A routing procedure where the tool bit can be moved independently along the up-and-down z-axis while still traveling an x/y-axis tool path. 3D engraving can create a hand-chiseled look while removing material from a substrate.
Related to signage, it is the removal or correction of a sign that violates local community codes or standards.
The ability of a given surface to resist scratching or scuffing due to contact or friction with another material. It is one measure of durability.
A hinged or removable panel that when opened provides access to the interior of a sign allowing for the inspection and servicing of its internal components. (Also called access panel.)
A hinged or removable panel that when opened provides access to the interior of a sign allowing for the inspection and servicing of its internal components. (Also called access door.)
A thin clear plastic material that is both flexible and strong. Available in both glossy and matte finishes, it is receptive to ink, and is popular as a substrate for point-of-purchase advertising signs.
Literally means without color. Black, white and grays are achromatic.
A method of marking or decorating a surface. In acid etching, an acid-resistant stencil of the artwork or text is applied to the chosen surface. A corrosive compound such as hydrofluoric acid is then applied the remaining exposed areas. After a specified length of time during which the acid mixture is allowed to eat away at the exposed material, the entire surface is washed and the stencil removed, leaving behind an etched impression of the artwork. (See also etching and sandblasting.)
Generic term for a type of durable plastic commonly used in sign making. Noted for its excellent clarity, acrylic can also be manufactured in a wide range of transparent and opaque colors. Its ability to be easily machined, shaped and painted explains acrylic’s popularity. Plexiglas® and Acrylite® are well-known commercial brands of the material.
Any water-based paint having its pigments or dyes bound in an acrylic resin emulsion. Once dry, acrylic paint forms a tough, flexible film that is resistant to water. These types of paints are often used for silkscreening and screen printing, and for hand painted signs.
Legislation enacted by the U.S. federal government in 1991 with the goal of removing barriers that limit a disabled individual’s ability to engage in normal daily activity in the physical, public environment. Title III of the ADA deals with related signage and wayfinding issues.
A set of U.S. standards enacted in 1990 with the goal of ensuring equal access to public places and facilities for all persons. For signage and wayfinding, the ADAA defines proper letter forms and letter heights for best legibility, proper Braille and tactile lettering forms and also appropriate signage materials and finishes.
Red, green and blue are the three additive colors of light. All other colors of light are created by combinations of these three. If the three additive colors come together in equal proportions, the resulting light is white. (Also called additive primaries. See also primary colors.)
Red, green and blue are the three additive colors of light. All other colors of light are created by combinations of these three. If the three additive colors come together in equal proportions, the resulting light is white. (Also called additive colors. See also primary colors.)
The force that holds the surface of one material to another. The strength of adhesion is affected by the type and condition of the surfaces in question and the adhesive used. Generally the surfaces need to be clean and porous enough to allow for a certain amount of penetration by the adhesive.
A material or substance able to bind and hold two surfaces together. Examples include glue, epoxy and tape.
Used in places where expansion anchors are at risk of being pulled out, adhesive anchors are bonded to the substrate by being set into an oversized drilled hole containing a strong epoxy adhesive. (See also anchor.)
The popular software package used for viewing and printing Portable Document Format (PDF) files. The advantage of a PDF file is that it allows anyone to view and print a document as it was originally intended without having to install the program or fonts used to create the file. Adobe Acrobat is a product of Adobe Systems®, Inc.
A sign indicating the approach of a specific destination such as a highway, street intersection or building entrance. Different to a directional sign in that it announces a single destination. (Also called an approach sign.)
The general perception of a sign’s artistic merit or beauty, both on its own and in relation to its surroundings. The design, construction, materials and colors of a sign all factor into its aesthetic appeal.
The initial time a new neon light must be on before it is able to achieve full brightness thereafter. The amount of time this takes can vary widely. (Also called burn-in. See also initial lumens.)
A handheld painting device that uses compressed air to generate a fine spray of paint. The pressurized air passes through the airbrush nozzle creating a vacuum that siphons paint from an attached container. Airbrushes come in a variety of sizes for different applications and can be fitted with a variety of nozzles for different effects and levels of detail.
