterior Channel Letters, Halo Lit Channel Letters, Exterior Backlit Signs, Trade Only Channel Letters, Channel Logo Sign, Lighted Cabinet Signs, Edge Lit Letters, internally illuminated sign, Acrylic Letters For Outdoor Signs, Indoor Backlit Signs, Small Aluminum Letters, Front Lit Signage, Backlit Marquee Sign, etc.

Your sign symbolizes your philosophy and style. IDS Channel Letters Signs is the industry leader in helping businesses communicate their message. Call us today and we’ll create a sign that will win the hearts, minds, and souls of your customers, and will serve as a landmark for years to come.

With so many choices available, you may feel overwhelmed when trying to make decisions. But no need to fret, our experts are ready to answer your questions and suggest to you.

The Process of Front Lit Channel Letters

• 1. The metal sheet is cut by a computer-controlled laser machine based on vector design files(.cdr/.eps/.ai/.scv, etc), this creates the back case and trim cap of the channel letters.
• 2. The returns are welded at trim by bending a 2-3 inch wide (50–80 mm) metal strip to form the 3D letter shape. The trim and returns can be painted colors base on PMS.
• 3. A translucent acrylic face is cut to fit inside the letter shape.
• 4. Waterproof LED modules are installed on the back bottom case and screwed with the letter shape.
• 5. When illuminated at night, channel letters draw the eyes of passers-by.

Contact us to get Front Lit Channel Letters, Today!