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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:
Acrylic PolyUrethane (APU)
Definition:	A two part coating that is extremely durable with a high color retention in paint form.
Application:	Used when painting all products.
Why:	Most durable and practical paint available. Can be baked to allow for same day shipping.
Antique Swirl™ (Special "FX")
Definition:	An orbital oxidized finish adds another dimension to horizontal grain.
Application:	New finish, stands out as unique appearance.
Why:	Available on all red metals.
Anodize
Definition:	An electrochemical hard oxide coating that prevents oxidation. (Aluminum only)
Application:	Customers preference. Our customers specify mostly "Clear", "Black", "Bronze" or "Gold"
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.
Application:	Used in place of Lacquer only in special cases when the customer request. Available in 3 levels: flat, semi-gloss, gloss.
Why:	More durable coating than Lacquer. Last longer, but difficult if not impossible to remove.
Aurora™ (Special "FX")
Definition:	Overlapping scallop shapes produce pleasing highlights and hide light scratches.
Application:	New finish, stands out as unique appearance. Changes lustre as you move past letters.
Why:	Available in all metals.
Birdseye™ (Special "FX")
Definition:	A one step process of spraying oxidizing chemistry on to polished red metals, creating a random/splattered finish.
Application:	Customer preference. Can be applied to all red metals.
Why:
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.
Application:	Customers preference.
Why:
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Bevel Edges
Definition:	A mechanically applied edge treatment. Mirror polish or satin finish are usually applied.
Application:	Customers preference.
Why:
Brackets
Definition:	Used as mounting for Fabricated letters usually for neon or backlighting applications.
Application:	See mounting drawings for applications.
Why:
Breakform
Definition:	A forming process where a piece of material is bent or folded to specified dimensions.
Application:	All fabricated letters are constructed utilizing breakforming methods.
Why:
Bronze Paint
Definition:	Akzo-Nobel or Mathew's Acrylic Polyurethane paint. Available in 3 shades: Light #311, Medium #312, Dark #313
Application:	Specify as Light Bronze, Medium bronze, Dark bronze
Why:
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Brushed
Definition:	refer to Satin or Satinbrite™ finishes.
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).
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:
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.
Application:	Material or design restrictions. Must be specified by customer.
Why:
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.
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.
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.
Application:	Customers Request. (see mounting methods)
Why:
Contrast™ Graphicss
Definition:	A process were fine glass bead is used to create a graphic image
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:	See Crystalmatte™
Crystalmatte™
Definition:	Selectively applying a glassbead finish.
Application:	Customer preference.
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.
Dishpan
Definition:	Hollow constructed letter to allow for neon or other illuminating devices to be inserted
Application:	Customers Preference.
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 .
Application:	Diaphragms are specified for certain mounting applications or when the size of a letter (normally 30" and up) requires more strength and stability.
Why:
Duranodic Paint
Definition:	Paint color which is an industry standard for Duranodic color
Application:	Specify as a (Light, Medium or Dark Duranodic color)
Why:
Eased Edges
Definition:	A hand polishing process that eases the sharp edges of a plate letter.
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:
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.
Application:	Customer's preference.
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.
Application:	Customers preference. A specialty product, very effective yet different from halo lighting.
Why:
Edgeblend™ - Plate Letters
Definition:	A process employing handcraftsmenship, applied to edges (sides) of letters to produce a mirror polish finish.
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:
Etched Graphics
Definition:	A process created at Steel Art that uses an alternative means to etch a graphic image into metal, that is environmentally friendly.
Application:	Can be applied to any material or finish.
Why:
Grain Direction
Definition:	Can either be Horizontal or Vertical.
Application:	Horizontal is standard grain direction for Satin Finishes. Vertical is standard grain direction for Mirror Polishes material.
Why:
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Hard Coat
Definition:	An Anodizing process that provides a truly durable finish. The parts are charged for longer than normal to apply the finish. The end result is a grayish color. (THIS SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED W/ BRONZE ANODIZING!)
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:
Infill
Definition:	Refers to a step in the Etching process, where the image is infilled with a colored enamel.
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:	Colors my be selected from PMS offerings or custom matched.
Lacquer
Definition:	A clear coating applied over red metals and aluminum to retard the natural process of oxidization. Not guaranteed for exterior exposure.
Application:
Why:
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"L" Clips
Definition:	A mounting bracket used for attaching the letter to the wall. Shaped in an angular "L". Manufactured with a type of threaded attachment for assembly.
