emc displays
Better Codes for Brightness
Tourist attraction An HDU Identity Sign Souvenir
www.signshop.com
N um b e r 254
Number 254 | AUGUST 2016
How-To
Pylon
Business
S ig n Bu i l d er I l lu str ated aug ust 20 16
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Patent P e
nding
How about FREE power supplies? For a limited time, Principal LED is including 2 FREE 12V, 60W Power Supplies (PL-60-12-U / 120VAC input) inside every 100 foot box of Fusion Freedom™
Find a distributor near you today Visit www.p-led.com/wheretobuy.php 325-227-4577 • www.p-led.com • sales@p-led.com • San Angelo, TX
www.osram-americas.com/signage
Light is continuous BackLED Plus Square Lens: supreme uniformity, fewer modules The new BackLED Plus Square Lens contains exclusive technology that delivers a uniform pattern on the face of shallower depth signs. — Available in medium and small sizes with a variety of CCTs and colors — Single board cuttable chain of LED modules with flexible connection cables — IP66 rated to protect against dust, moisture, and condensation in outdoor applications Learn more about BackLED Plus Square Lens at www.osram-americas.com/signage
Light is OSRAM
August 2016
48 53
50 24
Shopping with Foam BY JEFF WOOTEN
A retail center’s EMC pylon sign complements its surroundings.
30 34
44 Commit to Channel Letters BY ASHLEY BRAY
A sign shop gets a storefront in shape with new channel letters.
Boxed In! BY MIKE ANTONIAK
Suppliers promote LEDs as an easy answer for sign cabinet retrofits.
38
Today’s Special: Innovation BY ASHLEY BRAY
A company specializing in menu boards gets involved in a unique project.
Sign Builder Illustrated (Print ISSN 895-0555, Digital ISSN 2161-4709) (USPS#0015-805) (Canada Post Cust. #7204564) (Bluechip Int’l, Po Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Agreement # 41094515) is published monthly by Simmons-Boardman Publ. Corp, 55 Broad Street, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and Additional mailing offices. Pricing, Qualified individual working in the sign industry may request a free subscription. 12 issues per year. Non-qualified subscriptions Print version, Digital version, Both Print & Digital version: 1 year US/ Mexico/Canada $50.00; foreign $99.00. Single copies are $15.00 ea. Subscriptions must be paid in full in U.S. funds only. Prices are subject to change. Copyright © Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation 2016. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
Great. Big. Graphics. BY JEFF WOOTEN
A Cleveland sign maker lets the imagery do the talking.
48 50
BY BRIAN KRUEGER
GCI’s effective vehicle graphics go the extra mile for Neyer Plumbing.
Wrapping Up the Comics Scene BY JEFF WOOTEN
A new window display promotes comics and draws customers.
53 61
The Drive Toward Wraps
A New Lease on LED Displays BY ASHLEY BRAY
A company’s rental sales model results in big screen profits.
SBi Buyer’s Guide At-A-Glance Contact information for sign-related manufacturers and distributors.
For reprint information contact: Arthur Sutley, Publisher (212) 620-7247 or asutley@sbpub.com. For Subscriptions & Address Changes, please call (800) 895-4389, (847) 763-9686, Fax (847) 763-9544, e-mail signbuilder@halldata.com, or write to: Sign Builder Illustrated, Simmons-Boardman Publ. Corp, PO Box 1172, Skokie, IL 60076-8172 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sign Builder Illustrated, PO Box 1172, Skokie, IL 60076-8172. Instructional information provided in this magazine should only be performed by skilled crafts people with the proper equipment. The publisher and authors of information provided herein advise all readers to exercise care when engaging in any of the how-to activities published in the magazine. Further, the publisher and authors assume no liability for damages or injuries resulting from projects contained herein.
signshop.com
Inspiring from any angle.
Enhance any space with versatile films from 3M. Spice up a restaurant. Work magic in an office. Cure ho-hum in a hospital. Display brilliance in a retail store. 3M printable graphic films let you add style, definition and branding to interior and exterior walls. Install bubble-free, high-performing graphics with confidence. Any way you look at it, these films not only make walls look good, they make you — and your customers — look good too.
• 3M™ Envision™ Print Wrap Films LX480Cv3 and SV480Cv3 • 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ v3 Adhesive IJ180Cv3 • Plus 3M™ Overlaminates for the finish you want — ultra-matte to gloss Find out more about 3M films, adhesive testing, surface prepping and graphic installation at 3M.com/WallWrap. © 3M 2016. All rights reserved. 3M, Envision, Controltac and Comply are trademarks of 3M.
Agenda
How-To Columns
SEPTEMBER 2016 September 14-16: SGIA Expo 2016 happens at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (sgiaexpo.org) September 22-23: NSSA’s New England Sign Expo 2016 will be held at the Twin River Casino Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. (nssasign.org)
14
BY MARK K. ROBERTS
Routing mercantile signs for an amusement park gift shop.
Learning About Content Marketing
BY MIKE SANTOS
Marketing strategy: “Six ways a spear can save your life from a wild boar.”
22 Lighting the Way BY DAVID HICKEY
Finding the balance on the regulation of illuminated signs.
EMC DISPLAYS
Better Codes for Brightness
TOURIST ATTRACTION An HDU Identity Sign Souvenir
www.signshop.com
NU MBER 254
NUMBER 254 | AUGUST 2016
HOW-TO
Lighting the Way
Departments
14 HDU Souvenir 16
22
HDU Souvenir
Pylon
6
UpFront
8
Dispatches
Editor Jeff Wooten reads into a report detailing the growth of four distinct sign industry segments.
New environmental graphics transform a high school into an aquarium, and the 3M 2016 Wrap2Wrap contest is now underway.
10
Sign Show
56
SBI Marketplace
The newest products and services from sign manufacturers.
NOVMBER 2016 NOVember 1-4: The automotive SEMA Show rolls in to the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (semashow.com)
DECEMBER 2016
59 Shop Talk
December 1-3: USSC Sign World International is happening at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (ussc.org/signworld.php)
SI GN B U I L DER I L LUSTR ATED
On the Cover A U GU ST 2016
4
September 25-28: Graph Expo ’16 covering the graphics communication industry will occur at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. (graphexpo.com)
Advertisements and announcements from the sign trade.
Ashley Bray goes up to find the reasons why the installers at Spectrum on Broadway aren’t afraid of heights.
BUSINESS
September 23-24: The CONSAC National Sign & Graphics Tradeshow 2016, hosted by the Sign Association of Canada, is taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. (sac-ace.ca)
Deal! This EMC sign for the Prairie Stone shopping center complements its surroundings. Photo: Indigo Signworks. Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
signshop.com
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Results based on Epson and Avery internal lamination testing at 6 hours after printing. Your results may vary based on environmental conditions, media type used, ink density, and other factors. For warranty information please refer directly to the media and laminate manufacturer websites. † Estimated Purchase price. Please check with an Epson Professional Imaging Authorized Reseller for actual price as dealer prices may vary. EPSON and SureColor are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2016 Epson America, Inc. *
Up FRONT
by jeff wooten
August 2016, Vol. 30, No. 254
Economic Progress
Sign Builder Illustrated (ISSN 0895-0555) print, (ISSN 2161-0709) digital is published by Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation executive offices
The forecast is out for the near future of the sign industry.
President and Chairman Arthur J. McGinnis, Jr. Publisher arthur j. sutley 55 Broad Street, 26th floor New York, NY 10004 212/620-7247; fax: 212/633-1863 editorial editor
Jeff Wooten
Photo: Shutterstock.com.
W
hile you’re waiting to find out if your sign shop has been designated a Pokémon Go hot spot (are you noticing anyone outside looking down instead of up at your signage?), there are some interesting figures and forecasts to crunch from the recently released ISA Sign Industry Quarterly Economic Report that covers the second quarter of 2016 with projections into 2017. This report, sponsored by the non-profit National Association of Sign Supply Distributors (NASSD) and compiled by HIS and Vandiver Associates, allows sign makers to stay current with evolving business conditions, and the most recent one shows that all four of the segments it covers—printing, electric/digital signage, and architectural signage—are growing above the historical trend. In general, it shows growth for the U.S. economy—gaining steam in 2017 and 2018—as well as a relatively stable global outlook. In fact, you’ll find some articles in this month’s issue that dovetail into some of the analysis. + “The end market for architectural signage should continue to see very favorable conditions through 2016. Growth should remain strong but decelerate through 2018 as demand returns to its longterm trend.” As you can tell from our cover, we have a really big architectural signage project featured—a look at how sign companies collaborated to design, build, and install a pylon sign that matched the surrounding architecture of a shopping center (“Shopping with Foam,” page 24). With the inclusion of an attention-grabbing EMC display on it, this is an example of the many different components that can be employed to make up an architectural sign. And speaking of EMCs: + “For suppliers to the electronic and digital sectors of the market, the expectations have been revised down to show the sector maintaining its historical trend. It is expected to pick up significantly in 2017 and remain strong in 2018.” One of the biggest concerns when it comes
6
to electronic signage within cities and towns is related to regulations of display brightness. On page 22 (“Lighting the Way”), you’ll learn how to work with communities on illumination issues, helping them understand both the safety and economic benefits that come from not only EMCs, but also lighted signs in general. + “The expectations for 2016 for the end market for electric and digital signs remains very strong, and the growth should cool only slightly for 2017 and 2018.” One big question many sign makers out there have is how they can get a foothold into the stillburgeoning digital sign industry. If you’re one of them, check out the feature on page 53 (“A New Lease on LED Displays”) that details how one shop has carved a niche out for itself by using a different sales strategy—rentals of display units at various events and promotions. + “In printing, the outlook for 2016 has been downgraded a bit for suppliers to the static side of the industry, with expectations now just slightly above the historical trend. The outlook should pick up in 2017 in a growth pattern on par with the trajectory previously forecast and remain solid for 2018.” You’ll find several print output-related articles this month—window displays, vehicle wraps, environmental graphics, etc. And some shops are employing extra bells-and-whistles for their static prints today. Sign maker Ron Levine loves working on unique projects and helping provide that “Wow!” factor through graphics, and one trend his shop is really capitalizing on is the use of specialty vinyls to help him achieve this goal (“Great. Big. Graphics,” page 44). “We [use] reflective vinyl, metallic vinyl, carbon fiber vinyl and, of course, premium wrap vinyl,” he says. To help you find the tools and supplies needed to achieve success in any of these fields, check out the at-a-glance version of our Buyer’s Guide that appears on page 61. To view the full edition, visit signbuilderdirectory.com.
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
323 Clifton Street, Suite #7 Greenville, NC 27858 212/620-7244; fax: 212/633-1863 jwooten@sbpub.com managing editor
Ashley Bray
55 Broad Street, 26th Floor New York, NY 10004 212/620-7220; fax: 212/633-1863 abray@sbpub.com contributing writers
Mike Antoniak, David Hickey, Brian Krueger, Mark Roberts, Mike Santos art
Corporate Art Director Wendy Williams Associate Graphic Designers Nicole Cassano, Aleza Leinwand production
Corporate Production Director Mary Conyers circulation
Circulation Director Maureen Cooney advertising sales national sales director
Jeff Sutley 212/620-7233; fax: 212/633-1863 jsutley@sbpub.com west & west coast sales manager
Heather Bonato
212/620-7225; fax: 212/633-1863 hbonato@sbpub.com marketplace & buyer’s guide
Amy Lennox
212/620-7221; fax: 212/633-1863 alennox@sbpub.com Sign Builder Illustrated is published monthly. All rights reserved. Nothing herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. To purchase PDF files of cover and layouts or hard copy reprints, please call Art Sutley at 212/620-7247 or e-mail asutley@sbpub.com. Circulation Dept. 800/895-4389
signshop.com
Ink Differently. Our offering of UV-LED printers and print media deliver precise color, dimension and limitless creativity for all of your demanding projects.
Dispatches
New Environmental Graphics Take the Santiago Painesville, Ohio—At first glance, students and guests visiting Santiago High School in Corona, California may think they’re entering an aquarium filled with sand, seaweed, fish, and sharks, instead of a school. And that’s just what the students and administration wanted to achieve when they embarked on a collaborative project with PMG Companies and Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions to create a new, inspiring 8
environment within the school’s main lobby. To pay homage to the school’s athletics and mascot, the students and school leaders decided to play off an ocean floor theme, incorporating inspirational messages, mottos, and a redesign of their shark mascot into the new graphics. The Associated Student Body worked with a graphic designer at PMG Companies and provided feedback that resulted in add-
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
ing the school’s name, logo, and branding into the graphics around the main office counter. “The front lobby graphics cover the entire interior entrance of the school, including a curved ceiling. It feels like you’re under the sea, with a very real representation of the ocean floor and fish, including sharks,” said Scot Demmer, managing partner at PMG. Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast signshop.com
2016 3M Wrap2Wrap Contest
Sharks into the Sea Easy Apply RS™ and DOL 1380 matte overlaminate were determined to be the ideal combination for the graphics that were applied to drywall, ceilings, and cinder blocks. “Our graphic installers were very impressed with the film’s conformability to such varying substrates,” said Demmer. “Since the Santiago high school installation, we’ve now used MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS for wall signshop.com
St. Paul, Minnesota—The 2016 Wrap2Wrap contest is back this year! Wrap2Wrap is an open contest between installers of 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 throughout the United States, and it provides a platform for them to showcase their exceptional work with leaders in the industry. The pair of finalists will be selected over the course of two online rounds by a panel of expert judges, including the 2015 Wrap2Wrap winners. Upon the judges’ selection, two finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 2016 SEMA Show to star in a live wrap installation on November 3. “The last two years of Wrap2Wrap have been an incredible success and a terrific way for 3M to engage with the graphics installer community,” said Janelle Pizzi, product marketer for 3M Commercial Solutions Division. “We have several surprises in store for the live wrap at SEMA, and we can’t wait to marvel at the creativity and quality of this year’s submissions.” Graphics installers may enter the Wrap2Wrap battle by visiting 3M.com/ Wrap2Wrap to submit before-andafter photographs of a vehicle wrapped with 3M Wrap Series Film 1080. Submissions will advance to the second round of judging based on points, which will be awarded for the quality of the wrap and overall look and appeal.
graphics in more than a dozen gyms on the West Coast.” “We’re very appreciative of the support we received from PMG and Avery Dennison,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, principal of Santiago High School. “The graphics added a new element of inspiration to the lobby and often provide a backdrop for The Bite, the student’s daily TV news program.” August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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SignSHOW A D H E S I V E S / TA P E S Ideal Tape Cold Weather Acrylic Foil Tapes Pass Fire Protection Requirements Ideal Tape announces product approval per the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements and the US Coast Guard. Testing was completed as outlined in IMO Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code for passive fire protection requirements. The following Ideal Tape cold weather acrylic foil tapes have been approved as noncombustible, having low flame spread, and incapable of producing excessive quantities of smoke and toxic products: Cold Seal™ 788 Plain Foil (USCG COA Number 164.112/161/0); Cold Seal™ 791 FSK (USCG COA Number 164.112/162/0); and Ideal Seal® 777 Jacketing (in three finishes) (USCG COA Number 164.112/160/0). 800/229-9148; idealtape.com
D I G I TA L P R I N T I N G E Q U I PM E N T/ S U P P L I E S New Co-Branded Inks: Epson-3M UltraChrome GS3 Ink for Epson SureColor S-Series Solvent Printers Epson and 3M™ have partnered together to launch a series of co-branded inks: Epson®-3M™ UltraChrome® GS3 Inks. These inks are designed for use in Epson’s advanced SureColor® S-Series roll-to-roll solvent printers, including the SC-S40600, SC-S60600, and SC-S80600. The premium inks provide sign makers and print service providers a 3M™ MCS™ Warranty for finished graphics created using supported 3M films, clears, overlaminates, and application tapes (once they have completed the certification process). 3M has offered the 3M Performance Guarantee with Epson inks featured in legacy wide format Epson printers, coupled with complementary rolls of 3M materials—including 54-inch-by-10-yard rolls of 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ v3 Adhesive IJ180Cv3 and 3M™ Scotchcal™ Gloss Overlaminate 8518. proimaging.epson.com; 3MGraphics.com
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group Enhance Their Graphic Equipment Capabilities and Services With state-of-the-art grand format printing equipment, technology, and a superior graphic services team, Orbus Exhibit & Display Group is able to produce up to 17,000 square feet of display graphics per hour and can print on over twentyfive materials and substrates. Recent additions to the company’s grand format printing equipment have enhanced and increased printing abilities, reducing production and turnaround times. In addition to extensive print capabilities and services, Orbus also offers first-rate artwork pre-flight, creation, and quality services to ensure accurate, high-quality printed graphics. For many of its portable and fabric structure product lines, the company is implementing an automated pre-flight software in the effort to reduce the time from order placement, to proofing, to printing. Orbus also provides a library of guidelines and educational videos to ensure artwork files are set up optimally and that dealers and their customers are aware of best practices to care for fabric graphics. Orbus’ Graphics 101 videos cover a variety of topics— including converting fonts to outlines, color matching, image resolution best practices, and more. orbus.com
SAi Flexi RIPs and Touch7 Differentiate Brand Signage with Extended Color Gamut Technology SA International (SAi) and Touch7 have announced that the Touch7 extended color gamut system is now fully supported by SAi’s Flexi and PhotoPrint RIPs (Version 10.x and higher) for the sign and print markets. Touch7 applies the separations at the design stage using the familiar Adobe Creative Cloud environment, while the final press profile conversion is done within the SAi RIP, resulting in superior quality separations with smooth transitions and tonal blending. Touch7 dramatically improves color saturation on extended gamut inkjet printers, as well as on standard CMYK wide format digital inkjet printers. This gives every print-service provider using Touch7 with Flexi RIP software a noticeable competitive advantage with better eye-popping color compared to those providers not using Touch7. ThinkSAi.com
DY E S U B L I M AT I O N E Q U I PM E N T/ S U P P L I E S Fisher Textiles Announces New Treated Poplin for Direct Dye Sub Printing Fisher Textiles has added DD 1481 Poplin to its Direct Disperse fabric line for direct dye sublimation printing. DD 1481 Poplin is a woven polyester fabric that is excellent for exhibit graphics, indoor banners, retail displays, SEG, and table throws. It gives a great definition on all colors. DD 1481 is flame-retardant, passes NFPA 701, weighs 4.9 ounces, and is stocked at 120 inches wide. In-house slitting capabilities allow the company to slit to any width. Free sample rolls are available for testing. 704/821-8870; fishertextiles.com
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
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DUNABOND HDU Adhesives
CORAFOAM HDU
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A NEW DIMENSION IN CREATIVITY • Tightest Cell Structure On the Market • Great for indoor and outdoor signage • Made in the USA CORAFOAM HDU® is manufactured with a specialized, in-continuous technique that allows for a smoother surface finish than any HDU on the market. It will not absorb water or decompose in even the most adverse atmospheric conditions, making it an ideal substitute for wood and other materials for interior or exterior environments.