A lightweight metal material used in sign panels, poles and frames. It is strong and durable in relation to its weight, and resistant to rust and corrosion.
The sum of all non-directional light in a given area emitted by all sources at a given time. A high level of ambient light can have an impact on a sign’s readability and can be a consideration in a sign’s design. Outdoor sunlight creates a high level of ambient light.
A private, nonprofit organization in the U.S. that works to develop manufacturing and quality standards across multiple industries. The organization also works with the committees of other nations to develop standards that facilitate international trade and telecommunications.
Legislation enacted by the U.S. federal government in 1991 with the goal of removing barriers that limit a disabled individual’s ability to engage in normal daily activity in the physical, public environment. Title III of the ADA deals with related signage and wayfinding issues.
When a previously conforming sign is subsequently deemed to be non-conforming, the owner of the sign is notified and given a grace period during which they may continue to keep and use the sign. At the end of the grace period, the sign must be removed. This process is known as amortization. The legality and enforceability of amortization depend on state and local law, and other possible conditions.
In general, any device that connects and secures one object to another. An example would be the devices used to secure awnings and fascia signs to facades. (See also expansion anchor and J-bolt.)
A sign that uses the sequential switching on and off of graphically arranged fluorescent lamps, cathode tubes, LEDs or incandescents so as to provide the illusion of movement. (See also chase [2].)
A manufacturing process that relieves stress in glass by heating it to a temperature and then slowly cooling it in a controlled manner.
The average number of vehicles passing a given location each day over the course of a year. This statistic can usually be obtained from your state or local roads department.
The average number of vehicles passing a given location each day over the course of a year. This statistic can usually be obtained from your state or local roads department.
A thin aluminum oxide coating applied electrochemically to the surface of a metal object. The coating hardens, protects, and enhances the appearance of the object. An anodized finish can be created in a variety of colors.
A private, nonprofit organization in the U.S. that works to develop manufacturing and quality standards across multiple industries. The organization also works with the committees of other nations to develop standards that facilitate international trade and telecommunications.
A graphic element made separately then affixed to a cloth or fabric covering such as an awning.
The distance at which a sign becomes readable to a viewer to the point where the sign is no longer readable as the viewer passes by.
A sign indicating the approach of a specific destination such as a highway, street intersection or building entrance. Different from a directional sign in that it announces a single destination. (Also called an advance notice sign.)
A term used to describe signage in a built environment having the purpose of providing wayfinding or other site-specific information. (See also environmental graphics.)
An inert gas used in fluorescent lamps and neon tubes. By itself, argon generates pale lavender light. Combined with mercury, it can generate a blue or ultra-violet light.
Any and all logos, graphics, and images used in creating a sign. (See also electronic artwork and copy.)
On any given font it is the portions of the lowercase letters “b,” “d,” “f,” “h,” “k” and “l” that extend above the height of the lowercase “x.” (See also descender and cap-height.)
The width-to-height ratio of an image. For example, a high definition television image has an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 (commonly referenced as 16:9), meaning that for every 1.78 inches of image width the image extends 1 inch in height.
Most commonly a small diameter, cotton braid cord manufactured for stretch resistance and used for tying down awning covers.
A projecting sign made of nonrigid material such as heavy canvas supported by a framework that is attached to a building’s substrate. The awning sign extends outward from the building and so provides shaded cover and protection from weather for customers and pedestrians. An awning sign will have lettering and/or graphics painted or screen printed on its exterior surface. It may or not be illuminated. (See also backlit awning and canopy.)
A sign having two faces mounted in opposite directions. Pole signs typically have back-to-back faces. (Also called a double-faced sign.)
A sign panel to which text or graphical elements are affixed.
An illuminated reverse channel letter where the light from the letter is directed against and reflected off the surface behind the letter thereby producing a glowing effect around the letter. (Also referred to as halo lighting.)
