Commercial Sign Manufacturers

3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Division, 05/2004

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 Customer definition
Commercial Sign Manufacturers
Companies making the following types of signs
Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts

> Facias

> Shop signs

Non Permanent Bonding :

> Temporary and

Removable Signs

Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Post & Panel
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts Benefits :

• Smooth sign face, free from distortion and spot
> Facias
Stiffeners bonded with 3M™ VHB™ tape
weld marks
> Shop signs to bare or powder coated metal • Avoids stress points that can be caused by rivets;
flexible bond allows joining of dissimilar materials
• Assembly of large signs is made easier with
Non Permanent Bonding :
3M VHB Tape compared to using a rivet gun
> Temporary and
Removable Signs
Considerations :
• Weather conditions, including extreme
temperatures, damp/wet environment require
Internal stiffeners
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ bonded with a strong permanent bond
EPX™ Adhesive or 3M 3M VHB tape • Flexible bond reduces joint stresses caused by
VHB Tape for bonding
panel to post
wind movement

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Mounted Letters
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs Bonded to metal frame using

3M™ VHB™ tape
> Totems & Forecourts

> Facias

> Shop signs Benefits:

• Ensures flush vandal resistant finish
• Invisible fixing and minimal surface damage
Non Permanent Bonding :
• Structural strength achievable on small areas
> Temporary and Considerations :
Removable Signs
Bonding plastic or metal raised letters with • Bonding different substrates (eg. metal to plastic)
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EPX™ Adhesive • Environment and location of the sign
(internal/external)
• If bonding direct to brick, always apply a primer
first to using 3M VHB Tape. An aerosol adhesive
- Spray 90 - can be used as a primer in this case.

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Light box
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Acrylic sheet bonded with

3M™ VHB™ tape

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs Metal cabinet or box

> Totems & Forecourts

Plastic sheet either printed
> Facias on, or cut out letters

> Shop signs Benefits:

• Tape seals and bonds in one operation
Cutout letters • Allows differential thermal expansion
Non Permanent Bonding :
• Clear attractive finish
> Temporary and Considerations :
Removable Signs
Clear tape provides invisible • Heat resistance required from light source
bond and prevents any visible • Clarity of bonding products required where
shadows
transparent materials are used
• External applications will demand a water
tight seal
• Bonding to different materials, eg. aluminium,
polycarbonate

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Box Sign
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Aluminium sheet
bonded to box frame

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters Panels bonded to frame

> Light box

> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts Benefits :

• Flush, clear surfaces
> Facias Depending on performance
required, 3M™ VHB™ tape • Improved cost saving as tape enables use
> Shop signs or 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EPX™ of thinner, lighter materials
adhesive can be used
• Speed and simplicity of assembly – critical
for modular sign construction
Non Permanent Bonding :
Considerations :
> Temporary and
Removable Signs • Reduce probability of water ingress
• Minimise galvanic corrosion between
dissimilar metals
• Maintain rigidity and durability, particularly
for external signs

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Totems & Forecourts
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box Acrylic sheets bonded to powder coated

aluminium with 3M VHB Tape
> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts

Benefits :
> Facias • No deterioration of sign face; improved appearance
> Shop signs • Allows for expansion and contraction of
sign panel
• Faster and quieter production
Non Permanent Bonding : • Bonds and seals in one step
> Temporary and
Removable Signs
Considerations :
• Choice of bonding options will depend on the
differential expansions of the substrates used
and on environmental conditions (wind, rain,
temperature variations).
• If substrates are powder coated, choice of
3M™ VHB™ Tape will depend on whether
the assembly can take place before or after
powder coating

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Facias
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts

> Facias
Aluminium or acrylic sign face bonded
> Shop signs with 3M™ VHB™ Tape to a mechanically
fixed metal frame.
Benefits :
• Easy to apply without any mechanical
Non Permanent Bonding :
attachment systems
> Temporary and
Removable Signs
• Enhanced aesthetics
• Performance of 3M VHB Tape increases
durability of sign

Considerations :
• Durability and choice of materials will determine
the best bonding option.