Designed for CORAFOAM HDU®, DUNABOND’s two adhesives can be used to bond expanded materials, metals, fiberglass laminates, wood, concrete, and other materials. Each single-part urethane adhesive is waterproof, solvent-free, and can withstand temperatures from -40°F through +176°F (4°C – 80°C). DUNABOND 3140: Working time of 35-40 minutes. DUNABOND 3206: Working time of 15-18 minutes.
FABRICATION METHODS: • CNC Routing • Sandblasting • Hand-Carving CORAFOAM® is non-abrasive and grain-free, allowing it to be quickly fabricated and cut. CORAFOAM® can be cut with any tool that will cut wood.
FINISHING: CORAFOAM® is compatible with almost all coatings, primers, fillers, and paints. SIZES: • 4’ x 8’ / 4’ x 10’ / 4’ x 12’ • 5’ x 8’ / 5’ x 10’ / 5’ x 12’ • From 1/2” thickness up to 8”
For more information on any of our products, call us at (281) 383-3862.
www.dunagroup.com/usa
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SignSHOW S I G N B L A N KS / PA N E LS New Systems from Biesse Provide Seamless Integration of Flexible Edgebanding An innovative, ergonomic design for Biesse’s Stream A is combined with productivity, efficiency, and flexibility for the application of all types of edge-banding material. Stream A is available equipped with the award-winning AirForce System that allows companies of all sizes access to the green benefits of the top invisible glue line quality given by laser edges without the need for a complex, expensive laser system. AirForce emits very forceful, very hot compressed air through a slot nozzle directly onto the reactive layer of commonly available laser banding to activate that layer and bond the banding to the substrate. In addition, the Stream A has been integrated with Biesse’s Winner W4, a fully automated system for returning and unloading parts. The W4 can be seamlessly integrated with a wide range of Biesse single-sided edgebanders, allowing one operator to control an entire edgebanding line with return and stacking capabilities. biesse.com
VINYL/VINYL FILMS/SUPPLIES Need a Backlit Film? Ultraflex Systems Delivers with Illumi-Pro UV BL Film Ultraflex Systems has launched the newest addition to its backlit product line—Illumi-Pro™ UV BL Film. The 100 percent PVC-free, PET Film is designed specifically for high-speed UV printing. The 7.4-mil backlit film has an industry-leading enhanced white point allowing for a pure backlit image. Illumi-Pro UV BL Film is printable on both sides (one side offers a matte finish, while the other offers a gloss finish). The material is ideal for backlit banners, light box applications, and backlit display systems. Illumi-Pro UV BL Film is printable with UV inks and is available in widths from 40 inches to 86 inches on production length rolls of 328 feet. 973/627-8608; ultraflexx.com
HYBRID CNC FINISHING SOLUTION An innovative hybrid CNC cutting solution. Triple-head FAST, system, twin-knife and a heavy-duty router spindle. FLEXIBLE Delivering lightning fast cutting and overwhelming & DIRECT power to take on all graphics applications. 800 361 3408
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CNC ROUTING SYSTEMS
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
AXYZ.COM
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Avery Dennison Launches the Next Generation of Cast Films The new MPI 1105 from Avery Graphics Solutions North America is an ultra-conformable supercast film that merges premium PVC facestock with a long-term removable (LTR) adhesive. This powerful combination delivers reliable, superior print quality and instant adaptability to a broad range of applications from car wraps to outdoor graphics and across all leading printing platforms: latex, UV, EcoSol, and solvents. Avery Dennison has optimized the Digital Overlaminate (DOL) portfolio to perform with the upgraded print media. Order the new MPI 1105 Supercast films with the new DOL 1000Z series, DOL 1300Z series, or DOL 1460Z for superior durability. The MPI 1105 films are also compatible with the existing DOL 6460 and DOL 6040 overlaminates. MPI 1105 is available with Easy Apply RS™, Easy Apply™, and Gloss Opaque LTR technologies to provide quick and easy application and long-term removability. Easy Apply air-egress technology helps eliminate wrinkles and bubbles, while Easy Apply RS provides repositionability and slideability (allowing the film to be moved easily before pressure is applied). graphics.averydennison.com
WAY F I N D I N G / I D E N T I T Y S I G N A G E Vista Wall Directories: Endless Design Possibilities No commercial or pubic space is complete without directory signage to guide visitors through the maze of offices, cubicles, or stores. Often quite invisible to the mere bystander, wall directory signs are key to understanding the environment. Currently Vista’s range of products encompasses endless possibilities to complement any design vision shared by both client and architect. Wall directories can be created from Vista's various product lines such as the classic Vista System Curved Frame Technology, Vista Square flat frames, Vista Nova new designed slight and sleek curve, and Vista Light illuminated wall frames. Vista’s directory types include a single poster frame featuring an entirely graphic solution without physical divisions inside the sign, a single poster frame internally divided by separation strips, several wall-mounted signs combined to look like a wall directory, and a multi-panel wall directory. 800/468-4782; vistasystem.us
READY MADE SIGNAGE & LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Sign Lighting | Sign Brackets | Sign Hardware Palisades Lighted Sign
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Ball Finial Banner Brackets
www.SignBracketStore.com August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
13
HOW-TO: Dimensional By Mark K. Roberts
HDU Souvenir
Routing mercantile signs for an amusement park shop.
M
y favorite dimensional signs are the ones that we route from fifteen-pound Precision Board® high-density urethane. Fortunately a sign assignment that recently came through my doors was right in my wheel-house here. The assignment called for two new mercantile suspended signs for Kemah Souvenirs, a store located inside a nearby amusement park. The identical signs would be made from Precision Board with PVC backgrounds covered with white vinyl. Yes! We selected two 16-by-24-inch, fifteen-pound Precision Board panels with raised oval borders and routed them to a depth of 3/8-inch. The corners of the routed panels were customized and painted with a bright red enamel. After the first application of the red enamel, we gently hand-sanded the full perimeters of the Precision Board with 180-grit sandpaper and then sanded the sign panels with 220-grit sandpaper. The end-result was a nice, smooth finish.
After a lukewarm water bath and a thorough drying of the substrate, we were now ready to apply the FSC-88 primer, which is my absolute favorite go-to primer and filler. We diluted the FSC-88 primer to a consistency similar to milk and then applied two thin coats of it with a brush, making sure to keep an even application throughout the priming phase. (Note: We like to have a smooth and level finish, which cuts down the extra labor that results when applying too thick of a coating.) Next we applied an oil-based red enamel to all the outer edges. We find that, by using oil-based paints in an outdoor environment, the signs look crisp, and we don’t have to repaint so often. In the center of each side of the HDU oval signs, we routed and installed a PVC oval panel. The center oval was covered with a white ORACAL vinyl. On all four sign faces, the name of the store, “Kemah Souvenirs,” was installed in a fun font with blue major type and a light yellow shadow.
The finished Kemah Souvenir Sign.
14
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
signshop.com
Mark Roberts stands in front of his latest creation.
Hand-brushing two thin coats of FSC-88 primer onto the sign.
The signs were transported to the theme park—very carefully—and delivered to the personnel of the Kemah Boardwalk. Our contact person was impressed because The InterSign Group over-delivers on the product and the longevity of the task. Mark K. Roberts is the owner of The InterSign Group in Houston, Texas.
Professional sign makers start with Precision Board Plus Manufacturers of Precision Board Plus
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(800) 845-0745 Visit us at our dynamic website: www.precisionboard.com signshop.com
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
15
HOW-TO: Marketing By Mike Santos
Learning About Content Marketing
T
en years ago, the phrase “content marketing” was not commonplace. But today is very different, and every business needs to understand how to implement content marketing strategies. The Content Marketing Institute defines content marketing as “a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.” Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute, traces the origins of content marketing to a cave painting from 4200 B.C. He describes the painting as translating to “Six ways a spear can save your life from a wild boar.” If you hunted wild boar, you’d probably want to know more and might even be inclined to get your next spear from the person who made the painting, or maybe the person who told you about the painting was someone who had previously sold you hunting equipment. Either way,
the content helped reinforce the message. There are three keys to creating a successful content marketing strategy today. Many companies struggle to get started and then struggle to sustain momentum over time. The trick is in understanding the long-term value of content marketing and that buying patterns have changed and are continuing to change with the increasing use of the Internet and (especially) smartphones. Your brand needs to offer more than just a product. 1. Aligning marketing and sales. The goal of marketing is sales. Marketing is not tasked with closing a sale but to create brand awareness and lead generation. In the B2B space, content marketing is essential to providing value-based information at the right time in the buying cycle. For the process to work, marketing needs to know the goals of the sales organization and the target audience for each product and market segment. Without understanding these elements, marketing is working in the dark. “The hardest part of any content market-
all photos: shutterstock.com.
“Six ways a spear can save your life from a wild boar.”
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
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Most business owners and managers struggle to connect the right content strategy with their sales targets. The first question when working with a B2B company should always focus on sales goals.
ing strategy is getting started,” says Austin LaRoche, CMO and partner at ATAK Interactive. “Most business owners and managers struggle to connect the right content strategy with their sales targets.” This is where having a clear understanding of your audience is essential. The first question when working with a B2B company should always focus
on sales goals. “That way we know what we’re trying to accomplish before we develop a marketing plan,” says LaRoche. Once the goals are established, a plan for achieving them can be developed. Knowing the goals also helps develop metrics by which the plan can be measured. Recognize upfront that not every element of a plan will work
as desired. Still it’s important to stick with a plan because marketing success doesn’t happen overnight: persistent, consistent messaging is essential, especially nowadays, when customers and prospects are being inundated with marketing messages in print, on TV, by email, and on mobile devices. Unfortunately there is not a “one size fits all” approach to content marketing. The good news is that just a few key elements are necessary to be successful and help drive sales. Still the way we communicate has changed, and marketing and sales need to follow suit. 2. Use a marketing calendar. First it’s important to produce content on a consistent basis. Building trust within your target audience takes time, and content marketing isn’t magic: a single video or blog post will not change your business. When getting started, decide how often you’re going to produce content, what type of content you’re going to
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create, and how the content will be delivered. “Once decided, stick with the plan,” says LaRoche. For example, my team at Nova Polymers uses a combination of Basecamp. com and Google Drive to manage our content and marketing initiatives. There are other tools that can be used, but the important part is the strategy behind what we’re doing. Content and how it’s scheduled should all tie into your overall marketing strategy, and everything should lead back to your sales goals. 3. Make your Web site a responsive hub. Think of your Web site as the hub of your business. Google processes over 3.5 billion searches per day. Your customers are part of this group as they seek out content and companies to do business with. If you want your Web site to generate leads and provide real value, it needs to be the central location where customers and prospects can go to consume your
Your Web site is the hub of your business. It needs to be the central location where customers and prospects can go to consume your content and connect with you.
content and connect with you—and not be just a digital brochure. To address this need, your Web site needs to be regularly updated with photos, written content, and even video. Everything you add should make things easy for visitors and help deliver value. And as you do all this, search engines take notice. They look favorably at steady Web site activity, seeing updates
as a sign of relevant and current information. This helps with SEO (search engine optimization), rankings, and helps prospects find your site by putting your business among the top rankings. The bad news is that if your present site hasn’t been updated recently it probably isn’t working for you. Many older sites do not use a CMS (Content Management System) that makes infor-
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mation easy to find and are not mobile friendly. That is, they do not display well on smartphones and tablets. Updates are time-consuming, difficult, and expensive, which is why they are often put on the back burner. Happily newer platforms such as WordPress solve many of these problems. In fact, the W3Tech (World Wide Web Technical Survey) determined that 25 percent of all Web sites are on the WordPress platform. Why WordPress? Because it is an open source platform with a robust CMS that is easy to use and uses design templates that work well on different devices. Open source means there are hundreds of plug-ins that can be added to your site to provide different functionality. For example, modern Web sites geared for content marketing have contact forms throughout the site to make capturing visitors’ information easy. Every page can be shared on social media, all content is SEO optimized, and there are lots of great (and often free) images to help tell your story more easily and in a compelling way. Every email or direct mail campaign you create should drive the customer or prospect to a customized page on your site called a landing page. The landing page should be clear, provide a promised piece of content (such as a white paper), and have a clear Call To Action (CTA). The CTA is an action you want the prospect to do to qualify them as a lead. Be sure to capture an email address and preferably a phone number for easy follow up. And make it clear that you do not share or sell site visitor information with any third parties. It’s the twenty-first century version of that cave painting—and instead of a cave wall, it starts on your Web site. signshop.com
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HOW-TO: Electric By David Hickey
Lighting the Way
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e’ve all been there: driving along at night, looking for an unfamiliar location. A well-lighted sign can signal where we need to turn, allowing us plenty of time to do so safely. A poorly lighted sign causes us to make hasty, dangerous moves—perhaps veering across a lane of traffic or braking swiftly. Mark Jones, branch manager of Fluoresco Services in Tucson, Arizona, sees it happen all the time—where goals to limit sign brightness create dangerous driving situations. “Because drivers are coming from a dark area and into light quickly, having the right kind of signs at the right height and right illumination is so important,” Jones said. “It allows them to know where they’re going to be turning and to do so safely.” Jones understands the delicate balance that every community must navigate. “We want to
be good neighbors and good stewards,” he says. “We understand the points. There’s still a lot of pushback. “We just have to do the best work we can, to let them know that we’re not here to make signs as bright as possible. We want them to be safe, so that people can be directed in safe ways.” Signs that are appropriately lighted and at a reasonable height can contribute to safer communities. They also can protect business interests, helping them market their products and services. The International Sign Association (ISA), Affiliate Associations, and members are making good progress at helping communities understand this need. Part of that requires understanding the opposition and what is driving them. We can usually find common ground when we bring reasonable standards and help the oppo-
photo: ashley Bray.
Finding the balance on the regulation of illuminated signs.