An awning sign that is lit from underneath by fluorescent or other high output lighting. The light shines through the awning fabric, illuminating whatever text or graphics are on it and providing effective nighttime readability. The light emanating from underneath the awning also provides light to the sidewalk or street below. (Also called illuminated awning. See also awning and canopy.)
A sign where the sign face is illuminated from behind. (Also called an illuminated sign. See also internally illuminated sign and exterior illuminated sign.)
A fluorescent light fixture component, the primary function of which is to provide sufficient starting voltage for the lamp. A ballast may also serve to heat the fluorescent lamp electrodes and control the amount of power to the lamp once it is operating.
Small plastic or metal beads that can be placed in the face of a sign to create informational Braille text as required by the ADA. (Also known as Braille bullets or Braille beads.)
The appearance of solid bands or patterns of visibly distinct colors within what should otherwise be a continuous and seamless color gradation. Banding can be caused by several factors, including low resolution artwork, a poor quality scan of the original artwork or improper calibration of the printer used.
A sign made of non-rigid material such as canvas or vinyl, and typically having no enclosing or supporting framework. Often intended for temporary use, a banner sign can be screen printed or painted, and is commonly hung from a pole or mounted to the façade of a building. (See also flag and pennant.)
A flat, thick piece of metal, usually steel, and square or rectangular in shape, welded to the bottom of a sign support structure and then anchored with bolts to a concrete foundation or other substructure.
A sign mounted onto, or incorporated into a seat in a public area such as a bus stop bench. (See also street furniture.)
1. A slant or angle on a surface.
2. A cut made at the edge of a material to form an angle that is not 90°.
3. Two adjoining surfaces that do not meet at right angles are said to be beveled.
Documents from a prospective customer that state for the contractor the requirements and conditions of the project under bid. These documents communicate such details as design intent, desired materials, installation criteria and other project specifics. They also include standardized bidding forms and bidding instructions. (Also called front end documents.)
A large (15 square feet in area or larger) outdoor sign used for advertising, and typically seen along highways, main streets, and other high traffic areas. An advertiser will rent a billboard and display their advertisement on it for a set length of time.
A specially formulated paint or coating for use on electric signs to block light emission where needed, for example between letters in a neon sign. It adheres well to glass, and resists weather, heat and electrical discharge. (Also called blockout.)
A type of projecting sign mounted such that the face of the sign is perpendicular to the normal flow of traffic.
An uninstalled sign panel with no lettering or graphics applied. (Also called an insert.)
1. In screen printing, the term refers to the portion of a printed image or graphic which extends beyond the intended borders of a sign. This excess portion is trimmed away.
2. Sometimes used to describe the halation where sharply contrasting colors meet on an illuminated sign.
The appearance of bumps and bubbles on a surface covered in a coating such as paint, or a material such as vinyl. It is the result of the coating or material losing adhesion and separating from the surface underneath.
An area of solid color having no gradation.
A specially formulated paint or coating for use on electric signs to block light emission where needed, for example between letters in a neon sign. It adheres well to glass and resists weather, heat, and electrical discharge.
The process of heating to a high temperature the glass of a neon tube for the purpose of releasing trapped gases and other impurities within it.
The process of treating a metal surface with a zinc phosphate coating in preparation for painting or enameling.
A line or band of color or material that defines the outer edges of a sign and/or elements within the sign.
A sign that is self-enclosed in a typically square or rectangular structure with or without internal lighting. Can be single- or double-faced. (See also light box.)
The value a customer places on a branded product or service. It is the qualitative sum of everything that a customer thinks, feels and knows about the product or service. The value of brand equity can be determined by comparing the expected future revenue of the branded product/service against the expected future revenue from an equivalent but non-branded product/service. (See also branding.)
The process of creating a unique, positive and recognizable identity for a product or service. Along with marketing and advertising, creating a visual identity through signage is an important part of the branding process. (See also brand equity.)