Application:	Customers preference. Commonly used to assemble polycarbonate backs, projection of a fabricated letter, etc.
Why:	See mounting details.
MAP
Definition:	Matthew's Acrylic Polyurethane
Application:	Paint system.
Why:
Matte Edges (abrasive blasted edges)
Definition:	An abrasive blasted finish used to blend mechanical marks from filing and sanding.
Application:
Why:
Mill
Definition:	The unprepared metal finish as it comes from the vendor. May have travel marks and light scratches.
Application:	Most basic finish. No additional finish work has been done other than fabrication-customer to finish.
Why:
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Mirror polish #7
Definition:	A mill finish, exclusive to Stainless Steel, with smooth dull surface.
Application:	2B is used for Fabricated letters that will be painted.
Why:
Mounting Type A-1
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Polycarbonate back mechanically attached thru the sides of letters.
Application:	Commonly used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics. Sometimes used to keep debris out.
Mounting Type A-1a
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Solid back mechanically attached thru the sides of letters normally with the same finish as the face and sides.
Application:	Used to provide a more finished look to the backs of letters or to keep debris out.
Mounting Type A-2
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Polycarbonate back with no visible fasteners thru the sides of letters. Mechanical assembly provided thru the backs of the letters.
Application:	Commonly used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics. Sometimes used to keep debris out.
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Mounting Type A-2a
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Solid back with no visible fasteners thru sides of letters. Mechanical assembly provided thru the backs of the letters. Backer material is normally the same finish as the face and sides.
Application:	Used to provide a more finished look to the backs of letters or to keep out debris.
Mounting Type B-1
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Slightly recessed diaphragms positioned at backs of letters with 3M 4949 VHB tape applied for surface mounting.
Application:	Used when mounting to surface that is not designated for stud mount, usually glass.
Mounting Type B-2
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Slightly recessed full backer diaphragm positioned at backs of letters with full backing of VHB tape applied for surface mounting.
Application:	Used when mounting to surface that is not designated for stud mount, usually glass.
Mounting Type C-1
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Projection mounted brackets mechanically mounted thru sides of letters.
Application:	Commonly used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics. Otherwise as a method of spacing off corrugated surfaces.
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Mounting Type C-2
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Projection mounted brackets with no visible fasteners soldered to the inside of letters.
Application:	Commonly used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics. Otherwise as a method of spacing off mounting surface.
Mounting Type C-3
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Projection mounted brackets mechanically mounted thru sides of letters with diaphragms located on inside of letters near faces to allow for double-line neon.
Application:	Used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics.
Mounting Type C-4
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Projection mounted brackets mechanically mounted thru sides of letters with diaphragms located on inside of letters near faces to allow for single-line
Application:	Used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics.
Mounting Type D-1
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Center stud mount for double-line neon. Diaphragms are located on inside of letters near faces.
Application:	Used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics.
Mounting Type D-2
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Offset stud mount for single-line neon. Diaphragms are located on inside of letters near faces.
Application:	Used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics.
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Mounting Type E-1
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Keyhole mount for double-line neon. Keyhole diaphragms are recessed from back of letters. Neon mounting diaphrams are located on inside of letters near faces.
Application:	Used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics.
Mounting Type E-2
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Keyhole mount for single-line neon. Keyhole diaphragms are recessed from back of letters. Neon mounting diaphragms are located on inside of letters near faces.
Application:	Used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics.
Mounting Type E-3
Definition:	Use for Fabricated letters. Keyhole mount hollow letter.
Application:	Sometimes used for letters illuminated with Neon or Fiberoptics or for letters without any lighting.
Mounting Type F-1
Definition:	Used for Fabricated Letters. Diaphragms are soldered to returns of letter. Diaphragms have threaded rivnut for stud mounting.
Application:
Mounting Type F-2
Definition:	Used for Fabricated Letters. Plastic pad (butyrate) that are glued to back of letters. Pads are threaded for 10/24 stud mounting.
Application:
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Mounting Type G-1
Definition:	Used for Fabricated Letters that require BOTTOM Mounting. Refer to mounting diagrams
Application:
Mirror polish #7
Definition:	A polished finish with some grain lines visible.
Application:	We do not offer a #7 finish for any product other than "Buffed Edges".
Why:
Non-directional (fine)
Definition:	A hand applied finish using fine abrasive in circular motions.
Application:	Customer preference. Can be applied to any material.
Why:
Non-directional (coarse)
Definition:	A hand applied finish using coarse abrasive in circular motions.
Application:	Customer preference. Can be applied to any material.