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sition understand why we believe what we do. Often our belief is backed up by scientific evidence of the sign and graphics industry’s position. Nowhere does this occur more often than in regulating electronic message centers. Sign and graphics professionals know that a sign that is garishly bright is as ineffective as a sign that is too dim. That’s why ISA worked with noted lighting expert Dr. Ian Lewin to develop recommended brightness levels for electronic message centers. To date, more than 200 communities have adopted these recommendations in whole or in part. The International Sign Association has also worked to help planners and codes officials understand how to measure brightness and why we recommend using footcandles instead of nits. They are easier to measure—ensuring that everyone is abiding by the codes. The International Sign Association recently refreshed and republished Night-Time Brightness Level Recommendations for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers. The new document includes guidance for communities on how to measure EMC brightness and case studies of communities that have successfully implemented the recommended guidelines. It also includes additional guidance to help communities measure brightness in existing EMCs. The Association has also dedicated a portion of its Web page for local officials to study EMC issues (signs.org/local). Feel free to share this page and these resources with community planners to help them better understand this important type of signage. We will continue to work with communities on illumination issues, helping them understand both the safety and economic benefits that come from lighted signs and electronic message centers. We all benefit from safer communities. And that can get the attention of local officials who naturally make safety a priority. David Hickey is vice president, Government Affairs, at ISA (signs.org).
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M o nu m e nt s / By J E F F WO OT E N / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
An EMC sign matches and complements the architecture of the shopping center.
SHOPPING
WITH FOAM T
he Prairie Stone Center in Fargo, North Dakota opened in 2014 and has not only generated buzz for the stylish housings of its twenty restaurants and retailers, but its brand-new, colossal 24-by-24-foot pylon sign featuring acrylic stucco and EIFS stone finish is attracting its own amount of buzz. The centerpiece of this sign are two 16mm full-color RGB Watchfire electronic message center displays encapsulated within both sides of the pylon columns. They feature a very narrow pixel pitch that allows items featured on it to appear in lifelike high-resolution. The sign is situated on one corner of the 61,000-square foot Prairie Stone Center
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property along a wall traveled road, so to say that it’s getting noticed may be the understatement of the year. The initial sign company responsible for this stunning achievement is fullservice Indigo Signworks (indigosignworks.com), with headquarters in Fargo, North Dakota and offices throughout the Upper Midwest. Indigo Signworks had a prior relationship with the retail center developer, so they were already familiar with what the sign shop could do for them when it came to custom signage and EMCs. In fact, the sign company were brought onboard to brainstorm sign design ideas that would draw attention along that busy roadway. Indigo Signworks started out de-
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
veloping a logo sign—with the idea of putting some letters over the entryway. “However they told us that they wanted something with a little more exposure,” says Greg Nelson, lead designer at Indigo Signworks. “They thought an electronic message center (EMC) would give better exposure to all the businesses at the shopping center. “We didn’t want the finished sign to look too gaudy. We thought it would look best simplified with a main emphasis on the EMC.” Another design request from the owners was that the finished pylon sign also tie into and complement the architecture of the surrounding on-premise buildings so that it wouldn’t look out of place. signshop.com
Photos (this spread): indigo signworks.
A retail center’s EMC pylon sign complements its surroundings.
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Sales Manager Jill Gustofson began the project by taking some photos of the site, so Nelson could match up the pylon sign columns, base, and caps with the existing building appearances. “We also surveyed the spot where the sign was going to be installed to make sure it was far enough away from the street and that we were under the maximum height according to the city ordinance,” says Gustofson. (Note: Indigo Signworks also didn’t want the sign to take away from the shopping center itself, nor block the stores or the tenants.) Before deciding on the double columns, Nelson played around with several other designs. “We tinkered with a single pole design at one point to see if that signshop.com
type would fit in better, but it turned out to be too high for the shopping design,” says Gustofson. Nelson created the vector artwork for the sign using Gerber Omega Composer software. He then exported this file into Illustrator and cleaned it up. He imported this sign design into Photoshop where he added the stone overlay work via clipping maps and other assorted tricks. To match the stonework of the surrounding buildings, Indigo Signworks knew expanded polystyrene would work best. One of the reasons for using this lighter weight material here is because it’s easy to hand-sculpt and hand-finish in order to mimic the stone-like appearance of the surrounding buildings.
The finished pylon sign had to tie into and complement the architecture of the surrounding onpremise buildings.
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“Expanded polystyrene fits well with doing it on-site in a turnkey application because it can all be done in an interior controlled environment and brought to the site and easily installed in sections,” says Jeff Douglas, Engineering/Estimating at Indigo Signworks. “So it’s visually striking and helps the budgetary process.” Douglas devised a wind load analysis for the surface of the sign area and developed a plan for the sign to stand on a two-column structure encased within the polystyrene base. Indigo Signworks then proceeded to build the steel framework that would host the expanded polystyrene columns. Meanwhile since Indigo Signworks had already contacted wholesale sign supplier Signs By Benchmark (signsbybenchmark. com) during the initial design phase of the sign—mainly to see what would work for something this large—they reached out to them to handle the expanded polystyrene portion of the project. 26
Signs By Benchmark has enjoyed a long and healthy relationship with Indigo Signworks, having worked with them on approximately 140 projects over the last seven years. “Obviously not all of the projects we work with them on are to this scale, but they do surprise us with some pretty intricate designs,” says Jamie Kakacek, Design/Estimating for Signs By Benchmark. “It keeps us on our toes, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!” Signs By Benchmark studied the highquality digital photos of the building exterior that were taken by Gustafson, including those holding paint sample swatches against various stone colors. Because of its size, Signs By Benchmark built the expanded polystyrene sign in three sections with two horizontal seams on it. “The hardest part of the whole process was to make sure that the stone seam on the sign matched up to the next adjoining section,” says Kakacek. “This required
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
signshop.com
Photos (this spread): signs by benchmark.
Signs by Benchmark handled the expanded polystyrene portion of the project.
quite a bit of shaping and exaggerating certain areas so the natural seam wouldn’t stick out after the installation.” “The friendly nature of the stone design itself also made the seams relatively invisible,” says Douglas. Signs By Benchmark painted the entire sign using a 100 percent stucco finish. The pylon base and cap were finished in acrylic stucco to match building finishes. The EIFS stone body of the sign was hand-carved and then painted to replicate the multi-color existing stone. Meanwhile, to facilitate the installation, Signs By Benchmark created pick points in the top of the sign. For later ease of EMC insertion, Signs By Benchmark built electrical access channels into the sign. “We worked pretty closely with the sales and production team at Indigo to make sure any wire chases for the EMC were large enough and in the proper place,” says Kakacek. “Since the installation of these signs can either make or break the success of any project, we try very hard to think ahead to avoid any potential problems.” The entire sign was then encased in Signs By Benchmark’s signature hardcoat, ensuring long-term durability in adverse weather conditions. “We had to be very conscience of our shipping capabilities during the entire process,” says Kakacek, noting that, due to their proximity, they shipped the pieces back to Indigo Signworks on their truck. “Luckily we had some natural break points in the sign, and this allowed for easier handling without compromising the overall aesthetics.” The “Prairie Stone Center” letters are made from 304 stainless steel alloy. “They’re vertically brushed to basically scatter the light on the face in a very pleasing, decorative, jewelery-like manner,” explains Douglas, noting that the alloy used here does not require paint. Aluminum studs were placed in the backs of the letters, and they were pushed through into the foam background and secured with adhesives. For the EMC, Indigo Signworks built a steel angle frame that transfers the wind load to the surrounding eight-by-eightfoot steel columns. The Watchfire EMC display features nutsers on the back of it, which aided in installation. The display also featured side anchors that helped in sign attachment
through the encapsulated foam. The EMC followed everything that had been written in the code. “All electronic signs in Fargo have to be equipped with auto dimming features in order to be installed,” says Tom Nelson, vice president of Indigo Signworks. (Note: The power going to the sign is located in a cavity within the structure.) Indigo Signworks dug footings and installed the steel column framework first. Next they used their seventy-foot crane truck to lift and stack the pieces in place over these columns. Indigo Signworks not only provided the new EMC sign, but they also programmed the display for the Prairie Stone Center owners. “We manage the sign for them on a monthly basis to make sure the content is up-to-date,” says Gustofson. “They provide us with the content and information they want to feature, and we make sure it looks nice up there.” Currently there are plans down the road to provide a forty-foot-long expanded polystyrene wall that replicates the Prairie Stone Center name and complements the towering pylon sign.
Indigo Signworks used its 70-foot crane truck to lift the sign pieces into place.
Kakacek credits the talented artists on their staff for helping them make their projects look pretty easy to accomplish. “Without them, none of this would’ve been possible,” he says. He also thinks that working with Indigo attributed to the success of this project.
“Over the years, we’ve developed quite an understanding with each other,” says Kakacek. “Having that open communication between two companies really does help the process and, ultimately, creates a better end-product that everyone can be proud of.”
Photo: indigo signworks.
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
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By using its laser measurement device, Freeman Signs shaved off costs on the site survey. 30
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Channel Letters Commit to
Photos (this spread): freeman signs.
A sign shop gets a storefront in shape with new channel letters
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hen Commit 2 Be Fit 4, a personal training facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, needed a set of channel letters, Freeman Signs came in to do the heavy lifting on the project. Freeman Signs became involved with the job thanks to a lead from a construction client. The full-service sign shop, which was founded in the late 1940s, does everything from banners
signshop.com
to monuments to pylon signs and more and is no stranger to channel letters. On this particular project, they started with a site survey of the Commit 2 Be Fit 4 building. Freeman Signs Account Executive/Designer Glenn Chambers used one of his company’s two Spike devices from ikeGPS to find the measurements of the space on the building where the channel letters would be installed. (Note: Spike is a laser measurement solution that allows users to capture real-time measurements and the location of an object—all from a photo.) Chambers also used the Spike device to take the door measurements for possible upsell opportunities. “If I go and survey a building, I’m always going to grab the door measurements, in case the client comes back and says, ‘Hey, I’d like some window vinyl,’” he says. By using Spike, Freeman Signs saved money because they didn’t have to send a truck out to take the initial survey measurements. For the final survey, however, Chambers still recommends sending someone in. “After you sell the job, you still want to have a journeyman or a service guy go out and do a physical
survey where they look for access and stuff like that,” he says. Using his measurements, Chambers started work on the design. He typically uses Corel™ when designing, but he also works with Adobe ® Illustrator ® and Photoshop®. There was little back and forth on the design approval, as the client immediately liked the fourteen-foot-wide set of channel letters with red acrylic faces spelling out “Commit 2 Be Fit 4.” “I always try to sell red in certain cases, because it’s the brightest channel letter you can get,” says Chambers. “Nobody wants a yellow sign.” Permitting was no sweat either and was completed in under two days. “Colorado Springs is very easy as far as permitting goes,” explains Chambers. “Basically we submit our permit application online, and it’s usually twenty-four to forty-eight hours for approval.” The channel letters are made of five-inch-deep .012 aluminum returns painted black as well as 2793 red acrylic faces with one-inch black trim cap. The letters stand sixteen inches tall and the numbers “2” and “4” stand twenty inches high. The letters are illuminated by LEDs from SloanLED, which were
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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affixed to the back of the letters using 3M VHB tape. (Note: The letters were fabricated by hand. If the shop gets overwhelmed, it occasionally subs out work to Direct Sign Wholesale, since they have an Accu-Bend machine; but, in general, they try to keep everything in-house.) The letters were riveted to an aluminum raceway painted to match the fascia. “We used a raceway on these because that fascia is cinderblock, and when you put all those holes in it, it’s hard to patch and match the color,” says Chambers. “So by putting them on a raceway, you save a lot of penetration holes. We conceal all of our wires and transformers inside of that raceway as well.” The raceway also makes installation easier, as Freeman Signs attached the letters to the raceway in the shop prior to bringing it to the install site. With the sign assembled as one unit, Freeman Signs loaded it onto the shop’s sixty-foot Elliott boom truck and drove it out to the job site. Freeman Signs also used its boom truck to install the sign by throughbolting the raceway to the fascia with all-thread rods. In total, fabrication and installation took about four weeks to complete, and now the training facility has a trim set of channel letters to admire every day!
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
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Using Spike, Chambers was able to easily capture the measurements on the building fascia for the channel letters.
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Photo: ikegps.
See more of Buddy’s story and photos of his work on the ShopBot Blog.
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BOXED A IN! Suppliers promote LEDs as an easy answer for sign cabinet retrofits.
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
s sign builders incorporate more LEDs into new sign box projects, they also make a strong case for using this lighting component in older sign cabinets due for an upgrade. More than energy savings alone, it’s the reliable durability of LEDs that are now making shops consider them as a replacement for older fluorescent or neon lamps and tubes. “An LED retrofit can eliminate as much as 80 percent of the maintenance over the life of a sign cabinet,”
signshop.com
Photos: (left) osram; (top) shutterstock.com.
It’s the reliable durability of LEDs that are now making shops consider them as a replacement for fluorescent or neon lamps and tubes.
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says Michael Bluhm, North American sales manager for the Sign Group at SloanLED (sloanled.com). Projections like that resonate with budget-conscious sign owners, and the incentive for the sign maker can be a more profitable upgrade and a foothold in what promises to be a lucrative future market. Increased awareness of LEDs—combined with lower costs for improved technology—could add momentum to this developing trend.
A Solution for Every Cabinet
Photos (clockwise from top left): reach-all llc; wilkie; ge.
The relative ease of an LED retrofit is something suppliers repeatedly emphasize when discussing these projects, whatever the size and type of sign cabinet. Retrofits can be as simple as removing lamps, detaching the ballasts, installing LED modules into lamp holders, and adding the new power supply. “Wiring is done above the existing wire way,” says Bluhm. LED suppliers offer a range of approaches and solutions for sign box retrofits, including kits, LED modules that plug directly into existing connectors, and customizable systems of assemblies and companion power supplies designed for installation alongside existing fixtures. All will recommend the right combination of LED components and support structures based on the cabinet size and depth, then provide detailed, step-by-step instructions to make the install as straightforward as possible. “Physically doing an LED retrofit can be very easy,” says Bluhm. “Probably the hardest part of this whole process can be trying to convince the customer to agree to an LED retrofit.”
ceeding with a new lease on life via an LED retrofit. Tom Elley, business development manager at OSRAM (osram-americas/ signage), suggests, “A retrofit is always in order unless the structural integrity of the sign is such that it needs to be replaced in its entirety.” When the cabinet is deemed structurally sound and any necessary repairs made, the project moves to designing a system of LED modules and power supplies that best match or exceed the performance of the sign’s intended illumination. “If possible, it’s always best to have the sign’s original drawings,” says Jeff Brazin, vice president for national accounts at Principal LED (p-led.com). “If they’re not available, then a simple site survey of the cabinet should be completed.” Brazin lists several factors to consider when determining the appropriate
combination of products for a retrofit—the type and arrangement of LED modules and power supplies: + Is it a single- or double-sided sign cabinet? + The overall depth from the backer panel on single-faced signs; + The overall depth from sign faceto-sign face on double-sided cabinets; + The length and quantity of original lamps; and + Is the face material is rigid or flexible? According to Brazin, larger and nonconventional sign cabinet shapes often need to utilize multiple lamp lengths— sometimes five to seven different sizes in the same cabinet. “Customization options can ensure that color temperatures and light intensity are maintained for each and every size for a consistent end-result,” he says.
Sign Cabinet Assessment With the real payback of an LED retrofit coming over the long term in energy savings and reduced maintenance, the only good candidates for an LED retrofit are those cabinets that will remain in service for years. Because the sign maker will be installing a completely new lighting system (modules, wiring, power supplies, etc.), it’s important that the cabinet be thoroughly evaluated before prosignshop.com
For sign shops, LED retrofits can be as simple as removing the lamps, detaching the ballasts, installing LED modules into lamp holders, and adding the new power supplies. August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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Probably the hardest part of the whole retrofit process can be trying to convince the customer to agree to an LED retrofit.
Partner With Suppliers Elley urges sign builders to lean on the expertise of their suppliers when planning a retrofit project. “They have designed their products to work as systems,” he says, “and best know their capabilities and how to op36
timize their performance.” Most major manufacturers provide design assistance and consultative services to assist sign builders through all phases of a retrofit. Many also offer layout services that will populate a drawing showing the proper placement and spacing of LED modules needed to evenly light the sign face. Such drawings provide a bill of materials to the sign company for proper ordering of materials and cost evaluations. If the cabinet is a UL Listed sign, specific requirements must be met to retain compliance. “Any UL Listed sign requires that it only be retrofitted with LED products classified by UL for a retrofit,” notes Bluhm. Brazin adds, “UL now educates and requires that all retrofit products must be a kit and receive a UL Classified listing. When an installer puts a UL
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
Certified retrofit kit into a UL Listed sign, the sign maintains its UL status with no need for inspection.” When such kits are not used, Brazin warns that the UL inspector may require the dismantling of the sign to have it shipped back to the shop for LED retrofitting. To avoid this scenario, be sure to follow UL’s advice on LED retrofit kits (bit.ly/29dmASj). Suppliers can also be your best ally in developing an expertise and understanding of LEDs, which can make these projects a new source of revenue. “Sign LED modules offer directed light in comparison to fluorescent lighting, which is an omnidirectional source that relies on some reflected light,” notes Elley. “With LEDs, the resultant lighting system is a much more efficient use of the light produced, allowing for significant energy signshop.com
Photo: peter perszyk.