A type of sign foundation that allows a sign pole or other attached support structure to break away cleanly if struck by a motor vehicle, thereby reducing the force of impact to the occupants inside the vehicle. Required by law in many areas. (Also called a frangible sign mount.)
The maximum load a material can withstand before it breaks. (Also called tensile strength.)
1. The perceived amount of light that a visual target emits or reflects. Its relative luminance.
2. The amount of white in a given color. The greater the amount of white, the brighter the color is said to be. Brightness is one of the three attributes of color along with hue and saturation.
A very strong and durable metal alloy made of copper and tin with traces of other metals such as zinc and nickel. It can be cast for the making of plaques or fabricated from thin sheets into dimensional letters. Bronze can be finished in a variety of ways including being brushed, polished or lacquered.
A textured, non-reflective polished finish applied to metal by lightly brushing the surface with an abrasive material or briefly applying a mildly corrosive chemical.
Polishing a metal surface by rubbing it with a slightly abrasive compound. (See also burnish.)
Regulations issued by state and local governments that establish standards for the construction, modification, and repair of buildings and other structures in the interest of public health, safety, and general welfare. (See also content-neutral time, place, and manner regulations.)
Any sign that is applied or attached to a building in some manner.
A lettering technique in which the outline of the letter is made first and then filled in.
A type of quick-drying, fade-resistant enamel paint commonly used by sign painters for hand lettering.
The initial time a new neon light must be on before it is able to achieve full brightness thereafter. The amount of time this takes can vary widely. (Also called age in. See also initial lumens.)
To polish by friction, i.e. to rub with pressure. No abrasive compound or material is used when burnishing. (See also buff.)
The type of joint formed when two pieces of material (wood, metal, etc.) come together flush and edge-to-edge.
The cost of convincing a new customer to buy your product or service. This includes the cost of market research, marketing and advertising.
Advanced software used in engineering and manufacturing to create and modify complex 3D technical drawings of a device and its components.
General term for the use of design software and computer-controlled manufacturing equipment in the sign-making process.
Abbreviation for the ink colors cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black. Combinations of these four colors of inks are used in printing to create all other colors.
The cost of reaching 1,000 viewers with an advertisement in a given medium—print, radio, television and signage. Based on CPT, signage is the least expensive form of advertising available.
The average number of persons per day who see a given sign or group of signs. A “day” equates to a 12-hour period for non-illuminated signs, and an 18-hour period for illuminated signs.
The set of standardized symbols developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for use in traffic signs.
A common graphics file format.
Type of electrical wire for use with high voltage neon lamp transformers.
A dimensional letter with a cross-sectional shape (i.e. like an “H”) that allows for the mounting of neon tubing within the lettering itself.
A standardized system of rating an enclosure’s ability to protect from dust, water, and impact the electrical components housed inside of it.
A universal symbol used in signage to indicate wheelchair or handicap access. The symbol consists of a blue square overlaid with a stylized image of a person in a wheelchair. (Also called symbol of accessibility.)
A ‘J’ shaped bolt that is threaded on the long straight portion of the ‘J.’
A common file format for color digital images. The JPEG standard utilizes a ‘lossy’ data compression method, meaning that in order to reduce the overall size of the file, a small amount of sharpness from the original image is sacrificed.
1. A unit of measure expressed in degrees used to denote the color temperature of a light source.
2. A unit of thermal temperature expressed in degrees.
A type of flat panel display that recreates an image or message through the manipulation of electrically sensitive crystals suspended in a liquid medium. Commonly used in electronic message centers.
A small electronic device that emits light when electrically charged. In computer-controlled arrays, LEDs can be used to create an electronic message center.
The trade name for General Electric’s polycarbonate products.
An indication of the relative amount of light reflected by a given color. For example, yellow has a higher LRV than blue.
An exterior grade plywood sheet that has been given a resin-impregnated overlay on one or both sides to improve its paintability.
A standard document provided by the manufacturer of a hazardous substance. The document describes the potential hazards, physical properties and procedures for safe use of the substance.