Why:
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NuBronze™ (Titanium)
Definition:	Titanium coated (PVD) Stainless Steel. Guaranteed 8 year exterior exposure.
Application:	Available in bronze color, in satin or mirror polish (super #8).
Why:	Used were low maintenance is required. Will not tarnish or flake off.
NuGold™ (Titanium)
Definition:	Titanium coated (PVD) Stainless Steel. Guaranteed 8 year exterior exposure.
Application:	Available in brass color, in satin or mirror polish (super #8).
Why:	Used were low maintenance is required. Will not tarnish or flake off.
Open Channel (a.k.a. Channel Letter)
Definition:	A fabricated letter with an open face.
Application:	Normally used with neon visibly mounted or for "Trim cap" application, (light showing thru acrylic face).
Why:
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Oxidize Aluminum (Special "FX")
Definition:	Chemically created old grey coating, will continue to darken in exterior use.
Application:	New finish, stands out as unique appearance. Letters may vary in texture and color.
Why:	Available in aluminum only.
Oxidize (Light, Medium and Dark)
Definition:	A process for staining Red Metals. Produces a satin statuary oxidized finish.
Application:
Why:
Paint
Definition:	A painted finish applied with spray equipment primarily to Aluminum or Stainless Steel.
Application:	Typically available in 4 gloss levels: Matte, Semi-gloss, Gloss, Hi-Gloss
Why:	Standard gloss level is Semi-Gloss.
Perforated
Definition:	Stainless steel or aluminum perforated with round holes of various diameters.
Application:	Hole patterns are available either in different sizes, staggered or straight pattern as inventoried.
Why:
Plastic Pads
Definition:	Butyrate plastic pads with threaded center hole to accept 10/24 studs - for exterior use.
Application:	Applied to letter with Epoxy.
Why:	Use for fabricated letters, use depends on style/height/depth of letter.
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PMS
Definition:	Pantone Matching System (PMS). Initially developed for the Printing Industry as a system for classifying printing ink colors. Today it has more universally meaning. The system uses numbers and letters to further classify colors.
Application:	Used commonly by customers to specify paint colors.
Why:
Polish Edge of Face (fabricated)
Definition:	A mechanical and hand done process applied only to the edges of the face to produce a polished edge.
Application:	Customer's preference. Note: Leaves slight seam between the face and sides.
Why:	Price considerations
Pre-finished
Definition:	Material that has been either polished, grained, anodized or painted before cutting.
Application:	Fabricated letters: always cut from pre-finished material.
Why:	Finish is factory applied and uniform.
Prep for Paint
Definition:	Fabricated or plate letters letter has been has been abrasive blasted and degreased, to prepare surface for paint.
Application:	Customer to apply final finish.
Why:	Generaly customer wishes to apply own primer and match paint with rest of project.
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Prismatic
Definition:	Fabricated letter hand formed to a specified degree pitch around the perimeter of the letter. Can be backed with clear polycarbonate for illumination.
Application:	Customers preference. Different material finish available.
Why:
Projected Brackets
Definition:	Used as mounting for Fabricated letters usually for neon or backlighting applications where spacing off mounting surface is required.
Application:	See mounting drawings for applications.
Why:
Raceway
Definition:	Technique of connecting a two piece letter to allow for neon to be formed in one piece using one common supply source.
Application:
Why:	Customer preference
Random Orbital #1
Definition:	A similar process to Non-Directional finish, only using coarse abrasive in tighter circles.
Application:	Customer preference. Can be applied to any material.
Why:
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Random Orbital #2
Definition:	A similar process to Non-Directional finish, only using coarse abrasive in larger circles.
Application:	Customer preference. Can be applied to any material.
Why:
Recessed Clips
Definition:	A mounting device used for attaching a polycarbonate or other material back.
Application:	Can be removed by machine screw thru skirt or fastened invisibly from behind.
Why:	See mounting details.
Recessed Brackets
Definition:	Used as mounting for Fabricated letters to affix polycarbonate backs.
Application:	See mounting drawings for applications.
Why:
Reverse Channel
Definition:	A 3 dimensional fabricated letter that has a closed face and open back.
Application:	Customers Preference.
Why:	A more prominent product for exterior identification.
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Reverse Channel
Definition:	A 3 dimensional fabricated letter that has a closed face and open back.
Application:	Customers Preference.
Why:	A more prominent product for exterior identification.
Reverse Channel
Definition:	Used in Fabrication to blend the skirt with the face of the letter.
Application:	Customers Preference.