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Shop Signs
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts

> Facias aluminium arm to suspend the sign is

> Shop signs

bonded between the two sign faces with Benefits :
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EPX™ Adhesive
• Invisible fixing method; no mechanical fixing
• High strength and durability
Non Permanent Bonding : • Easy and fast assembly using the
> Temporary and 3M Scotch-Weld EPX Gun
Removable Signs Considerations :
• Design will determine whether to use a structural
adhesive or a bonding tape
• As these signs are usually installed outside,
sealing against water infiltration is key
to ensure durability
Sign face is bonded to metal stiffeners
using 3M™ VHB™ Tape

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Temporary and Removable Signs
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Permanent Bonding :

> Post & Panel

> Mounted Letters

> Light box

> Box Signs

> Totems & Forecourts

> Facias
3M™ Dual Lock™ provides
> Shop signs invisible fixing of temporary
or interchangeable signs
and nameplates
Non Permanent Bonding :

> Temporary and

Removable Signs

3M Removable Foam Tape is suitable

for bonding temporary signs either
internally or externally

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Key Opportunities
Commercial Sign Manufacturers
Permanent Bonding
Key Opportunities : 3M™ VHB™ Acrylic Foam Tapes : 3M™ Scotch-Weld™
• VHB Leader / Conformable Tapes EPX Structural Adhesives :
> Permanent Bonding
• VHB Clear Tapes • DP-810
> Non Permanent Bonding
• VHB for Powder Coating Tapes • DP-8005
> Selection Guide • VHB HSE (High Surface Energy) Tapes 3M™ Jet-Weld™ Adhesives :
• TS 230

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Key Opportunities
Commercial Sign Manufacturers
Non Permanent Bonding
Key Opportunities : 3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners : 3M™ Removable Foam Tapes :
• SJ 3540 • 4658
> Permanent Bonding
• SJ 3550
> Non Permanent Bonding
• SJ 3560
> Selection Guide

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Key Opportunities
Commercial Sign Manufacturers
Selection Guide for permanent bonding of signs

Key Opportunities :
Metals Power Coated Composite Plastics Glass Wood
Metals
> Permanent Bonding
Post & Panel 1,3 2(a),5 1,3,5 1,5 1(b),5 1(c)
> Non Permanent Bonding
Mounted Letters 1,3 5 1,3,5 1,5 1(b),5,6 1(c),6
> Selection Guide
Light Box - - - 4 4(b) -
Box Signs 1,3 2(a),5 1,3,5 1,5 1(b),5 1(c)
Totems 1,3 2(a) 1,3 1 1(b) 1(c)
Forecourts 1,3 2(a) 1,3 1 1(b) 1(c)
Facias 1,3 - 1,3 1 1(b) 1(c)
Shop Signs 1,3 5 1,3,5 1,5 1(b),5,6 1(c),6

1. 3M™ VHB™ Leader

2. 3M VHB for powder coatings
3. 3M VHB HSE
4. 3M VHB clear
5. 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EPX™
6. 3M™ Jet Weld™
(a) Some powder coated substrates may require the use of a primer - Promoter 86A, primer 94 -
before applying 3M VHB Tape
(b) It is recommended to use 3M VHB Silane Primer before bonding with 3M VHB Tape to glass
(c) It is recommended to use 3M Wood primer 7819 before bonding with 3M VHB Tape to wood

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Customer Expectations
Commercial Sign Manufacturers
Aesthetics :
• Sign makers usually choose the technique
of assembly
• Priority for sign makers as their customers
and architects insist on invisible bond lines
• Risk of vandalism can be reduced with
invisible bond lines
• Signs represent the image of a company;
appearance and quality must be optimal
• Clear and translucent materials are commonly
used to enhance the overall appearance
<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations
Strength & Durability :
• Signs have to last long…at least 10 years;
image of the company advertised and
reputation of the sign maker is at stake
• Signs must be of the highest quality;
assembly has to be very strong and
withstand all environmental conditions
(UV, wind, heat, ice, rain)
• Signs are installed all over the world;
maintenance has to be kept to a minimum;
finished signs have to offer 100% quality
when leaving the workshop to be
installed on site
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Process Materials Summary >>
 Customer Expectations
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Immediate Bonding : Material compatibility :

• Storage capacity of assembled parts
is an issue as it is often limited in the
plant/workshop
• Need for clamping the parts until holding
power is attained reduces the productivity
• Customers of sign makers are asking for
shorter and shorter lead times; need to
increase productivity
• New lighter materials are used (composite
aluminium); drilling or pinching damages
these materials
• Increasing use of powder coated metals
• Daily need to assemble dissimilar materials
such as aluminium to acrylic; materials with
different expansion
• Avoid catalytic corrosion of attaching two
metals together