LED suppliers offer a range of approaches and solutions for sign box retrofits.
savings and possible improvement in the brightness of the sign face.” Bluhm says that while most LED modules work in the same sockets with the same spacing as the original lamps, the effect of the LED lighting can vary among brands. “There is no way to compare unless you look at the data for each manufacturer,” he says. Even then, you may not know if a retrofit meets clients’ expectations until the project is completed and the sign turned on. To avoid disappointment, consider allowing your customers to preview the effect. “It’s best to mock up one sign to evaluate the sign face luminance and luminance uniformity and show it to your customer for approval before proceeding,” suggests Elley.
Straightforward Guidance
12-volt solar power systems to further reduce energy costs,” he maintains. “For larger cabinets, dual-leg 60watt Class 2 power supplies allow for labor savings,” adds Brazin. “It’s much easier to wire in ten 60-watt dual legs than twenty individual 60-watt power supplies.”
Photo: outwater.
Retrofitting a sign cabinet with LEDs is pretty straightforward—provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. “As far as power requirements go, manufacturers are pretty specific about
what you need [for their products], either 12-volt or 24-volt, so follow their recommendations,” says Elley. Brazin sees 12-volt as the norm, while noting some other brands rely on 24-volt systems. “A 24-volt system can impose challenges because of the growing use of
signshop.com
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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M e n u B o a r d s / B y A s h l e y B r ay / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Standardized products have made menu boards easier to maintain.
INNOVATION
W
henever you visit a quickservice restaurant, typically the only thing standing between you and your meal—other than a counter and a line of other hungry people—is a menu board. These boards, like many types of signage, have undergone changes over the 38
years—the advent of dynamic digital signage and LED lighting being two of the biggest developments.
Prix Fixe Menu: Standardization The Howard Company (howardcompany. com) contributed to these changes and the way businesses thought about menu
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
A company specializing in menu boards gets involved in a unique project. boards by creating a standardized product in the late ’80s. “At the time, even McDonald’s® was using multiple signage companies from different regions, and it was very hard to maintain your menu boards,” says Nick Stauff, regional sales manager at The Howard Company, which has over signshop.com
all Photos: the howard company.
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The Howard Company handles all aspects of menu board production, including canopies, directional signs, drive-thru menu boards, and more.
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Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
sixty-five years of experience in the menu boards and point-of-purchase display markets. It wasn’t until Dairy Queen® asked The Howard Company to develop a standard menu board system that they could maintain and service when needed that the standardized concept took off. “We were able to use the molds, the designs, and the engineering to start to sell it to the masses,” says Stauff. “We were like the first company to have this menu board that you could buy at a very affordable price.” Now whenever The Howard Company works with a new client, they aim to make their menu boards unique while still using standard products. “We try to get them to go over into a standard extrusion, a standard light fixture, or a standard color,” says Stauff. “It cuts down on lead times.” Standard products also cut down the cost of materials and result in a larger profit margin not only for The Howard Company, but also for the customer since they’re able to buy
signshop.com
replacement parts and boards at a lower cost.
Savory Service Today The Howard Company makes all types of indoor and outdoor menu boards. In addition, they also build canopies, directional signs, supply communication systems, order confirmation boards, and more. They’ve recently begun to focus on their drive-thru menu boards. The company can also print menu board graphics and even offers advice and menu board layout services to those companies that need some extra help. “If they give us graphics and their menu, we can lay it out for them based upon our experience of doing this for many, many years,” says Stauff. “You’ve got to have some sort of value adder, because there’s thousands of companies that can make a box that lights up and you can put a graphic in it. So what makes us different? “Our history, our experience, and the ability to service the boards after the fact is so key.”
Curved menus, like the one pictured above for Arby’s, offer patrons a more ideal viewing experience as both ends of the menu are equidistant and easily viewable.
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August 2016
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A Challenging Order
www.fasi.org Dedicated to the sign industry Announcing the Foundation for the Advancement of the Sign Industry (FASI) Website www.fasi.org. The only website dedicated to the sign industry itself. FASI doesn’t compete with anyone. It doesn’t sell a product or service. It isn’t seeking members/customers. It doesn’t sell advertising. It isn’t asking for donations. It only wants to support all sign-related organizations. Additionally, it will offer sign-related college scholarships. The FASI website is designed as a clearinghouse for information about the sign industry from myriad sources: ISA, SFI, USSC, AACSRE, the American Sign Museum, the trade magazines, etc. The real intended audience is other groups with an interest in signs: city planners, legislators, end users, etc. Familiarize yourself with the FASI website contents so you can send items to your city planner or customer.
Wade Swormstedt, Executive Director Email: wade@fasi.org Phone: (513) 701-2197 42
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
The Howard Company’s expertise was called upon for a recent project with Arby’s®, a customer the company has worked with for thirty years. Mark Handrick, director of Construction for US Beef Corporation, the largest franchisee of Arby’s restaurants, approached The Howard Company with a challenge. The restaurant was updating its LED backlit menu boards to a slimmer, curved board. The curved boards were key because they offer patrons a more ideal viewing experience as both ends of the menu are equidistant and easily viewable. With straight menus, depending on where the customer is standing, the far bottom panels on the opposite side often get lost and aren’t seen until after an order is completed. The challenge wasn’t the curve, however, it was how to mount the menu boards without a soffit, which is expensive to build and takes away from the open air concept that is currently trending in quick-service restaurants. “Most places are trying to get that open, transparent kitchen concept up and running,” says Stauff. So The Howard Company got to work and developed a hanging system that consists of aluminum tubes with clips that allow the menu boards to slide in. “It’s an easy, self-loading, sliding mechanism that allows you to put the boards on the rail and slide them into place,” says Stauff, “instead of trying to hang it and move it by lifting it off.” This mounting system has since become a standard product in The Howard Company’s offerings, so ordering is easy for Arby’s. “We have a standard radius, a standard length, and if it’s a typical building for Arby’s, they give us the drawings and then we just make sure that the standard system will fit into the space,” says Stauff. “About five times a year, we’ll have to do a custom radius. So we’ll bend it further or less depending upon their space.” The Howard Company also developed a hanging system for straight menu boards as the curved version, signshop.com
while ideal, doesn’t always fit into the architecture of Arby’s locations. The company even has a mounting kit made up of flexible tubes that screw into the wall for the rare instance that an Arby’s location already has a soffit. Franchisees are sent instructions for their specific menu board system, and they’re able to handle the installation on their own, which saves additional time and money. The Howard Company has provided the curved menu boards and hanging system for about three hundred Arby’s locations to date, and the straight menu boards and hanging system for another four hundred locations. With 3000 Arby’s locations, the company will be providing even more of these menu boards in the coming months and years. Arby’s usually orders two hundred a year from The Howard Company.
Using standard products, The Howard Company cuts down on costs, while its clients more easily maintain their menu boards by working with one company.
“Typically in the restaurant industry what they do is they’re in a constant remodeling or updating process, and it’s usually 10 percent a year, give or take,” says Stauff. “It could be a lot more depending on how successful they are; it could be a lot less depending on the economy.” No matter the level of appetite for menu boards, The Howard Company continues to innovate in this space and commit to its goal of providing its customers with the best service possible. signshop.com
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August 2016
// Sign Builder Illustrated
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G rap h i c s / By J e f f Wo ot e n / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
A Cleveland sign maker lets the imagery do the talking.
T
he team of creative designers, experienced installers, and sales persons at SpeedPro Imaging Cleveland East have been involved in helping revitalize the city of Cleveland, Ohio by enhancing the visual communication in the city.
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The shop has created a wide mix of high-quality print output—vehicle wraps and graphics; tradeshow displays; banners; wall, window, and floor graphics; posters; event graphics; and more. They also boast a strong wholesale customer base and have seen their vehicle wrap business grow sig-
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
nificantly within the past twelve months. Their marketing slogan is “Great. Big. Graphics.” Take a look around the Cleveland area, and you’ll notice that their ability to produce “great, big graphics” has opened the door for “great, big opportunities,” which was signshop.com
all photos: speedpro imaging cleveland east.
Great. Big. Graphics.
Your Direct Source for Sign Information 3 Easy Steps
Receive vital product and service information from manufacturers and distributors by completing the adjacent card or visiting www.signshop.com/infodirect
1. Choose up to 10 categories of interest and check off on card. 2. Select up to 28 suppliers and record InfoDirect # on card. 3. Mail card to start getting info! Page
InfoDirect #
1
3M Industrial Adhesives. . . . . . . . . . 3
33
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic. . 56
2
4Ever Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
34
Osram GmbH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
56
3M Commercial Graphics . . . . . . . . 10
3
4over. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAB B
35
Outwater Plastics Industries . . . . . 18
57
Avery Graphics Solutions. . . . . . . . 13
4
AdamsTech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
36
Principal LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C2
58
Biesse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5
Alpina Manufacturing LLC. . . . . . . . 57
37
Quality Manufacturing.. . . . . . . . . . 62
59
Epson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6
Alpina Manufacturing LLC. . . . . . . . 57
38
SGIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
60
Fisher Textiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7
A.R.K. Ramos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
39
ShopBot Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
61
Ideal Tape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8
AXYZ International . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
40
Sign America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
62
Orbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9
Brinks Mfg. Co. (Van Ladder) . . . . . 20
41
Sign Bracket Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
63
SA International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10
Brooklyn Hardware, LLC. . . . . . . . . 56
42
Signs By Benchmark. . . . . . . . . . . . 28
64
Touch7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
11
Coastal Enterprises Co.. . . . . . . . . . 15
43
Signs365. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4
65
Ultraflex Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12
DUNA-USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
44
Small Balls, Inc. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
66
Vista Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
13
Duxbury Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 56
45
Southern Stud Weld, Inc. . . . . . . . . 32
14
Echod Graphics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
46
Stamm Manufacturing.. . . . . . . . . . 41
15
Elliott Equipment Company. . . . . . . 27
47
Stouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
16
Epilog Laser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
48
Stouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outsert
17
Epson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
49
Universal Laser Systems . . . . . . . . 37
18
FASI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
50
US LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
19
FASTENation, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
51
USSC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
20
Gemini Duets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
52
USSC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
21
Gemini Letters & Logos. . . . . . . . . . 29
53
Vantage LED . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, TAB A
22
GoVivid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
54
Vista System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
23
Gravotech Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
55
Wilkie Mfg., LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C3
24
Hartlauer Bits Inc... . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
25
Ideal Stitcher Company. . . . . . . . . . 55
26
J. Freeman Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
27
Magnum Magnetics Corp.. . . . . . . . 47
28
Mimaki USA, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
29
Nixalite of America Inc. . . . . . . . . . 56
30
Northeast Sign Association. . . . . . . 52
31
Orbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
32
Orbus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
InfoDirect #
Company
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InfoDirect #
Company
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Companies in Sign Show
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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We are thrilled to be a resource for local companies and businesses that want to stand out through the use of great, big graphics.
very important for this shop’s owner who first got involved in the sign industry over a year ago. Ron Levine, owner of SpeedPro Imaging Cleveland East, had worked for American Greetings in Cleveland for over twenty-three years, but he had grown weary of the corporate world and was looking to “become his own boss.” At American Greetings, his territories included many local schools, museums, hotels, and community organizations, so he was already familiar with the graphics needs of these markets. Deciding on a career change into signage, Levine was extremely impressed with the Speedpro Imaging business mod46
el and the quality of the studio owners. “I was confident that, with the support of SpeedPro Imaging, we could make a difference in our community with extreme-quality large format printing,” he says. Today Levine’s company has worked on a variety of interesting graphic-related projects, such as transforming a movie theater for a corporate event that had to be installed and removed within eight hours. Levine also did graphics for the Josh Lindblom Foundation, an organization that promotes awareness and raises funds for families and children in need of financial support.
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
“We can wrap almost anything, including ATM machines; walls, windows, and floors; elevators; and casino games,” he says. “Our vehicle graphics have been installed on everything from very small cars to high-end sports cars, police cars, and fifty-three-foot-long trailers.” The shop makes its graphics come to life through the use of Roland eco-solvent inkjet printers along with a cutting plotter and laminating and mounting equipment. Levine loves working on unique projects and helping provide that “Wow!” factor through their graphics. “We have used reflective vinyl, metallic vinyl, carbon fiber vinyl, and of course, premium wrap vinyl,” he says. signshop.com
One challenge associated with wraps is bringing flat art to life on a vehicle. “We work with the customer to ensure that the wrap or graphics aren’t overly cluttered with messaging since vehicle wraps are meant to be seen while driving up to sixty miles per hour,” says Levine. “Most importantly, we want the vehicle graphics to get our customer noticed.” Window graphics have also proven popular. “Perforated window graphics, vinyl lettering, or custom logo decals make your businesses stand out,” he says, “and they can easily be removed and updated.” Wall murals are another interesting offering. “These types of graphics are a great way to break up spaces in offices, waiting rooms, and homes,” he says. Levine has learned that collaborating with the client ensures they are getting the graphics they need in the most efficient and effective way possible. “Since we manage the process from conception to completion, we are able to turn around projects quickly while maintaining our high quality standards,” he says. Levine has learned a lot about running
Speedpro Imaging Cleveland East may be new to the sign industry, but the shop has created a wide mix of high-quality print output, including tradeshow displays.
a sign/graphics shop over the past year. opportunity to grow within our location. “When we first opened, we didn’t Like every new business, he faced a variety of logistical challenges before opening. have any existing customers. We worked “It took us a little while to find the right very hard to earn the business of our space for our studio,” he says. “We wanted customers one order at a time and to num Difference in Printable M e Magform ce ththe erienwith trusted relationships.” agnet to ensure we had a great Expspace
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August 2016
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Ve h i c l e W r a p s / B y B r i a n K r u e g e r / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Twenty-year-old graphics get a bright and bold update.
The Drive Toward Wraps
K
GCI’s effective vehicle graphics go the extra mile for Neyer Plumbing.
en Neyer Plumbing of Cleves, Ohio has been a commercial and residential contractor since 1972, and they attribute their longevity to their consistent work ethic and foresight to stay current in the field. And “staying current in the field” meant it was recently time to update their company’s fleet graphics. Jim Neyer, president of Ken Neyer 48
Plumbing, reflects, “We took a look at our vehicles and thought the graphics on them were overdue for an update. The graphics we had been using on them were about twenty years old. “We thought, ‘What better way to express our leadership in the field than with our vehicle graphics, which were beginning to look dated and tired?’ The old logo was kind of boxy, and the dark
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
blue and black on it seemed a bit dated.” So Neyer approached GCI Digital to rescue his van graphics. GCI Digital Imaging is a full-color digital printing company that has been specializing in grand format banners, vehicle wraps, and more since 1991. Founder Tom Bedacht and his son, President TJ Bedacht, hail from a long legacy of printers going back to 1928. “We’ve signshop.com
photo: gci digital imaging.