Why:
Rivnut
Definition:	A non-corrosive threaded insert. Sizes offered are 6/32, 10/24, 1/4-20.
Application:	Fabricated letters using a diaphragm, either for wall mount or neon assembly.
Why:
Roll
Definition:	The process of forming a piece of material to a specified arc. Thickness' up to 1" in all metals can be rollformed to a specific arc to fit the radius of a curved wall or extrusion.
Application:	Customers Preference.
Why:
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Rotary Buff
Definition:	A polishing process of bringing the letter to a buffing wheel, holding it against the wheel until the desired luster is achieved.
Application:	Can be used on all metals.
Why:
Satin #4
Definition:	A short grain finish applied by automatic machinery at the mill. Equal to approx. 180 grit.
Application:	Our standard finish for Fabricated Stainless Steel letters.
Why:
Satin #6
Definition:	An identical process to Satin #4 only using a 240 grit belt.
Application:	Optional finish for Fabricated Stainless Steel letters.
Why:
Satin 100 grit
Definition:	A mechanically applied finish using 100 grit abrasives.
Application:	Standard horizontal satin finish.
Why:
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Satin 150 grit
Definition:	A mechanically applied finish using 150 grit abrasives.
Application:	Upgraded - finer horizontal satin finish.
Why:
Satinbrite™
Definition:	A proprietary finishing process to Steel Art Company, producing a fine brushed finish.
Application:	A finer grain finish than a 150 grit. Similar to a #6 finish, but with a brushed appearance.
Why:
Shape
Definition:	The process of forming a piece of thin gauge sheet metal around the perimeter of a letter.
Application:	Used on all Fabricated letters. Depth can vary depending on requirements.
Why:
"Shoebox"
Definition:	A process in fabricating a letter that calls for a closed back. The method specifies a second fabricated piece, shaped to the back - to fit within the primary skirt.
Application:	Customers preference.
Why:	See "Mounting Methods" for drawings
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Skirt (a.k.a. Returns, Side Walls, Wrappers for Fabricated letters only)
Definition:	The sides/edges of a fabricated letter.
Application:	Skirts can be as small as 3/8" and maximum as determined by complexity of shape.
Why:
Studs
Definition:	Method of mounting a letter. Used for plate or fabricated products.
Application:	Customers preference.
Why:	Threaded non-corrosive fastener.
Spacers
Definition:	Hollow aluminum tubing placed over studs to project letters/sign from mounting wall.
Application:	Customer's Request.
Why:
Satin Edges
Definition:	A mechanical finish applied to edge of letter to produce a satin grain. An alternative edge finish from the normal sandblasted (matte) edge.
Application:	Customer's preference.
Why:
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Storm (see NuGold™ or NuBronze™)
Definition:	A tornado like shape overlaying a mirror polish finish.
Application:	New finish, stands out as unique appearance. Changes lustre as you move past letters.
Why:	Creates a uniform antique finish.
Striations
Definition:	Extremely fine residual buff lines in mirror polish finish. Left by threads in rotary buffs.
Application:	Usually vertical striations are left behind, horizontal when indicated.
Why:
Sunburst™ (Special "FX" )
Definition:	A "fan" shaped directional satin grain.
Application:	New finish, stands out as unique appearance. Changes lustre as you move past letters.
Why:	Available in all metals.
Trimcap
Definition:	Fabricated letter that the skirt is shaped around an acrylic or polycarbonate face and assembled.
Application:	Customers preference. Used for illuminated letter.
Why:
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2B
Definition:	A polished finish with some grain lines visible.
Application:	We do not offer a #7 finish for any product other than "Buffed Edges".
Why:
2nd Edge Finish:
Definition:	Standard, Premium, Buffed or Edgeblend™ edge quality.
Application:	Customer preference.
Why:	Appearance and cost considerations.
ValuFab™
Definition:	A fabricated reverse channel letter available in all materials and finishes.
Application:	Plate letter appearance, blended edges and FREE mirror polished sides !!!
Why:	Extremely cost effective.
Verde Green Patina
Definition:	A method of forcing the natural patina process of copper. Accelerating the weathering process.
Application:	Customer preference. May drip greenish residue on exterior surfaces.
Why:	Green mottled appearance, not uniform in intensity and no laquer coating.
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Wave™ (Special "FX")
Definition:	Wavy highlights, parallel and varying from .063" to .125" on a mirror polish background.
Application:	New finish, stands out as unique appearance. Changes lustre as you move past letters.
Why:	Available in all metals.