We have already spoken of the difficulty of the choices faced with the product ranges existing in the signage market in the first part of this article. We have said that you should ask yourself questions to facilitate your choice. For the Metal Signs this is important now. As:
Do I need to add signage to existing supports (a wall, a window, a vehicle, an existing rigid sign)?
Do I have to create a new sign and for what location? To fix on a pole, a wall or on a stand?
This is how in part 1 we talked about vinyl stickers when it comes to adding a sign on existing support. We are going to devote this section to rigid signage.
The main materials of rigid signs
There are three main materials for producing rigid signs. They are different and can be called under several names depending on their brands and manufacturers.
Correx panels
Correx is the brand name for corrugated plastic or corrugated polypropylene panels. It is a very light material and the least expensive compared to other rigid signs. However, its lightweight and its corrugated plastic construction make it simply suitable as short-term promotional signage.
- Signs in Correx are especially widely used in real estate, but it is also used as signage or directional display indoors and outdoors. It is found in construction sites and any other activity requiring short-term signage. For its exposure, it can be mounted with wooden support to increase its solidity. Also, they can be fixed with rods to avoid a strong wind load.
Correx panels are printed directly with UV and waterproof inks. To ensure high durability, they can be lined with a transparent matt or glossy layer. Although other colors are available for Corex panels, they are generally available in a white background on both sides.
Foamex panels
Foamex is a PVC foam signaling brand sometimes known as Forex, Foamalite or palite. The term foam is misleading because there is nothing sparkling with this material. Each time it is used, it is treated like any other type of solid plastic.
It is a fairly thick material with a smooth finish. It is available in three thicknesses 3 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm. The thicknesses of 3 mm and 5 mm give translucent appearances. The denser it is, the less transparent it is. The PVC foam panels are very robust and can be drilled or cut to measure and in any shape to create stunning signage. If necessary, these angles can be rounded. This type of panel supports water and can, therefore, be used both indoors and outdoors. However, a thickness of 3 mm is not recommended for outdoor use. It is a little too flexible to withstand external conditions if it is not attached to another support.
- While a 3mm Foamex panel is a good choice for interior display graphics, Foamex panels can also be made with adhesive tapes.
- Signs in Foamex can be used as store signage or outdoor exhibition, to attract visitors or as directional signage.
- The 10mm PVC foam panels are ideal when it comes to rigidity and robustness. They are therefore resistant to external conditions. This thicker range can be used for outdoor signage and can last for years.
- Foamex signs are easy to drill and screw; so that they easily attach to any support.
Dibond panels
Dibond is a brand name commonly used for sheets made of aluminum. It is more precisely composed of a solid polyethylene core sandwiched between 2 layers of aluminum with a thickness of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 mm. When finished, the panel has a total thickness of 3 mm.
