Channel Letters are currently the number one choice of sign identification for business professionals. Channel Letters are fabricated three dimensional letters typically built from Aluminum or Acrylic. The letters can be illuminated by the use of external trough or spot lighting but more and more customers are choosing internal lighting which allows various effects such as ‘Halo’ to be achieved.

Several types of channel letters are available.

This type of signage is typically used for storefront, interior or exterior signage.

Front Lit Channel Letter:

A standard channel letters is fabricated from aluminum. a flat sheet of Aluminum is typically cut by a computer controlled router table. This creates the back of the letter and is the basis for the letter shape. What is called the “returns” of the letter are created by bending and forming a three to six inch wide strip of aluminum sheet around the aluminum back. This return can be welded or riveted to the back to create a solid can in the shape of the letter. After the letter can has been fabricated it is painted and fitted with any lighting components necessary such as Neon or L.E.D. modules. The letter can is finished with a plastic face that is usually cut from a 3/16″ thick sheet of acrylic. This acrylic face has a trim cap applied to its edges which finish the face with a nice border an creates a fastening surface so that i can be applied to the letter can. The acrylic is illuminated by the Neon or L.E.D.’s at night to give a nice lighted letter.

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Reverse Lit Channel Letter:

Channel letter built so that light comes out the back of the letter, washing the mounting surface with light.

This manner of lighting generates a halo of light around the letters. Can provide a very striking appearance and a clean, architectural look. With a fiber optic light source, the color of the lighting can change, providing a noticeable and memorable effect. When considering this type of letter construction, it is strongly recommended to have clear backs on the letters in lieu of an open back. When using internally illuminated channel letters, we can assure our customer that their identification will be noticed, regardless of the time of day.
Over the next several installments, we will spend time examining the different types of illumination most commonly used to light channel letters.
It is usually the most expensive form to manufacture.

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Exposed Neon Channel Letter:

The front of the channel letter is either open or has a clear plastic face. Open channel letters can provide a change in color appearance between day and night viewing. Lighting is usually ineffective during daylight hours. Need to consider the appearance of the light source during daylight hours. Often clear glass neon tubes are used because they are not noticeable when turned off. The interior of the letter needs to be a reflective color to enhance illumination. The depth of the letter return (the sides) can be varied for effect – a shallow letter spills more light while a deeper letter presents a sharper outline and a more legible letter form.