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been printing and installing vehicle wraps for almost twenty years,” says TJ. Knowing he was going to need an entire fleet graphics makeover, Neyer also approached a few other wrap companies to see what they would do, but he ended up being impressed with TJ’s suggestion of using a dark blue and lighter blue colored logo and accents to deliver a fresh, new look. “It was brighter and seemed more up to date,” says Neyer. TJ imparts, “Part of our job is to make it clear to the customer the limitations of a vehicle wrap. The shape of the vehicle can be the source of limitations as well.” According to TJ, a great wrap must first be superbly designed. “That means in essence, less is more!” he says. “Keep it simple.” In other words, include the logo, tagline (what your company does), phone number, and Web site address—and that’s it! “Far too often, companies try to get their vehicle wraps to say too much,” says TJ, “and at the end of the day, no one remembers anything you have to say. “Simple, bold graphics stick!” TJ finds that, by a wide margin, companies do not follow this advice with regards to vehicle graphics and the sign industry in general. “But that’s not even the hard part,” he adds. “Your wrap must be superbly printed and installed, or else all those brilliantly designed vehicle graphics go to waste.” GCI Digital Imaging printed the wrap onto 3M materials, noting that they use these materials exclusively on everything they print and install. The best vehicle wrap installers will often take the extra time to remove mirrors, some molding, etc. The most difficult part is often the bumpers. There a lots of tricks you can employ to accomplish a successful wrap here, but TJ points out that there are also a lot of pitfalls one should avoid. “Don’t allow the vinyl to kink or form ridges,” he stresses. “It’s here that vehicle wrapping becomes a real craft.” GCI Digital Imaging uses squeegees and sometimes even a torch. “A good installer can cut edges with the vinyl already applied to the car/truck,” says TJ. “Often signshop.com
The new graphics for Ken Neyer Plumbing include a fresh, new look with a dark blue and lighter blue colored logo and accents. one must cut the vinyl then re-apply.” Often times, seams are inevitable, i.e., areas that are larger than the sixty-inch width limit of the print. “Regardless, if you’re going to make this investment, we strongly advise you get it done right. A good wrap can take up to ten hours to install properly,” says TJ. At the end of the day, if you’ve done your homework here, you can expect upwards of 80,000 impressions a day per vehicle at about four cents per thousand—that’s a decent cost benefit for any business marketing budget. Return-on-investment, of course, has to depend on the type of business you have. Regardless it’s difficult to imagine getting a better bang for your buck than a good vehicle wrap. “We received dozens of positive comments from people all over who were seriously impressed by our new look,” related Neyer. “As a company, we could observe that our employees seemed prouder and more excited about driving the vehicles. A new, fresh image seems to be contagious actually.” Asked if he thought the investment was worth it, Neyer didn’t hesitate. “Oh yes,” he says. “This investment in new vehicle graphics has more than paid for itself. I would recommend [a vehi-
cle wrap] to any company with a fleet of vehicles such as ours who rely on being credible and respected in the industry. “A fresh brand image for a company’s vehicles graphics is worth its weight in gold.” Brian Krueger is marketing director at GCI Digital Imaging in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Less is best for vehicle wrap designs.
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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B ra n d i n g / By J e f f Wo ot e n / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Wrapping Up the Comics Scene
A new window display promotes comics and draws customers.
I
n our October 2015 issue, we showed how World’s Coolest Comics & Collectible Toys in Winterville, North Carolina designed their identity sign (“The Non-Secret Identity”). Recently the shop opened a new location at a strip mall in nearby Greenville, and Co-Owner JR Verheul moved the original sign there and installed a set of LED channel letters. However to protect the comics and merchandise inside from sun exposure (and to enhance what his store offered), Verheul 50
also had local sign shop, 3rd Degree Signs, provide and install see-thru vinyl prints featuring some of today’s most popular comic book characters, such as Harley Quinn, Deadpool, Batman, The Flash, Power Girl, Superman, and Wolverine. (Note: The layout even features a tiny Ant Man character on it to reward those paying close attention.) The sign shop had already provided retractable vinyl banners for Verheul to display at local events, and during the design
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
process, they suggested reusing the distinctive blue background featured on the banners for these graphics as well. This would extend their branding theme. After measurements for the windows were taken, Designer Andy Sugg started manipulating the separate comic book character images provided by Verheul into one collage. However some of the original art was too low-res for large format production, so Sugg retraced them in Illustrator and signshop.com
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New comic book-related window graphics attract the attention of shoppers.
Originally, the storefront had been using posters in the windows (above). But the new graphics better advertise what the store offers while also protecting comics and merchandise from damaging sun rays.
3rd Degree Signs washed each window, removed the rubber moulding, and then dry installed the graphic panels. They also installed see-thru vinyl bands of select words, as seen above.
turned them into sizable vectors that would eliminate blurry pixels. Ian Oliver, owner of 3rd Degree Signs, and his brother James marked the back of each of the fourteen MACtac JT 5817 P semi-permanent adhesive perforated vinyl panels with the appropriate window location. This aided in their placement during installation. Ian and James first temporarily removed the rubber moulding around each window, washed each pane with soapy water, and installed the 36-by-40-inch graphic panels via the dry method using a felt tip squeesignshop.com
gee and an X-ACTO® knife. (Note: Ian and James also installed see-thru vinyl bands featuring buzzwords like “Toys,” “Trades,” and “Comic Books” above the main graphics. The two bands over the front doors measure 6-by-34 inches, while the ones above the windows are 7-by-36 inches.) “My father was in the sign business, and my brother and I actually started off doing decals back in high school,” says Ian. “We really enjoy designing and putting up window graphics. These types of [signs] let a storefront come to life and grab attention.”
The new window graphics have not only drawn praise from customers, they’ve also attracted excitement from comic book artists Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner who saw the new store window designs (featuring some of their characters) on the store’s social media accounts. In fact, the see-thru vinyl graphics are currently nominated for the Diamond Comic Distributors Best Practice Awards Summer 2016 for comic book retailers in the category of “Best Window Displays.” The winner will be announced next month.
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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E l e c t r o n i c / B y A s h l e y B r ay / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
A New Lease on
LED Displays
all photos: big screens on the go.
A company’s rental sales model results in big screen profits.
I
n recent years, the exponential growth of digital signage has been obvious. What hasn’t been as obvious is how sign shops fit into the digital signage sales model. Big Screens on the Go (bigscreensonthego.com) has carved a niche out for itself by using a different sales strategy—rentals. Launched in 2014 after the sale of two LED display companies, Big Screens on the Go was born out of President Brian Bachman’s desire to get out of the ser-
signshop.com
vice side of digital signs. Bachman was tired of being the bad guy every time he had to dispatch technicians to fix a sign in front of a business. He turned instead to the rental market where large companies that wanted a digital sign without the commitment could afford the rentals. He also created a new, flexible LED Drapes product that was affordable and easy to install, which granted him access to smaller organizations and events on the other side
of the business spectrum. In addition to Big Screens on the Go’s LED Drapes product, the company also offers versatile 25-by-25-inch LED modules. Both these modules and the LED Drapes can be used to build any size or shape screen. Nine-by-sixteenfoot mobile LED trailer screens that can be raised up to seventeen feet in the air are also available. These nine-bysixteen-foot screens can also be installed on the sides of trucks.
August 2016
// Sign Builder Illustrated
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Big Screens on the Go’s rental model enables large and small businesses to reap the benefits of digital signage.
The screens can run in any kind of weather, but those hoisted high up in the air must be taken down if the wind gusts over thirty miles per hour. Big Screens on the Go will also provide generators in remote areas if an event doesn’t already have them. In addition to providing the best hardware solution for the application, Big Screens on the Go has focused on 54
providing the best content as well. Content is where Bachman feels most digital sign installs go wrong. Many companies simply recycle the same two to three images, don’t make use of motion if they’re permitted to, and don’t take advantage of digital’s ability to promote real-time offers. “They’re not promoting different products and services,” he says.
Sign Builder Illustrated // August 2016
“They’re not fully utilizing digital.” Along with inferior content, Big Screens on the Go also ran up against the dual challenges of a lack of knowledge and a lack of budget in one of its biggest market segments—non-profits. “Well 99 percent of the companies I called on never even knew they could have a Jumbotron,” says Bachman. “They didn’t even fathom it being a realm of possibility for them. “So at that point, if they don’t know about it and they never had an opportunity, how can they have a budget for it?” To bridge this budget gap and solve the content problem, Big Screens on the Go created exclusive, dynamic content packages for sponsors. These packages include branded social media walls with logos and a custom hashtag, event volunteer recognition pictures with sponsor logos and messages, and custom, sponsor-branded videos filmed by Big Screens on the Go’s videographer. All of these opportunities provide the sponsor with something different than the usual logo on a banner or Web site. This added value also makes it easier for the rental client to secure sponsors in a competitive environment, which provides them with revenue and the ability to rent a Jumbotron. “Many of our clients tell us they not only recoup the costs of our services but also have generated three times their investment,” says Bachman. Another appeal for the non-profits is the turnkey solution Big Screens on the Go provides. The company creates the content and installs the screens themselves. “When you boil it down, we ask the nonprofit (or any of our clients) to do nothing more than they were doing before, which is soliciting sponsors,” explains Bachman, “but we give them a better tool and more sponsorship opportunities that add true value for their sponsors.” Big Screens on the Go put its expertise to work on the recent JDRF One Walk for Type I Diabetes in Illinois. The challenge on this particular job was that JDRF hosts its walk on one day at seven different locations across the state. Big Screens on the Go had to make sure each location had a screen up and running. “We had some that were modules, some that were trucks, and some that were trailers,” says Bachman. They couldn’t set the screens up in signshop.com
advance since some of the locations were in parks with no security, so Big Screens on the Go dispatched its crews at 2 A.M. on the day of the walk to get the screens up by 7 A.M. Each location had technicians, a videographer, a sound guy, and a site manager. The additional challenge was how to bring the seven locations together so they felt like a united group. “We did a simulcast from one of the locations,” says Bachman. “A sponsor and a couple of speakers came up, and we had videographers on staff at the location. “And while we were videotaping the speaker, we were simulcasting it out to the other six screens across the state at the same time.” In addition to races, festivals, parades, and other events, Big Screens on the Go has also used its portable,
rentable screens at community movie nights. Previously these movie nights used projectors and had to wait until dark to start since the projectors aren’t
Many of our clients tell us they not only recoup the costs of our services, but also have generated three times their investment. bright enough to be seen in daylight. Bachman now rents digital screens to the organizations, and for the same
price as the projectors, he offers double features since the movies can start earlier—before the sun goes down. Big Screens on the Go also provides sponsorship packages and a videographer who films the crowd and puts them on the big screen. The rental model has certainly worked for Big Screens on the Go, and the company hopes to expand its business even more through the help of additional distributors and sign shop partners. (Note: The company currently has a network of about ten distributors.) “One of the things that we’re looking to do is set up distributors in different areas,” says Bachman, “provide them with product down there in their area, and then provide them with technical support when we have to go in and install.”
THE IDEAL SEAL is STEEL - 5X faster than screws and rivets - Weather Resistant - Increased Durability & Longevity - Cost Efficient - Call for Pricing Contact Info: Chicago, IL • 1.773.486.4141 • idealstitcher.com
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STITCHER COMPANY August 2016
// Sign Builder Illustrated
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1/3 page Vertical
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here’s one thing you won’t find amongst the installers at Spectrum on Broadway and it’s a fear of heights. The company has been repairing and maintaining lighting and signage all over New York City, including high up on skyscrapers, since the 1940s when it was known as Serota Signs. In fact, the shop is still servicing some of the same neon signs it did back in the 1950s. (Note: Spectrum on Broadway is now owned by National Sign & Lighting but continues to operate as its own company.) Spectrum on Broadway is comprised of six employees, all of whom are local #3 IBEW electricians. A few of them even handle some highflying work that many in the city won’t. “Some of these signs are fifty stories in the air, and the guys have to climb over the side of the building and sit in a Bosun’s Chair,” says Joe Morra, vice president of Spectrum on Broadway. “There’s only a handful of guys in the city that will do it, and I’ve got two of them. “Once these guys retire, I don’t know who’s going to do it.” Spectrum on Broadway splits its jobs between sign and lighting work and has a fleet of five service vehicles—an eighty-five-foot Elliott crane, thirty-five- and forty-eight-foot bucket trucks, and two vans. These vehicles not only help to accomplish a job, they also bring in a lot of business
as they’re branded with the company name and contact information. Since a lot of Spectrum on Broadway’s work takes place high above the busy New York City streets or requires building engineers to be onsite, they’re able to work during normal business hours. Occasionally, though, a job in a busy location like Times Square requires them to work at night. Today Spectrum on Broadway finds itself doing more retrofits—especially on high-rise buildings that pose a more challenging install. They recently retrofitted forty-eight lanterns at the top of 450 Lexington Avenue, which required working from a flying scaffold (pictured, below). The lanterns were switched from cold cathode to LEDs from Keystone Technologies. Spectrum on Broadway discovered the LEDs thanks to the help of Yorston & Associates, which often specs the right lighting source for a job. To keep busy between typical sign and lighting projects, Spectrum on Broadway also branches out to specialty jobs. One such example is the Eruv, a ritual enclosure made from fishing wire and strung from light pole to light pole, that the company hangs and maintains for many of the Jewish synagogues in the city. “We have the bucket trucks, and we have the men that have been doing it for years,” says Morra. “It’s excellent work.”
A company strives to reach new heights on install and maintenance jobs. signshop.com
August 2016 // Sign Builder Illustrated
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Hi, We’re Vantage LED We are an Innova ve LED Display Manufacturer
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Buyer’s Guide At-A-Glance
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Dual Roles It should come as no surprise to find that we now live in the digital age. Devices are ubiquitous and in everyone’s hands, and technology has sped up and transformed the workflow process and made communication easier, faster, and constant. It truly is the age of immediate gratification. But that’s not to say print is dead or even on its way out—especially in an industry that produces so much of it. In fact, according to the 2016 SGIA Specialty Graphics Industry Benchmarking Report Graphics & Sign Community, 99 percent of the companies in the sign and graphics sector use digital printing to image their products. And indoor wall graphics (78.8 percent), backlit signs (77.5 percent), and banners (76.8 percent) are the most common products produced. The sign industry is straddling two worlds—digital and print—and Sign Builder Illustrated wants to provide valuable resources in both worlds. That’s why we’re now offering a print version of our Buyer’s Guide over the following pages. This at-a-glance print guide provides sign shops with a quick resource to pick up and use whenever they need to look up the top products, distributors, and services. This print version includes contact information for manufacturers, distributors, sign companies, and sign-related organizations and associations. It also includes a product section, and with the 2016 SGIA study showing that 53.8 percent of graphics and sign companies are looking to add new product lines as a competitive production strategy, we’re sure this section will come in handy! If you’re looking for tools on the digital side, we have you covered. Our InfoDirect service on signshop.com can help you narrow your search for the best materials and equipment. Also on our Web site, you’ll find an Industry Resources section with white papers and videos teaching about a variety of topics in the industry. Also be sure to check out our searchable, full directory that is available year-round at signbuilderdirectory.com. Plus the Sign Builder Illustrated app can be downloaded from the Apple store to your iPhone, iPad, and/or iPod Touch. This tool allows you to access archived magazine issues and to receive up-to-date news coverage and announcements on a wide array of sign categories. The future of our industry is bright—in both the digital and print realms—and we know our exclusive Buyer’s Guide At-A-Glance will help you achieve success no matter what medium you’re working in. —Arthur J. Sutley
Sign Builder Illustrated (ISSN 0895-0555) print, (ISSN 2161-0709) digital is is published by Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation executive offices
President, CEO & Chairman Arthur J. McGinnis, Jr. Publisher ARTHUR J. SUTLEY 55 Broad Street, 26th Floor New York, NY 10004 212/620-7200; fax: 212/633-1863 editorial editor
Jeff Wooten 323 Clifton Street, Suite #7 Greenville, NC 27858 212/620-7244; fax: 252/355-5690 jwooten@sbpub.com managing editor
Ashley Bray 55 Broad Street, 26th Floor New York, NY 10004 212/620-7220; fax: 212/633-1863 abray@sbpub.com art
Corporate Art Director Wendy Williams Associate Graphic Designers Nicole Cassano, Aleza Leinwand production
Production Director Eduardo Castañer advertising sales national sales director
Jeff Sutley 212/620-7233; fax 212/633-1863 jsutley@sbpub.com midwest & west coast sales manager
buyer's guide Cover photo: Victor Sanchez, Inkwell Creative.