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<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

Commercial Sign Manufacturers
Value-for-Money cost solutions :
• Increased competitiveness among sign
makers is driving the costs down
• Solutions to lower costs are to reduce
preparation work to a minimum, to
use materials offering more flexibility,
to reduce the assembly cycle, to avoid
any reworking or refinishing, to reduce
all maintenance and repair work
<< Type of Signs Opportunities
Customer Expectations
Temperature of workshop :
• Workshop can be cold during
the winter
• Outdoor bonding on-site at low
temperatures
Expectations Process
Assembly to be simple and
secure :
• Ease of understanding which bonding
solutions to use for which materials
• Bonding solutions have to be easy to
use, reliable, fast, clean and cost
effective; in one word, user-friendly
• Assembly has to be water-tight
• Traditional mechanical systems are
sometimes quick (automatic rivets)
and invisible (spot welding) but are
not secure
• Assembly should be easy to dismount
for replacement and repair
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Materials Summary >>
 Process
Commercial Sign Manufacturers
1. Design : sign maker designs the sign based on specifications received by customers or architects/design
bureau’s. For large projects such as petrol stations, customers like Shell or Total are calling upon designers
to create the ‘image’ of the sign. Specifications usually insist on a perfect aspect of the finished sign
– inducing that no holes should be visible. Sign maker is usually free to choose the assembly technique.

2. Costings : for large projects, a market tender is taking place. Costs are affected by the type of substrates
used, labour costs and costs of assembly technique.

3. Metal fabrication and cutting of substrates : sign makers are trying to limit the need for material preparation
by purchasing ‘ready-to-use’ substrates

4. building and panelling : during which most of the bonding opportunities occur

5. Graphics and attachment : training of operators and production/module managers is key to be sure
that they are comfortable with the use of our bonding solutions

6. Final assembly

7. Pack for shipping : opportunity for use of protective tapes and packaging/filament tapes for wrapping the signs

8. On site installation

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>

 Material Considerations
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Plastics :
PMMA (Acrylic), Polycarbonate, Plexiglas
Always clean the substrates even when they
are covered by a protective film. This film
when removed might leave some residues
which need to be cleaned off.
Aluminium/composite
aluminium/steel :
These materials may be painted (liquid
paints or powder coating paints).
When bonding after painting, overspray
needs to be abraded as its particles may not
be anchored to the metal.
It is always necessary to pre-test the painted
metal for durability and compatibility and
recommend the appropriate surface
preparation techniques.

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<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>
 Material Considerations
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Cleaning agents :
• 3M™VHB™ Surface Cleaner : mix of IPA (70%) and water (30%) in 1 litre bottles; appropriate for
cleaning large surfaces.
• 3M VHB Silane Primer : mix of IPA, water and silane. Acts as a cleaner and primer for bonding to glass
• 3M VHB Cleaning Sachets : small tissues impregnated with a mix of IPA and water; for small surfaces
and demonstrations.

Primers
• Primer 94
• Adhesion Promotor 86A
• Wood Primer 7819

STRICT RULE :
Always assume that the substrates you bond to are dirty (dust, oil, release agents) !!!
Always clean in only 1 direction until the towel is clean.
Make sure you wait to assemble until the cleaner/primer evaporates.

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<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary >>
 Summary
Commercial Sign Manufacturers

Why use 3M Tapes and Adhesives?

• Reliable and proven solutions in manufacturing signs for the last 20 years
• Easy and fast to use; no mess and no refinishing
• Improved aesthetics (invisible bond line; no holes in substrates)
• Able to bond dissimilar substrates
• Better design flexibility and wider choice of materials (thinner and lighter materials can be used)
• Better gap filling, moisture resistance and good sealing properties (no need for extra silicone bead)
• Reduced handling and curing times for faster processes and installation

Reasons to call us !
• We are ‘total solutions provider’
• We are a Global partner
• We have a wide range of products for all of your needs !
• We offer consistent and proven quality
• We have the best cost-effective solutions for your daily process !

<< Type of Signs Opportunities Expectations Process Materials Summary