A document issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that defines the basic standards and regulations by which traffic signs and signals are to be designed and installed. Additional regulations may be added to it by individual states.
A document issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that defines the basic standards and regulations by which traffic signs and signals are to be designed and installed. Additional regulations may be added to it by individual states.
Trade name of Masonite International Corporation’s engineered wood products. Masonite is created from wooden chips that have been treated and pressed into strong durable boards suitable for use as a substrate for signs.
A standard document provided by the manufacturer of a hazardous substance. The document describes the potential hazards, physical properties and procedures for safe use of the substance.
A set of codes and standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the safe use of electrical wiring and equipment.
A set of codes and standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the safe use of electrical wiring and equipment.
A U.S. federal government agency that monitors and enforces workplace safety laws.
A U.S. federal government agency that monitors and enforces workplace safety laws.
A standardized color scheme used in the printing industry to ensure the consistency of color from design to final print.
In-store advertising designed to stimulate impulse purchases by shoppers inside a store. The term applies to a store’s internal sign system, as well as special displays and dispensers created by and for specific product manufacturers.
The number of pixels in a raster image that will occur in one line in the span of one inch. The higher the PPI, the greater the resolution and the less distinguishable each pixel becomes.
A specific thermoset plastic which is weather and chemical resistant, available extruded into many forms or cast as sheets in a variety of colors and thicknesses. (It is also used for drainage and plumbing piping).
A standardized color scheme used in the printing industry to ensure the consistency of color from design to final print.
A trade name for a brand or acrylic sheeting, often used as a generic term for acrylic.
A graphics software that is also used for proportional scaling of images. It is what makes most scalable type and artwork possible for Windows- and Macintosh-based graphics software.
A type of glass used in the production of lamps, fluorescent and cold cathode, in parts of Europe and particularly France. Not used widely elsewhere because of the higher temperatures needed to form it, but is less susceptible to thermal stress.
Stands for red-green-blue. Any high-quality screen display that makes use of the three primary colors to produce a full-color display. (See also primary colors, additive colors.)
A brand of specialized polymer foam cell products designed for three-dimensional signage applications, available in different densities and strengths. This open cell foam machines easily and holds shape well. When primed and painted, it can look like other more permanent materials.
Typically allows a new building to be occupied before it is fully complete and therefore requires life safety signs to be in place, to protect the public at large.
This communication system enables written messages to be transmitted and received over telephone lines and displayed on a screen. The ADA requires use of a special symbol to indicate the availability of a TDD unit.
Standard graphics file format used for scanned bit-mapped images.
Consistently applicable non-discriminatory sign regulations that specify, without reference to the content of the message, when, how and where a sign can be displayed, with physical standards, such as but not limited to height, size and location, that allow the sign to be readable.
This communication system enables written messages to be transmitted and received over telephone lines and displayed on a screen. The ADA requires use of a special symbol to indicate the availability of a TDD unit.
Typically allows a new building to be occupied before it is fully complete and therefore requires life safety signs to be in place, to protect the public at large.
An extension of the ISTEA program passed in 1998.
UV has both a negative and positive influence on the sign industry. When UV strikes certain surfaces, such as the phosphors in neon and fluorescent tubes, it is transformed into visible light. UV is also used for curing some screen printing inks. On the other hand, ultraviolet light is the prime cause of pigment failure (fading) in some paints and vinyls, especially red ones.
Ability to withstand decay due to the damaging effect of the ultraviolet rays of the sun. (See also ultraviolet light.)
A tape produced by 3M®. The tape joins sign parts in lieu of mechanical fasteners or bonded or welded attachments, and is available in many grades and thicknesses.
A single-face sign mounted on a wall. (See also wall sign.)
In a given typeface, the height of the lowercase letters which do not have ascenders or descenders.
1. In regulatory signs pertaining to traffic flow, concede right of way.
2. In production, the amount of material utilized versus what is wasted or dropped. (See also nesting, maximum yield.)
A malleable metal that has unique gray appearance, somewhat like lead, and can be used raw in exterior applications.