Heather Bonato 212/620-7225; fax 212/633-1863 hbonato@sbpub.com marketplace & buyer's guide
Amy Lennox 212/620-7221; fax 212/633-1863 alennox@sbpub.com
Sign Builder Illustrated welcomes all comments, questions and suggestions about the Buyer's Guide. Write us: Sign Builder Illustrated, 55 Broad Street, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or FAX: (212) 633-1863. Email address: signbuilder@sbpub.com
2016 Buyer’s Guide/Sign Builder Illustrated
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Companies The following companies are arranged alphabetically. These companies provide a variety of services or manufacture/supply sign making equipment, supplies, and/or finished signs. 3M Commercial Solutions 3M Center Bldg 220-12E-04 St. Paul, MN 55144 Phone: 800 328-3908 Fax: 800 713-6329 E-mail: sgms@3m.com Web Site: www.3mgraphics.com PRODUCTS: Digital Imaging - Media, Overlaminates; Film - Inkjet, Pressure Activated, Pressure Sensitive, Reflective, Vinyl, Window Graphics; Floor Graphics; Ink - UV Curable; Laminates - Vinyl; Pressure Sensitive Film; Reflective Materials; Sign Faces Flexible Face; Solvent Ink Jet Media; Tape - Application; Vinyl - Calendered, Cast, Reflective, Specialty, Translucent 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. 3M Center Bldg 225-3S-06 St. Paul, MN 55144 Phone: 800 362-3550 Fax: 877 369-3923 E-mail: adhesives_bonding@mmm.com Web Site: www.3m.com/industrial PRODUCTS: Adhesives - Foam, Guns, Laminating, Pressure Sensitive, Tapes, Transfers; Fasteners; Film - Clear, Laminating, Polycarbonate, Polyester, Pressure Sensitive, Reflective, Thermal, Vinyl; Masking Materials - Tape; Pressure Sensitive Film; Tape - Decorative, Hook & Loop; Tape - Maskant, Striping; Tape Transfer
4over 5900 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91202 Phone: 877 782-2737 E-mail: customerservice@4over.com Web Site: trade.4over.com As one of the nation’s top trade printers, 4over offers its customers tens of thousands of premium print product configurations at rock-bottom prices - everything from Business Cards to Large Format. In addition to their diverse product mix, they offer some of the most advanced technological solutions in the industry. With facilities across North America, 4over is your one-
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stop shop for all print and marketing related materials and top-tier services. PRODUCTS: Awnings - Fabric; Banners - Canvas; Digital Imaging - Banners; Digital Imaging - Dye Sublimation; Digital Imaging - Grand Format; Digital Imaging - Hardware; Digital Imaging - Inkjet; Digital Imaging - Laminators; Digital Imaging - Overlaminates; Digital Imaging - UV Curing Systems; Digital Imaging Vehicle Graphics; Digital Imaging - Wide Format; Exhibit Booths - Portable; Exhibit Booths - Tabletop Displays; Fabric - Canvas; Fabric - Inkjet & Digital Printing; Fabric Polyester; Film - Clear; Film - Inkjet; Inkjet Equipment - Canvas; Inkjet Equipment Printers; Magnetic - Sheet; Outdoor Signs - Banners; Outdoor Signs - Flags; Outdoor Signs - Poles; Poles - Flag; Printers - Inkjet; Sign Boards - Foamboard; Sign Boards - Plastic; Vinyl - Banner Welding; Vinyl Calendered; Vinyl - Cast; Vinyl - Cutters/ Plotters; Vinyl - Static Cling; Vinyl Graphics; Wholesalers
A.W.T. World Trade Inc 4321 N Knox Ave Chicago, IL 60641 Phone: 773 777-7100 Fax: 773 777-0909 E-mail: sales@awt-gpi.com Web Site: www.awt-gpi.com Michael Green, Pres Bryan Green, National Sales Mgr The industry’s complete manufacturing source for all screen printing equipment, supplies & parts, including graphic & textile printers & dryers, and all prepress and postpress equipment. PRODUCTS: Digital Imaging - UV Curing Systems; Dryers; Neon - Vacuum Pumps; Pad Printing - Equipment; Printers - Flat Bed; Routers Vacuum Tables; Screen Printing - Emulsion, Equipment/Accessories, Exposure Units, Flash Dryers, Floodbars, Machines, Screen Cleaning - Biodegradable Cleaners, Screen Cleaning - Equipment, Screen Washers, Squeegees, Supplies, Systems, Tensioning Table, UV Curing Systems; Screens - Drying Cabinet; Screens - Nylon Mesh Fabric; Screens - Polyester Mesh Fabric
Sign Builder Illustrated/2016 Buyer’s Guide
Additional Offices: A.W.T. World Trade Group 4321 N Knox Ave Chicago, IL 60641 Phone: 773 777-7100 Fax: 773 777-0909 E-mail: sales@awt-gpi.com Web Site: www.awt-gpi.com
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 Phone: 800 915-2828 Toll Free: 800 915-2828 E-mail: sales@fastchangeframes.com Web Site: www.fastchangeframes.com Nick Dinunzio, Sr Sales Rep Becky Hines, Mktg Dir Alpina manufactures stylish, high-quality aluminum graphic display frames which allow for easy graphic changes. Any custom size, no minimums, Flip-UpTM, SlideinTM,,Banner Grip™ and NEW Cloudlight™ LED frames that feature the latest in edge lit LED technology, emitting high intensity light for every pixel of graphic, providing a perfectly even “cloud-like” light. Any size, low price, many colors and widths, proudly made in Chicago USA for fast delivery. PRODUCTS: Aluminum - Extrusions; Architectural Signs; Banners - Display Systems; Banners Mounting Hardware; Car - Car-Top Signs; Commercial Sign Supplies; Edge Lit Signs; Extrusions - Aluminum; Frames - Large Format; Frames - Point-of-Purchase; Installation - Hardware; LED - Electronic Signs; Message Boards - LED Illuminated; Outdoor Signs - Exhibit Frames; Outdoor Signs - Menu Boards; Outdoor Signs - Service Vehicles; Point-of-Purchase Displays; Sign Cabinets - Extrusions; Sign Cabinets - Illuminated; Sign Cabinets - Kits; Sign Cabinets - Tensioning Systems; Sign Frames; Sign Hanging Hardware; Sign Holders; Sign Stands; Signs - Frames A-Frame Sandwich Boards; Signs - Frames - Exhibit; Signs - Illuminated; Signs - LED
Companies Phone: 450 624-9898 Fax: 450 624-9685 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com AXYZ International 5330 S Service Rd Burlington, ON CAN, L7L 5L1 Phone: 905 634-4940 Toll Free: 800 361-3408 Fax: 905 634-4966 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com Greg Jenkins, VP Sales AXYZ engineer, build, sell & support a range of industrial CNC Router Systems that deliver high productivity at an affordable price. With 25 years’ experience and over 10000 CNC Routers installed worldwide, all types of manufacturing operations profit from AXYZ technology. With innovation & customization at the heart of the company’s philosophy, an AXYZ CNC router can fit any project, for any industry. PRODUCTS: Braille; Cutters/Plotters - Blades/Knives, CAD Plasma Cutters, Foam Cutters, General, Large Format, Routers; Digital Imaging - Software; Dimensional Signs - Routers/Engravers; Engraving - 3-D, Machines, Tools; Routers - Accessories, Bits, CNC, Shaping Tools, Software, Vacuum Tables; Software - 3-D, ADA/Braille, CAD, CAM, Engraving, Routing; Vinyl - Blades/ Knives, CNC Tooling Additional Offices: AXYZ International - Cincinnati 2844 E Kemper Rd Cincinnati, OH 45241 Phone: 513 771-7444 Fax: 513 326-5283 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com AXYZ International - Atlanta 1865 Corporate Dr Ste 225 Norcross, GA 30093 Phone: 678 381-2300 Fax: 678 381-2304 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com AXYZ International - Calgary 401 - 4615 - 112 Ave SE Calgary, AB CAN, T2C 5C5 Phone: 403 236-4464 Fax: 403 279-4206 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com AXYZ International - Montreal 1305 Boulevard Dagenais Quest Laval, QC CAN, H7L 5Z9
- Letter Changing Equipment; Safety Equipment; Trucks - Bucket; Trucks - Crane Epilog Laser 16371 Table Mountain Pkwy Golden, CO 80403 Phone: 303 277-1188 Toll Free: 888 437-4564 Fax: 303 277-9669 E-mail: sales@epiloglaser.com Web Site: www.epiloglaser.com
AXYZ International - Los Angeles 2910 E La Palma Ave Unit A Anaheim, CA 92806 Phone: 714 974-6200 Fax: 714 974-6277 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com AXYZ International - Tampa 1911 N US 301 Ste 200 Tampa, FL 33619 Phone: 813 620-3105 E-mail: sales@axyz.com Web Site: www.axyz.com
PRODUCTS: Cutters/Plotters - Laser; Engraving - Laser; Engraving - Machines; Laser Equipment; Murals - Engravers Epson America Inc 3840 Kilroy Airport Way Long Beach, CA 90806 Phone: 562 290-5110 Fax: 562 290-5182 Web Site: www.epson.com
Coastal Enterprises 1925 W Collins Ave Orange, CA 92867 Phone: 714 771-4969 Toll Free: 800 845-0745 Fax: 714 771-6422 E-mail: CMiller@PrecisionBoard.com Web Site: www.PrecisionBoard.com Kellie Miller, Exec Acct Mgr Chip Going, Tech Sales Rep Coastal Enterprises manufactures Precision Board high density urethane tooling board (HDU). Precision Board now features “Low to No Dust” machining, Fast turn around shipping, large, thick sheet sizes (up to 5’x10’), thickness from 1/4” to 24” thick. Thirteen standard densities from 4pcf to 75pcf, available in Low Temp 200ºF and High Temp 300ºF formulations. Life of The Sign Warranty. Check out website www. PrecisionBoard.com for "How To” videos, and Picture Portfolios. Download the NEW “Precision Board Mobile” App. PRODUCTS: Adhesives - Foam; Dimensional Signs HDU; Sign Boards - HDU Elliott Equipment Co 4427 S 76th Cir Omaha, NE 68127-1806 Phone: 402 592-4500 Fax: 402 592-4553 E-mail: sales@elliottequip.com Web Site: www.elliottequip.com PRODUCTS: Aerial Equipment; Aerial Work Platforms; Outdoor Signs - Heavy Equipment; Outdoor Signs - Service Vehicles; Readerboards
Fastenation, Inc. 120 Brighton Rd Unit 2 Clifton, NJ 07012-1666 Phone: 973 591-1277 Toll Free: 800 876-9922 Fax: 800 758-5424 E-mail: sales@fastenation.com Web Site: www.fastenation.com Justin Ferdinand, VP Todd Young, Sales Mgr FASTENation, Inc. is the premier manufacturer, converter, & global distributor of fasteners from Velcro USA Inc., 3M™, Glue Dots® International, SilverTape®, & FASTENfoam® Adhesive Backed Foam Tapes. Servicing more than 50 countries for nearly two decades, FASTENation, Inc. provides innovative ways to fasten products together for many industries. Offering the largest in-stock product selection available nationwide, FASTENation Inc. can easily convert, fabricate, & manufacture to any customer specification. PRODUCTS: Adhesives - Foam; Adhesives - High Strength; Adhesives - Pressure Sensitive; Adhesives - Tapes; Anchors/Fasteners; Banners - Grommets; Dies; Fasteners; Letters - Foam; Maintenance - Adhesives; Maintenance - Weatherability; Masking Materials - Spray; Masking Materials -
2016 Buyer’s Guide/Sign Builder Illustrated
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Companies Tape; Sign Blanks - Foam; Sign Hanging Hardware; Straps - Cable Management; Tape - Foam; Tape - Hook & Loop; Tools - Cutting; Vinyl - Application Solutions; Welding - Equipment Additional Offices: Fastenation, Inc. - Sales Office 234 Seven Farms Dr Ste 213 Daniel Island, SC 29492 Phone: 843 606-9600 Fax: 843 606-9633 E-mail: sales@fastenation.com GE Lighting Solutions 1975 Noble Rd East Cleveland, OH 44112-6300 Phone: 216 266-4800 Toll Free: 888 MY GE LED Fax: 216 266-2158 E-mail: info@gelightingsolutions.com Web Site: www.gelightingsolutions.com PRODUCTS: Backlighting; Lamps/Lighting - Architectural; Lamps/Lighting - Backlit; LED - Border Lights; LED - Illumination; LED - LED Architectural Lighting; LED - LED Channel Letters; LED - LED Drivers; LED - LED Modules; LED - Power Supplies; Lighting; Signs - LED; Traffic Signs
General Formulations Inc. 309 S Union Ave Sparta, MI 49345 Phone: 616 887-7387 Toll Free: 800 253-3664 Fax: 616 887-0537 E-mail: bmccleary@generalformulations.com Web Site: www.generalformulations.com Tim Leavenworth, Sales Mgr General Formulations is a manufacturer of Pressure Sensitive Films - Made in the U.S.A. General Formulations manufacturers a wide range of products for general signage, digital printing, labeling, POP advertising & custom industrial applications. Featured products include our Concept Digital media for Solvent, Latex, & UV Curable printing, Comp-u-cut Sign Vinyl, & Screen & Offset sheeting. Media profiles & product information available at www. generalformulations.com PRODUCTS: Digital Imaging - Media; Digital Imaging - Overlaminates; Fabric - Inkjet & Digital Printing; Film - Clear; Film - Laminating; Film - Photoluminescent; Film - Polycarbonate;
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Film - Polyester; Film - Pressure Sensitive; Film - Printable; Film - Vinyl; Film - Window Graphics; Fluorescent - Films; Laminates - Vinyl; Screen Printing - Films; Vinyl Calendered; Vinyl - Cast; Vinyl - Film/Media; Vinyl - Photoluminescent; Vinyl - Static Cling; Vinyl - Translucent Magnum Magnetics Corp 801 Masonic Park Rd Marietta, OH 45750 Phone: 800 258-0991 E-mail: sales@magnummagnetics.com Web Site: www.magnummagnetics.com PRODUCTS: Magnetic - Assemblies; Magnetic - Bases; Magnetic - Blanks; Magnetic - Rolls; Magnetic - Sheet; Magnetic - Stock
Apparel and Industrial markets. In 2014, Mimaki USA celebrated 15 years of serving customers in the Americas. PRODUCTS: Cutters/Plotters - Blades/Knives; Cutters/ Plotters - Foam Cutters; Cutters/Plotters General; Cutters/Plotters - Large Format; Cutters/Plotters - Multi-Substrate; Cutters/ Plotters - Paper; Cutters/Plotters - Software; Digital Imaging - Dye Sublimation; Digital Imaging - Grand Format; Digital Imaging Hardware; Digital Imaging - Inkjet; Digital Imaging - Large Format; Digital Imaging - Software; Digital Imaging - Super Wide; Digital Imaging - Wide Format; Ink - Digital Imaging; Inkjet Equipment - Printers; Printers - Flat Bed; Printers - Inkjet; Printers - Wide Format; Software - Cutters/Plotters; Software - RIP; Sublimation Transfer Equipment; Vinyl - Cutters/Plotters Additional Offices:
Master Magnetics, Inc. 747 S Gilbert St Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: 303 688-3966 Toll Free: 888 293-3534 Fax: 303 688-5303 E-mail: magnet@magnetsource.com Web Site: www.magnetsource.com Melissa Thompson, Sales Mgr PRODUCTS: Badges; Banners - Display Systems; Banners - Mounting Hardware; Fasteners; Frames - Point-of-Purchase; Magnetic Assemblies; Magnetic - Bases; Magnetic - Blanks; Magnetic - Rolls; Magnetic - Sheet; Magnetic - Stock; Sign Blanks - Magnetic; Sign Hanging Hardware; Welding Equipment
Mimaki USA 150-A Satellite Blvd NE Suwanee, GA 30024 Phone: 678 739-0170 Toll Free: 888 530-4021 Fax: 678 730-0188 E-mail: info@mimakiusa.com Web Site: www.mimakiusa.com Mimaki is an innovator & a pioneer in the development of digital printing & cutting products worldwide. The company has engineered & manufactured a complete line of digital printers & cutters, and offers a total workflow solution for the many applications found in the Sign & Graphics, Textile &
Sign Builder Illustrated/2016 Buyer’s Guide
Mimaki USA, Inc. 125 Commerce Dr Unit A Schaumberg, IL 60173 Phone: 888 530-3985 2630 Townsgate Rd Ste I Westlake Village, CA 91361-2704 Phone: 888 530-3987 150 Satellite Blvd NE Atlanta, GA 30045 Phone: 888 530-3988 77 Rowe St Newton, MA 02466 Phone: 888 530-3986
