What's up with molded letters ?
Vacuum forming is a low cost way to make many of the products and packaging we are used to seeing in many of the products we buy. Vacuum forming letters for building signs is no exception and turns a thin sheet of plastic into a very strong 3 dimensional letter that can stand up to the weather no matter what State you live in. Molded plastic letters have been around since the 1950's and can be seen in use across the nation to bring dimensional signage to many types of buildings and marquees. While vacuum formed letters can be considered dated, they still perform a function to provide large low budget signage for many businesses. Vacuum formed letters are factory warranted for the lifetime of the sign!!
Environmental Friendly:
Vacuum formed letters, also known as molded letters, can be made into virtually any font style, shape or even logo and are a great alternative to using sheet cut letters such as Acrylic. Vacuum formed letters provide exceptional depth compared to sheet cut products by taking acrylic, ABS or in this case CAB plastic and heating it over a wooden mold which makes them incredibly strong yet flexible enough to not get hard like old plastic tends to do. That is because the type of sheet we use is CAB or Cellulose Acetate Butyrate which is a cotton fiber based plastic that does not harm the environment and is fully recyclable. One other molded product we have is the Injection Molded Letters which feature sharper edges than vacuum formed but have limited fonts and no custom molding is available
Self Install:
Vacuum molded letters come with a variety of hardware options that allow for very simple installation. The preferred method for masonry and stucco over wood buildings is the time tested stud mount. There are 2 variations on this mount type, the combo mount used primarily on concrete installs that are difficult to drill and the combo-all mount which gives wall standoff and full adjustability on every stud. By the way, when we say stud we are not referring to the studs in your wall. A stud is a length of threaded rod that screws into the back of the letter and anchors it to the wall. Below is a full list of the hardware options available and their usage. We also have videos of vacuum formed letter installation procedures for various mounts here.
A full size mounting pattern for stud, combo or Combo-all type mounts is essential for perfect alignment and can be ordered during the checkout process.
Usage:
In our opinion, vacuum formed plastic letters are best suited to outdoor use on storefronts, marquees in commercial and residential entrance ways, high rise buildings as either signage or building numbering, strip malls, car washes, barns, sign boards and any areas that need signage to stand out dimensionally. There are much better choices for interior letters. Vacuum forming is also used on our lighted letters in the form of the redesigned Gemlite-2 which now incorporate a solid removable molded back plate that contains LED modules.
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PRODUCTION LEAD TIMES
Standard fonts usually ship in 4-5 working days from Minnesota or Texas
Custom fonts require molds to be made and usually ship in 10 working days
Products ship from closest plant to your location
Vacuum formed plastic letters are the correct choice for outside signage where low cost and high visibility with lots of depth are the desired requirements. These letters come in a variety of standard colors in a wide variety of standard styles with sizes up to 48", many with lowercase letters.
Depending on letter or number size, the depths of Vacuum Formed Plastic Letters can go from 3/8" all the way to 2".
Vacuum formed plastic letters carry a manufacturer\s lifetime warrantee against fading, cracking and chipping.
Prices are very reasonable too since the manufacturing process uses sheets of colored cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), a cotton based fiber plastic that is totally "green" and free of any petroleum base. This makes the product extremely resilient and does not harden and crack like normal plastics do when left outside. Occasional maintenance is always a good idea. Once a year, check all the mounting hardware to make sure it is firmly attached to the building. Cleaning the letters should also be done as needed. A simple soapy water solution is all that is required to bring your letters, numbers and logos back to their original sparkling condition.
Mounting Hardware
PLAIN MOUNT
Not recommended for the non-professional. This product is hollow in the back and without some form of mount in it will be impossible to mount. Running screws through the face will void the lifetime warranty. Sign Professionals Only!
FLANGE MOUNT
A flange mount leaves a flat edge of material around the perimeter of the letter where you can run screws through. This kind of mount is often used on corrugated metal buildings and the flange and mounting screws are painted the color of the building to hide the flange.
PAD MOUNT
Plastic pads extending about 1/8" beyond the back of letter allow you to use silicon on the pads and glue to a flat surface. Installed with use of a pounce pattern or spacing guide. Not recommended for outdoor installations or uneven surfaces.
STUD MOUNT
This is the default stud mount. This option will have blocks glued in the backs of the letters that accept threaded rods(studs). Drill corresponding holes in the mounting surface using the drilling pattern available at extra cost, then fill the holes and coat the studs with silicon and push the letter to the wall. A drill mounting pattern is required.
COMBO MOUNT
The combination all mount is stud through pad on all points. This gives you adjustability on every stud and is useful for irregular surfaces such as corrugated metal buildings, lap siding, stone walls or anywhere you want a standoff from the wall that is adjustable during installation. A drill mounting pattern is required.
COMBO ALL MOUNT
The combination all mount is stud through pad on all points. This gives you adjustability on every stud and is useful for irregular surfaces such as corrugated metal buildings, lap siding, stone walls or anywhere you want a standoff from the wall that is adjustable during installation. A drill mounting pattern is required.
BRACKET MOUNT
Rarely used, the bracket is similar to the wire mount except the "L" shape is made of plastic. Flush mount only. Minimum 9" height required
