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| Abrasive Blast (a.k.a. SandBlast) |
| Definition: |
A process for preparing letters for other finishing operations. |
| Application: |
Satin = Edges are treated before faces are grained. Painted = Faces + Edges are treated prior to application of primer and paint. Polished = Edges are treated prior to polishing. |
| Why: |
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| Acrylic PolyUrethane (APU) |
| Definition: |
A two part coating that is extremely durable with a high color retention in paint form. |
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| Application: |
Used when painting all products. |
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| Why: |
Most durable and practical paint available. Can be baked to allow for same day shipping. |
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| Antique Swirl™ (Special "FX") |
| Definition: |
An orbital oxidized finish adds another dimension to horizontal grain. |
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| Application: |
New finish, stands out as unique appearance. |
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| Why: |
Available on all red metals. |
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| Anodize |
| Definition: |
An electrochemical hard oxide coating that prevents oxidation. (Aluminum only) |
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| Application: |
Customers preference. Our customers specify mostly "Clear", "Black", "Bronze" or "Gold" |
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| Why: |
Anodizing not only adds color to the material but it also hardens the surface and provides a more durable exterior finish. |
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| APU clear |
| Definition: |
Acrylic Polyurethane that contains no pigment. |
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| Application: |
Used in place of Lacquer only in special cases when the customer request. Available in 3 levels: flat, semi-gloss, gloss. |
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| Why: |
More durable coating than Lacquer. Last longer, but difficult if not impossible to remove. |
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| Aurora™ (Special "FX") |
| Definition: |
Overlapping scallop shapes produce pleasing highlights and hide light scratches. |
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| Application: |
New finish, stands out as unique appearance. Changes lustre as you move past letters. |
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| Why: |
Available in all metals. |
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| Birdseye™ (Special "FX") |
| Definition: |
A one step process of spraying oxidizing chemistry on to polished red metals, creating a random/splattered finish. |
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| Application: |
Customer preference. Can be applied to all red metals. |
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| Why: |
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| Backlight (Halo or Silhouette lighting) |
| Definition: |
Fabricated letter consisting of a clear polycarbonate backer 3/16"thick, illuminated by customer or LED illumination by Steel Art. |
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| Application: |
Customers preference. |
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| Why: |
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| Bevel Edges |
| Definition: |
A mechanically applied edge treatment. Mirror polish or satin finish are usually applied. |
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| Application: |
Customers preference. |
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| Why: |
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| Brackets |
| Definition: |
Used as mounting for Fabricated letters usually for neon or backlighting applications. |
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| Application: |
See mounting drawings for applications. |
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| Why: |
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| Breakform |
| Definition: |
A forming process where a piece of material is bent or folded to specified dimensions. |
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| Application: |
All fabricated letters are constructed utilizing breakforming methods. |
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| Why: |
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| Bronze Paint |
| Definition: |
Akzo-Nobel or Mathew's Acrylic Polyurethane paint. Available in 3 shades: Light #311, Medium #312, Dark #313 |
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| Application: |
Specify as Light Bronze, Medium bronze, Dark bronze |
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| Why: |
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| Brushed |
| Definition: |
refer to Satin or Satinbrite™ finishes. |
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| Buffed Edges - Plate Letter |
| Definition: |
A mechanical, hand done process applied to edges of letters to produce a #7 quality mirror polish finish (striations left). |
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| Application: |
Customer's preference. |
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| Why: |
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| Buttseam |
| Definition: |
A process in fabricating a letter that is to big to be made in one piece. In these cases, two pieces are butted together, as tightly as possible, and can be bolted together on the backside upon request. |
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| Application: |
Material or design restrictions. Must be specified by customer. |
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| Why: |
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| Chrome Plating |
| Definition: |
A process of electrically charging parts to accept multiple coatings, with the final coat being Chrome. The coating process is: Nickel, Copper, then Chromed. |
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| Application: |
Customer's preference. Mostly applied to Muntz which yields the best results. However, Aluminum is sometimes used as parts get larger and the expense of Muntz is prohibitive. |
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| Why: |
When a unusually high reflective finish is desired. (Little or No grain marks) |
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| Closed Backs |
| Definition: |
Fabricated letter manufactured with a backer made from a solid piece of metal. |
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| Application: |
Customers Request. (see mounting methods) |
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| Why: |
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| Contrast™ Graphicss |
| Definition: |
A process were fine glass bead is used to create a graphic image |
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| Application: |
Customer's preference. |
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| Why: |
See Crystalmatte™ |
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| Crystalmatte™ |
| Definition: |
Selectively applying a glassbead finish. |
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| Application: |
Customer preference. |
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| Why: |
This procedure creates a luster, or sheen, to the blasted area where standard blasting media leaves a flat finish. Used in our Contrast™ Product line. |
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| Dishpan |
| Definition: |
Hollow constructed letter to allow for neon or other illuminating devices to be inserted |
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| Application: |
Customers Preference. |
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| Why: |
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| Diaphragms - (a.k.a. Straps, Bridges or Brackets) |
| Definition: |
A metal strap soldered across the width of the back of a Fabricated letter . |
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| Application: |
Diaphragms are specified for certain mounting applications or when the size of a letter (normally 30" and up) requires more strength and stability. |
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| Why: |
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| Duranodic Paint |
| Definition: |
Paint color which is an industry standard for Duranodic color |
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| Application: |
Specify as a (Light, Medium or Dark Duranodic color) |
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| Why: |
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| Eased Edges |
| Definition: |
A hand polishing process that eases the sharp edges of a plate letter. |
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| Application: |
Customer's preference. |
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| Why: |
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| Edgeblend™ (Fabricated) |
| Definition: |
A mechanical process applied to edge of letter, where the face and sides meet. Slightly rounds the edges and blends the seam into a mirror polish. |
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| Application: |
Customer's preference. |
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| Why: |
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| Edgelight™ |
| Definition: |
Fabricated letter consisting of an 3/8" acrylic face, routed to accept a skirt. A metal face is usually then applied - inset from overall dimensions. This allows for a lighting element to be mounted within the letter and illumination to show through the sides. |
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| Application: |
Customers preference. A specialty product, very effective yet different from halo lighting. |
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| Why: |
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| Edgeblend™ - Plate Letters |
| Definition: |
A process employing handcraftsmenship, applied to edges (sides) of letters to produce a mirror polish finish. |
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| Application: |
Customer's preference. |
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| Why: |
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