Mutoh America, Inc. 2602 S 47th St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Phone: 480 968-7772 Toll Free: 800 99MUTOH E-mail: info@mutoh.com Web Site: www.mutoh.com Mutoh America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of wide-format printers & cutting plotters. Home to the ValueJets, Mutoh’s wide-format printer line is known for their speed, size, quality & Smart Printing Technologies. Ranging in size from 24to 104wide & Eco-solvent, UV-LED, MultiPurpose, Textile, & Dye-Sublimation ink based, Mutoh has a printer to fit any shop’s needs. PRODUCTS: Cutters/Plotters - Large Format; Ink Solvent Based; Ink - UV Curable; Inkjet Equipment - Printers; Pressure Sensitive Film; Printers - Flat Bed; Printers - Inkjet; Printers - Wide Format; Sublimation Transfer
Companies - Equipment; Vinyl - Cutters/Plotters; Vinyl - Inks Additional Offices: Mutoh America - Western Regional Learning Facility 2291 W 205 St Torrance, CA 90501 Phone: 310 783-0281 Fax: 310 783-0299 E-mail: info@mutoh.com Web Site: www.mutoh.com Mutoh America - Southeastern Regional Learning Facility 5950 Shiloh Rd Ste T Alpharetta, GA 30005 Phone: 678 771-5890 E-mail: info@mutoh.com Web Site: www.mutoh.com Mutoh America - Northeastern Regional Learning Facility 99 Rosewood Dr Danvers, MA 01923 Phone: 978 739-1576 E-mail: info@mutoh.com Web Site: www.mutoh.com Mutoh America - Central Regional Learning Facility 5410 Newport Dr Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Phone: 847 483-9107 Fax: 847 483-9108 E-mail: info@mutoh.com Web Site: www.mutoh.com Nova Polymers, Inc 8 Evans St PO Box 1305 (07007) Fairfield, NJ 07004 Phone: 888 484-NOVA Fax: 973 882-5614 E-mail: info@novapolymers.com Web Site: www.novapolymers.com PRODUCTS: ADA - Photopolymer Signage; Architectural Signs; Associations; Braille; Computers Printers; Computers - Software; Consultants - ADA; Consultants - Advertising; Consultants - General; Consultants Marketing; Cutters/Trimmers - Manual; Dimensional Signs - Architectural; Distributors - Plastics; Equipment Leasing; Film - Inkjet; Film - Thermal; Fonts; Heat Transfer - Equipment; Heat Transfer Heat Press Machines; Inkjet Equipment - Printers; Leasing and Finance; Plastics - Photopolymer Material; Plastics - Plastics; Plastics - Polyethylene; Printers - Inkjet; Signs - ADA; Signs - Etched; Software ADA/Braille; Software - RIP
Oki Data Americas 2060 Wineridge Pl Ste A Escondido, CA 92029 Phone: 760 781-5200 Toll Free: 800 264-1272 Fax: 760 745-1195 Web Site: www.okidata.com PRODUCTS: Digital Imaging - Banners; Digital Imaging - Grand Format; Digital Imaging - Inkjet; Digital Imaging - Large Format; Digital Imaging - Point-of-Purchase; Digital Imaging - Super Wide; Digital Imaging - Vehicle Graphics; Digital Imaging - Wide Format; Ink - Digital Imaging; Ink - Solvent Based; Inkjet Equipment - Printers; Outdoor Signs - Banners; Outdoor Signs - Menu Boards; Outdoor Signs - Posters; Printers - Inkjet; Printers - Wide Format; Screen Printing Equipment/Accessories; Vinyl - Inks
We offer wholesale custom sign fabrication, slat signs, slotted post systems, box signs, post and panel systems, designer traffic control and wayfinding, hanging brackets, banner frames, poles, bases, finials, blasted HDU, routed PVC, fabrication to your drawings and more.... See our catalog at www.ornamentalpost.com PRODUCTS: Architectural Signs; Banners - Mounting Hardware; Castings - Aluminum; Dimensional Signs - Architectural; Dimensional Signs - HDU; Dimensional Signs - Monuments; Dimensional Signs - Ornamental; Dimensional Signs - Sandblasting; Finials - Ornamental; Letters - PVC; Outdoor Signs - Poles; Sign Blanks - Aluminum; Sign Blanks - PVC; Sign Cabinets - Extrusions; Sign Frames; Sign Hanging Hardware; Sign Holders; Sign Panels; Signs - Kits; Signs - Systems; Signs - Traffic; Traffic Signs Osram 200 Ballardvale St Wilmington, MA 01887 Phone: 978 570-3246 Toll Free: 800 544-4828 Web Site: www.osram-americas.com
Optec Displays, Inc 1700 S De Soto Pl Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 626 369-7188 Toll Free: 800 876-1668 Fax: 626 369-7858 Web Site: www.optec.com PRODUCTS: Billboards; Display Boards; Electronic Messaging - LED; Electronic Messaging Time/Temperature; Electronic Messaging - Video Billboards; LED - Electronic Signs; LED - Gas Price Changers; LED - Hospitality Price Changers; LED - LED Architectural Lighting; LED - Networked Messaging Systems; LED - Video; LED - Video Billboards; Lighting; Message Boards - LED Illuminated; Message Boards - Systems; Outdoor Signs - Billboards; Scoreboards; Signage - Electronic; Signs LED; Time/Temperature
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control 10108 Industrial Dr Pineville, NC 28134 Phone: 704 376-8111 Toll Free: 800 779-7947 Fax: 704 376-1990 E-mail: frank@ornamentalpost.com Web Site: www.ornamentalpost.com John Iyoob, Owner Frank Iyoob, Sales / Customer Service
PRODUCTS: Backlighting; Ballasts; Installation Services; Lamps/Lighting - Architectural; Lamps/ Lighting - Backlit; Lamps/Lighting Fluorescent; Lamps/Lighting - General; Lamps/Lighting - Halogen; Lamps/Lighting - High Intensity Discharge; Lamps/Lighting Incandescent; LED - Illumination; LED - LED Architectural Lighting; LED - LED Channel Letters; LED - LED Drivers; LED - LED Flex Strips; LED - LED Modules; LED - Power Supplies; LED - Retrofit Kits; Lighting; Lighting Services
Outwater Plastics 24 River Rd Bogota, NJ 07603 Phone: 201 498-8750 Toll Free: 800 631-8375 Fax: 800 888-3315 E-mail: chipk@outwaterplastics.com Web Site: www.outwater.com Peter Kessler, Owner Vlad Sharov, Mktg Mgr Outwater Plastics, a Sign Industry giant for over 40 years, with East Coast location in New Jersey & West Coast Location in Arizona features: Fabric Flex Framing system for SEG; over 300 different
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Companies standoffs; LED Channel Lights; Snap Frames; Illuminated & Non-illuminated Cable Display Systems; LED Ribbons in Cool White, Warm White & RGB; Nova Sheets; LED Channel Letters; & Tri-Mod, Brite Light & Magic Sheet Backlighting. For Free Catalog visit http://form.outwater.com/ mastercatalog.html PRODUCTS: Aluminum - Extrusions; Backlighting; Banners - Display Systems; Exhibit Booths Portable; Exhibit Booths - Tabletop Displays; Fasteners; Lamps/Lighting - Fixtures; LED - LED Architectural Lighting; LED - LED Ball Bulbs; LED - LED Channel Letters; LED - LED Drivers; LED - LED Flex Strips; LED LED Modules; LED - LED Rope Light; LED LED Spot Lamp; Lighting; Neon - End Caps; Point-of-Purchase Displays; Rope Lighting; Signs - Frames - Exhibit Additional Offices: Outwater Plastics Industries 4720 W Van Buren Phoenix, AZ 85043 Phone: 800 248-2067 Web Site: www.outwater.com Peachtree City Foamcraft 386 Senoia Rd PO Box 3138 (Peachtree City, 30269-7138) Tyrone, GA 30290-2816 Phone: 770 487-5491 Toll Free: 877 862-0840 Fax: 770 487-5408 E-mail: sales@foamcraft.info Web Site: www.foamcraft.info Michael Fetter, National Sales Mgr Brian Anderson, GM Peachtree City Foamcraft is the leading manufacturer of 100% Wholesale Foamcore Monument Signs, Foam Sign Panels,3D Foam Props and Faux Brick/Stone Accents. Our exclusive Poly-Armor™ hardcoat makes our product extremely durable. We are the only manufacturer to have our product independently tested and approved to withstand 175mph winds. 5-year guarantee. PRODUCTS: Architectural Signs; Column Cladding; Dimensional Signs - Architectural; Dimensional Signs - General; Dimensional Signs - HDU; Dimensional Signs - Monuments; Dimensional Signs - Sandblasting; Dimensional Signs Wholesale; Graphics; Letters - Foam; Letters - General; Outdoor Signs - 3-D; Outdoor Signs - Sculptures; Post & Panel; Sign Panels; Signs - Dimensional; Signs Maintenance Free; Wholesalers Additional Offices:
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Peachtree City Foamcraft - West Coast 1561 Foothill Dr Boulder City, NV 89005 Phone: 702 856-3306 Fax: 702 856-0480 E-mail: sales@foamcraft.info Peachtree City Foamcraft - Northeast 4215 Independence Dr Schnecksville, PA 18078 Phone: 610 231-0661 Fax: 610 231-0664 E-mail: foamcraft@verizon.net
Quality Manufacturing Inc 969 La Bore Industrial Ct St. Paul, MN 55110-5114 Phone: 651 484-5473 Toll Free: 800 243-5473 Fax: 651 483-1101 E-mail: qualitymfg@qualitymanufacturing.com Web Site: www.qualitymanufacturing.com John Hoffman, VP PRODUCTS: Dimensional Signs - Acrylic; Extrusions Aluminum; LED - Illumination; LED - LED Architectural Lighting; Letters - Plastic; Outdoor Signs - 3-D; Plastics - Acrylic; Plastics - Polycarbonate; Sign Cabinets Extrusions; Sign Cabinets - Illuminated; Sign Faces - Pan
RNS Channel Letters Wholesale 4375 Prado Rd Ste 102 Corona, CA 92880 Phone: 951 279-6767 Toll Free: 866 787-6366 Fax: 951 279-6779 E-mail: sales@rnsletters.com Web Site: www.rnsletters.com Richard Pando, Pres / Sales Sal Pando, Sales Channel letters of all sizes and styles with neon or LED illumination. Semi custom options include raceways, backsplashes, logo boxes and much more. PRODUCTS: Dimensional Signs - Architectural; Dimensional Signs - Channel Letters; Dimensional Signs - Monuments; Dimensional Signs - Wholesale; Electric Signs - Custom; Electric Signs - General; Electronic Messaging - Channel Letters; Letters - Aluminum; Letters - Channel; Sign Cabinets - Extrusions; Sign Cabinets Illuminated
Sign Builder Illustrated/2016 Buyer’s Guide
ShopBot Tools Inc 3333B Industrial Dr Durham, NC 27704 Phone: 919 680-4800 Toll Free: 888 680-4466 E-mail: sales@shopbottools.com Web Site: www.shopbottools.com ShopBot Tools continues its mission of making digital fabrication tools widely accessible & user friendly. ShopBot’s CNC routers deliver the power, precision, & reliability of tools traditionally costing thousands of dollars more. We also provide unparalleled support for our user community with forums, production support services, & training classes. ShopBot is one of the largest producers of digital fabrication equipment for the small to mid sized manufacturing, DIY, & education markets. PRODUCTS: Cutters/Plotters - Routers; Routers - CNC; Tools - Cutting; Vinyl - CNC Tooling; Vinyl Cutters/Plotters
Sign Bracket Store 6088 Corte Del Cedro Carlsbad, CA 92011 Phone: 760 707-5420 Toll Free: 888 919-7446 Fax: 760 603-5422 E-mail: sales@signbracketstore.com Web Site: www.signbracketstore.com Sign Bracket Store specializes in custom grade sign & banner brackets that are ready made & ship fast. Sign Bracket Store can also incorporate lighting into many of our brackets, and can customize items to your exacting specifications. Sign hanging hardware & unique value driven signage solutions. Trade discounts & unbranded catalog availabloe. PRODUCTS: Aluminum - Extrusions; Banners - Mounting Hardware; Banners - Pole Brackets; Banners - Track Kits; Castings - Aluminum; Dimensional Signs - Architectural; Dimensional Signs - Monuments; Dimensional Signs - Wholesale; Extrusions - Aluminum; Finials - Ornamental; Lamps/ Lighting - Architectural; Lamps/Lighting
Companies - Fixtures; Lamps/Lighting - Floodlights; Lamps/Lighting - H/O Fluorescent Sign Lighting Fixtures; LED - LED Architectural Lighting; Lighting; Outdoor Signs - Fixtures; Outdoor Signs - Poles; Poles - Sign; Poles - Traffic; Sign Blanks - Aluminum; Sign Blanks - PVC; Sign Hanging Hardware; Sign Holders; Sign Stakes - Metal; Sign Stands Stouse, Inc. 300 New Century Pkwy New Century, KS 66031 Phone: 913 764-5757 Toll Free: 877 764-5757 Fax: 800 955-0282 E-mail: orders@stouse.com Web Site: www.stouse.com Michael Stoeck, Dir of Sales / Mktg Stacie Thies, Client Svc Mgr Stouse is a leading wholesale manufacturer of printed products offering a complete line of high quality decals, magnets, signs, roll labels, & custom items. Our products are backed with superior customer service, the fastest possible turnaround times, & competitive prices. Our broad selection of over 3,000 items reaches any business or industry. PRODUCTS: Decals; Digital Imaging - Banners; Digital Imaging - Wholesalers; Floor Graphics; Vinyl Graphics; Wholesalers
Top Value Fabrics 401 W Carmel Dr Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317 844-7496 Toll Free: 855 618-4500 Fax: 317 844-2897 E-mail: printmedia@tvfinc.com Web Site: www.TVFmedia.com Mike Compton, Sr Sales Consultant Heather Moll, Sr Sales Consultant Top Value Fabrics is a leading supplier of quality print media. With more than 40 years of success in the textile industry, we offer a complete line of printable banner media including Digital and Screen banner, Specialty Textiles and Dye Sub. We supply a wide selection of Frontlit, Backlit, Blockout, PET, Water Based, Mesh, PP, & Specialty Textiles in standard & custom widths from 38 - 197, manufactured to our specs. Call for a sample today at 855.618.4500 PRODUCTS: Banners - Canvas; Banners - Polyester; Banners - Vinyl; Digital Imaging - Grand
Format; Digital Imaging - Large Format; Digital Imaging - Media; Digital Imaging Super Wide; Digital Imaging - Wide Format; Fabric - Canvas; Fabric - Flexible-Face; Fabric - Inkjet & Digital Printing; Fabric - Poly Cotton; Fabric - Polyester; Fabric - Vinyl Laminates; Flags - Cloth; Inkjet Equipment - Canvas; Inkjet Equipment Media; Laminates - Mesh, Vinyl ; Laminates - Printable; Laminates - Vinyl; Outdoor Signs - Banners; Plastics - PVC; Sign Faces - Flexible Face; Sublimation Transfer - Supplies; Substrates - General; Substrates - Printable; Vinyl - Film/Media; Vinyl - PVC Laminated Polyester; Vinyl - Specialty
content creation for your client’s success. We develop game plans that allow dealer partners to thrive & grow their business with 180 day terms & low deposits. WE GOT YOUR BACK. Let’s do great things together. PRODUCTS: Billboards; Electronic Messaging - LED; Electronic Messaging - Time/Temperature; Electronic Messaging - Video Billboards; LED - Electronic Signs; LED - Gas Price Changers; LED - Networked Messaging Systems; LED - Stock Message Signs; LED - Video; LED - Video Billboards; Outdoor Signs - Billboards; Scoreboards; Signage Electronic; Signs - LED
Universal Laser Systems Inc 7845 E Paradise Ln Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1803 Phone: 480 483-1214 Toll Free: 800 859-7033 Fax: 480 315-3630 E-mail: moreinfo@ulsinc.com Web Site: www.ulsinc.com PRODUCTS: Cutters/Plotters - Laser; Digital Imaging - Software; Engraving - Laser; Laser Equipment; Letters - Laser Cut; Software Digital Imaging; Tools - Cutting Additional Offices: Universal Laser Systems Co Ltd Yokohama Landmark Tower 15th Fl Yokohama Shi, KanagawaKen Japan, 220-8115 Phone: (81) 45 224-2270 Fax: (81) 45 224-2279 E-mail: japansales@ulsinc.com Universal Laser Systems GMbH Lerchenfelder Guertel 43 A-1160 Vienna, Austria Phone: (43) 1 402-2250 Fax: (43) 1 40 222-5010 E-mail: eurosales@ulsinc.com
Vantage LED 1930 S Vineyard Ave Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 888 595-3956 Fax: 888 595-3959 E-mail: dealers@vantageled.com Web Site: www.vantageled.com Josie Salitrero, National Sales Mgr We manufacture innovative LED displays to perform backed by a 7 year onsite service & parts warranty completely controlled by real cloud-based messaging software with web or mobile access, plus professional
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Products The following section is devoted entirely to Sign Products/Services and the companies that offer them. The products are arranged alphabetically and many appear more than once in the section. For example, LED signs may appear alphabetically under LED or under Electronic Messaging. This format makes it easy to find products. Short product descriptions are provided to assist in making purchasing decisions. Companies in bold indicate display advertisers.
ADA - Photopolymer Signage
Badges
Commercial Sign Supplies
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Adhesives - Foam
Ballasts
Computers - Printers
Coastal Enterprises ............................. p 65 Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Osram .................................................... p 67
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Banners - Canvas
Computers - Software
Adhesives - Guns
4Over .................................................... p 64 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Banners - Display Systems
Adhesives - High Strength
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Adhesives - Laminating 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Adhesives - Pressure Sensitive Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Adhesives - Tapes Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Adhesives - Transfers 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Aerial Equipment Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Aerial Work Platforms Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Aluminum - Extrusions
Banners - Grommets Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Banners - Mounting Hardware Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 Master Magnetics sells a full line of magnetic sign products including letters, blanks, rolls, sheets, and stock. The magnetic sheets can easily be cut with scissors and decorated or used as is. Other suppliers of this product: Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Banners - Pole Brackets Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Banners - Polyester Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Banners - Track Kits
Anchors/Fasteners
Banners - Vinyl
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Architectural Signs Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Associations Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Awnings - Fabric 4Over .................................................... p 64
Backlighting Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
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Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Billboards Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Braille AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Car - Car-Top Signs Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Castings - Aluminum Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Column Cladding Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Sign Builder Illustrated/2016 Buyer’s Guide
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Consultants - ADA Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Consultants - Advertising Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Consultants - General Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Consultants - Marketing Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Cutters/Plotters - Blades/ Knives AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Cutters/Plotters - CAD Plasma Cutters AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Cutters/Plotters - Foam Cutters AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Cutters/Plotters - General AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Cutters/Plotters - Large Format AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66
Cutters/Plotters - Laser Epilog Laser ........................................... p 65 Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
Cutters/Plotters - MultiSubstrate Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Cutters/Plotters - Paper Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Cutters/Plotters - Routers AXYZ International .............................. p 65 ShopBot Tools Inc ............................... p 68
Engraving - Machines Cutters/Plotters - Software Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Cutters/Trimmers - Manual Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Decals Stouse, Inc. ............................................ p 69
Dies Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Digital Imaging - Banners 4Over .................................................... p 64 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67 Stouse, Inc. ............................................ p 69
Digital Imaging - Dye Sublimation
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Dimensional Signs Wholesale
Digital Imaging - UV Curing Systems
Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
4Over .................................................... p 64 A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Display Boards
Digital Imaging - Vehicle Graphics
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67
4Over .................................................... p 64 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Distributors - Plastics
Digital Imaging - Wholesalers
Dryers
Stouse, Inc. ............................................ p 69
Digital Imaging - Wide Format
4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Digital Imaging - Grand Format
Dimensional Signs Architectural
4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Digital Imaging - Hardware 4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Edge Lit Signs Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Electric Signs - Custom RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
Electric Signs - General
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
Electronic Messaging Channel Letters RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
Electronic Messaging - LED
Digital Imaging - Inkjet
Dimensional Signs - Channel Letters
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
Dimensional Signs - General
Electronic Messaging - Time/ Temperature
Digital Imaging - Laminators 4Over .................................................... p 64
Digital Imaging - Large Format Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Digital Imaging - Media General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Digital Imaging Overlaminates 4Over .................................................... p 64 General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Dimensional Signs - HDU Coastal Enterprises ............................. p 65 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Electronic Messaging - Video Billboards Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Dimensional Signs Monuments
Engraving - 3-D
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Engraving - Laser
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Dimensional Signs Ornamental
Epilog Laser ........................................... p 65 Epilog Laser CO2 systems can easily engrave and cut plastic, acrylic, wood and more for architectural and ADA signage. Engraves treated metals, as well.
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67
Other suppliers of this product:
Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Dimensional Signs - Routers/ Engravers
Engraving - Machines
Digital Imaging - Software
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
Dimensional Signs Sandblasting
Digital Imaging - Super Wide
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Digital Imaging - Point-ofPurchase
Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
Epilog Laser ........................................... p 65 Epilog Laser CO2 systems can easily engrave and cut plastic, acrylic, wood and more for architectural and ADA signage. Engraves treated metals, as well. Other suppliers of this product: AXYZ International .............................. p 65
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Engraving - Tools Engraving - Tools AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Heat Transfer - Heat Press Machines
Equipment Leasing
Film - Polyester
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Ink - Digital Imaging
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Exhibit Booths - Portable 4Over .................................................... p 64 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Film - Pressure Activated
Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Ink - Solvent Based
Film - Pressure Sensitive
Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
4Over .................................................... p 64 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Ink - UV Curable
Extrusions - Aluminum
Film - Printable
Exhibit Booths - Tabletop Displays
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Fabric - Canvas 4Over .................................................... p 64 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Fabric - Flexible-Face Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Fabric - Inkjet & Digital Printing 4Over .................................................... p 64 General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Fabric - Poly Cotton
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Film - Reflective 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Film - Thermal 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Film - Vinyl General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Film - Window Graphics
Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Inkjet Equipment - Canvas 4Over .................................................... p 64 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Inkjet Equipment - Media Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Inkjet Equipment - Printers 4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Installation - Hardware Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Installation Services
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Fabric - Polyester
Finials - Ornamental
Laminates - Mesh, Vinyl
4Over .................................................... p 64 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Laminates - Printable
Fabric - Vinyl Laminates
Osram .................................................... p 67
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Flags - Cloth
Fasteners
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Floor Graphics
Film - Clear
Fluorescent - Films
4Over .................................................... p 64 General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
Fonts
Lamps/Lighting - Backlit
Film - Inkjet
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
4Over .................................................... p 64 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Frames - Large Format
GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
Film - Laminating
3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64 Stouse, Inc. ............................................ p 69
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Frames - Point-of-Purchase
Laminates - Vinyl General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Lamps/Lighting - Architectural
Lamps/Lighting - Fixtures Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66
Lamps/Lighting - Floodlights
Film - Photoluminescent
Graphics
Lamps/Lighting - Fluorescent
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Osram .................................................... p 67
Film - Polycarbonate
Heat Transfer - Equipment
Lamps/Lighting - General
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Osram .................................................... p 67
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Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Magnetic - Stock Lamps/Lighting - H/O Fluorescent Sign Lighting Fixtures
GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
LED - LED Flex Strips
Lighting Services
Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 Osram .................................................... p 67
Osram .................................................... p 67
Lamps/Lighting - Halogen Osram .................................................... p 67
LED - LED Modules
Lamps/Lighting - High Intensity Discharge
Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
Osram .................................................... p 67
Lamps/Lighting Incandescent
LED - LED Rope Light Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
LED - LED Spot Lamp
Magnetic - Assemblies Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 Magnum Magnetics Corp ...................... p 66
Magnetic - Bases Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 Magnum Magnetics Corp ...................... p 66
Magnetic - Blanks
LED - Power Supplies
Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 The Magnet Source manufactures and distributes all types of magnetic products for industrial and commercial use. Serving customers in the U.S. and abroad, the company has over 15 million magnets in stock. They provide resources for raw material magnets and the machinery to cut, grind and magnetize magnets.
Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
Other suppliers of this product:
Leasing and Finance
LED - Retrofit Kits
Magnum Magnetics Corp ...................... p 66
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Osram .................................................... p 67
Magnetic - Rolls
LED - Border Lights
LED - Stock Message Signs
GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66
Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
LED - Electronic Signs
LED - Video
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 The Magnet Source manufactures and distributes all types of magnetic products for industrial and commercial use. Serving customers in the U.S. and abroad, the company has over 15 million magnets in stock. They provide resources for raw material magnets and the machinery to cut, grind and magnetize magnets.
Osram .................................................... p 67
Laser Equipment Epilog Laser ........................................... p 65 Epilog Laser CO2 systems can easily engrave and cut plastic, acrylic, wood and more for architectural and ADA signage. Engraves treated metals, as well. Other suppliers of this product:
LED - Gas Price Changers Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
LED - Hospitality Price Changers Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67
LED - Illumination GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
LED - LED Architectural Lighting Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
LED - LED Ball Bulbs Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
LED - LED Channel Letters Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66 Osram .................................................... p 67
LED - LED Drivers Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
LED - Networked Messaging Systems Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
LED - Video Billboards Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Other suppliers of this product:
Letters - Aluminum
Magnum Magnetics Corp ...................... p 66
RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
Magnetic - Sheet
Letters - Channel
Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 The Magnet Source manufactures and distributes all types of magnetic products for industrial and commercial use. Serving customers in the U.S. and abroad, the company has over 15 million magnets in stock. They provide resources for raw material magnets and the machinery to cut, grind and magnetize magnets.
Letters - Laser Cut
Other suppliers of this product:
Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
4Over .................................................... p 64 Magnum Magnetics Corp ...................... p 66
RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
Letters - Foam Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Letters - General
Letters - Plastic Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
Letters - PVC Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67
Lighting Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Magnetic - Stock Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 The Magnet Source manufactures and distributes all types of magnetic products for industrial and commercial use. Serving customers in the U.S. and abroad, the company has over 15 million magnets in stock. They provide resources for raw material magnets and the machinery to cut, grind and magnetize magnets.
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Magnetic - Stock Other suppliers of this product: Magnum Magnetics Corp ...................... p 66
Maintenance - Adhesives
Outdoor Signs - Heavy Equipment Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Outdoor Signs - Menu Boards
Maintenance - Weatherability
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Outdoor Signs - Poles
Masking Materials - Spray
4Over .................................................... p 64 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
Masking Materials - Tape Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Message Boards - LED Illuminated Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67
Outdoor Signs - Posters Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Outdoor Signs - Sculptures Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Outdoor Signs - Service Vehicles
Message Boards - Systems
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67
Pad Printing - Equipment
Murals - Engravers
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Epilog Laser ........................................... p 65
Plastics - Acrylic
Neon - End Caps
Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Plastics - Corrugated
Neon - Vacuum Pumps
Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Outdoor Signs - 3-D Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 Quality Manufacturing Creates sign systems, post and panel signs, illuminated displays, skylights and domes, 3D props and displays, deep draw vacuum-forming, liquid spray maskings, press break capabilities, and more.
Plastics - Photopolymer Material
Pressure Sensitive Film Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Printers - Flat Bed A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66
Printers - Inkjet 4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Printers - Wide Format Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Readerboards - Letter Changing Equipment Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Reflective Materials 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Rope Lighting Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Routers - Accessories AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Routers - Bits
Plastics - Plastics
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Routers - CNC
Plastics - Polycarbonate Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
AXYZ International .............................. p 65 ShopBot Tools Inc ............................... p 68
Plastics - Polyethylene
Routers - Shaping Tools
Other suppliers of this product:
Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Plastics - PVC
Routers - Software
Outdoor Signs - Banners
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
4Over .................................................... p 64 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Plastics - Thermoforming
Routers - Vacuum Tables
Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64 AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Outdoor Signs - Billboards Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Outdoor Signs - Exhibit Frames Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Point-of-Purchase Displays Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Safety Equipment
Poles - Flag
Scoreboards
4Over .................................................... p 64
Poles - Sign
Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Outdoor Signs - Fixtures
Screen Printing - Emulsion
Poles - Traffic
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Outdoor Signs - Flags
Post & Panel
Screen Printing - Equipment/ Accessories
4Over .................................................... p 64
Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
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Signs - Kits Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Sign Blanks - Magnetic
Screen Printing - Exposure Units
Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66 The Magnet Source manufactures and distributes all types of magnetic products for industrial and commercial use. Serving customers in the U.S. and abroad, the company has over 15 million magnets in stock. They provide resources for raw material magnets and the machinery to cut, grind and magnetize magnets.
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Films General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Screen Printing - Flash Dryers A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Floodbars A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Machines A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Screen Cleaning - Biodegradable Cleaners A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Screen Cleaning - Equipment A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Screen Washers A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screen Printing - Squeegees
Sign Blanks - PVC Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Sign Boards - Foamboard 4Over .................................................... p 64
Sign Boards - HDU
Sign Cabinets - Extrusions Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 Quality Manufacturing Creates sign systems, post and panel signs, illuminated displays, skylights and domes, 3D props and displays, deep draw vacuum-forming, liquid spray maskings, press break capabilities, and more.
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Sign Cabinets - Illuminated
Screen Printing - Tensioning Table
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Sign Cabinets - Kits
Screens - Drying Cabinet
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Sign Cabinets - Tensioning Systems Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Sign Faces - Flexible Face
Screens - Nylon Mesh Fabric
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Screens - Polyester Mesh Fabric
Sign Faces - Pan Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Sign Frames
Sign Blanks - Aluminum
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Sign Blanks - Foam Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Sign Stakes - Metal Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Sign Stands
Signage - Electronic
4Over .................................................... p 64
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 RNS Channel Letters Wholesale ........ p 68
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Sign Panels
Sign Boards - Plastic
Screen Printing - Supplies
Screen Printing - UV Curing Systems
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Other suppliers of this product:
Screen Printing - Systems
Sign Holders
Coastal Enterprises ............................. p 65
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
A.W.T. World Trade Inc ......................... p 64
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 Sign Bracket Store .............................. p 68
Sign Hanging Hardware Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69
Signs - ADA Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67 Nova Polymers Inc, providers of Photopolymer materials, processing equipment and industry leading tech support. Innovative products such as NovAcryl clear photopolymer and NEW NovaColour - the first photopolymer available in 10 standard colors, as well as NovEx exterior photopolymer. All developed and manufactured in the USA.
Signs - Dimensional Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Signs - Etched Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67 Nova Polymers Inc, providers of Photopolymer materials, processing equipment and industry leading tech support. Innovative products such as NovAcryl clear photopolymer and NEW NovaColour - the first photopolymer available in 10 standard colors, as well as NovEx exterior photopolymer. All developed and manufactured in the USA.
Signs - Frames - A-Frame Sandwich Boards Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64
Signs - Frames - Exhibit Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Outwater Plastics ................................ p 67
Signs - Illuminated Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
Signs - Kits Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67
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Signs - LED Signs - LED
Tape - Application
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Alpina Manufacturing, LLC ................. p 64 Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67 Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 Vantage LED ......................................... p 69 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66
3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Tape - Decorative
Vinyl - CNC Tooling
3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Tape - Foam
ShopBot Tools Inc ............................... p 68
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Vinyl - Cutters/Plotters
Signs - Maintenance Free Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Signs - Systems Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67
Signs - Traffic Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67
Software - 3-D
Tape - Hook & Loop Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Tape - Maskant 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
Tape - Striping 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
4Over .................................................... p 64 Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 ShopBot Tools Inc ............................... p 68
Vinyl - Film/Media General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Tape - Transfer
Software - ADA/Braille
3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Div. .... p 64
AXYZ International .............................. p 65 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Time/Temperature
Software - CAD
Tools - Cutting
Vinyl - Photoluminescent
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 ShopBot Tools Inc ............................... p 68 Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Software - CAM AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Software - Cutters/Plotters
Optec Displays, Inc .............................. p 67
Traffic Signs
Vinyl - Inks Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66 Oki Data Americas ................................ p 67
Vinyl - PVC Laminated Polyester
Ornamental Post, Panel & Traffic Control ............................... p 67 GE Lighting Solutions ............................ p 66
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Universal Laser Systems Inc ................. p 69
Trucks - Bucket
3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Software - Engraving
Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Trucks - Crane
Vinyl - Specialty
Software - RIP
Elliott Equipment Co .............................. p 65
Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Nova Polymers, Inc ................................ p 67
Vacuum Forming
Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66
Software - Digital Imaging
Software - Routing AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Solvent Ink Jet Media 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68 Quality Manufacturing Creates sign systems, post and panel signs, illuminated displays, skylights and domes, 3D props and displays, deep draw vacuum-forming, liquid spray maskings, press break capabilities, and more.
Vinyl - Reflective
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Vinyl - Static Cling 4Over .................................................... p 64 General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66
Vinyl - Translucent General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Straps - Cable Management Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Vinyl - Application Solutions
Sublimation Transfer Equipment
Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65
Mimaki USA .......................................... p 66 Mutoh America, Inc. ............................. p 66
4Over .................................................... p 64
Sublimation Transfer Supplies
AXYZ International .............................. p 65
Vinyl - Banner Welding Vinyl - Blades/Knives
Vinyl Graphics 4Over .................................................... p 64 Stouse, Inc. ............................................ p 69
Welding - Equipment Fastenation, Inc. .................................. p 65 Master Magnetics, Inc. ........................ p 66
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
Vinyl - Calendered
Substrates - General Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
4Over .................................................... p 64 General Formulations Inc. .................. p 66 3M Commercial Solutions ...................... p 64
Substrates - Printable
Vinyl - Cast
Peachtree City Foamcraft ...................... p 68
Top Value Fabrics ................................ p 69
4Over .................................................... p 64
Stouse, Inc. ............................................ p 69
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Sign Builder Illustrated/2016 Buyer’s Guide
Wholesalers 4Over .................................................... p 64 Quality Manufacturing Inc .................. p 68
WILKIE MODEL 52XLR
With a Wilkie you’re buying an Aerial lift plus an opportunity. In today’s market, opportunity does not come along every day, but with a high-quality Wilkie crane or ladder, you won’t miss out on another job again. You’re not just buying the most reliable and safest aerial lift on the market, you’re buying the equipment with the quickest return on investment that will give you the tools you need to increase your productivity and profit.
Wilkie Mfg. L.L.C. 2640 NW 2nd Okla. City OK 73107 www.wilkiemfg.com 405-235-0920 Phone