Tillie Doyle
Pan-faced signs are commonly used to advertise the entrances of businesses such as shopping malls, gas stations, industrial parks, and hotels. They are typically framed with aluminum or steel and fitted with a plastic face. To measure a pan face sign, one must first determine the visual opening, cut size, cabinet size, and pan depth. The depth of the pan is referred to as the draw. It is important to take accurate measurements to ensure that replacement faces fit properly. In some cases, it may be necessary to disassemble the sign to obtain precise measurements. Additionally, when creating graphics for a pan face sign, it is recommended to leave a flat area of 1/4 to 3/8 around the edges to avoid placing graphics on a convex bend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Aluminum, Plastic, Lexan, Plexiglas |
| Shape | Flat, Pan (raised), Embossed (3D) |
| Size | Depends on the sign, usually larger than 48 sq ft |
| Thickness | Around 1 inch |
| Face type | Underlay, Push through |
| Use case | Outdoor business signs, lighted outdoor business signs, entrance/exit signs |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of accurate measurements
Given the size and visibility of these signs, ensuring accurate measurements is crucial. Inaccurate measurements can lead to costly mistakes, as the sign faces may not fit properly, resulting in delays and additional expenses. As one signmaking professional cautions, "you do know if you order them... THEY DON'T TAKE EM BACK if they don't fit?". Therefore, it is essential to take precise measurements or engage a professional who can do it correctly.
Accurate measurements are also important for ensuring the overall aesthetics and functionality of the sign. Pan face signs often feature cutouts or routed outlines of company letters and logos, which require precise measurements to ensure a clean and professional finish. Additionally, the depth of the pan, also known as the 'draw', is a critical measurement that determines the visual impact and strength of the sign.
Furthermore, accurate measurements are necessary for maintaining the structural integrity of the sign. Pan face signs are often subjected to extreme weather conditions, and incorrect measurements can compromise the sign's ability to withstand high winds or its own weight, leading to premature failure. By taking precise measurements, signmakers can select the appropriate materials and construction techniques to ensure the sign's longevity.
In conclusion, accurate measurements are vital in the creation of pan face signs. They ensure not only the proper fit of the sign but also enhance its visual appeal, functionality, and durability. Engaging skilled professionals and utilizing specialized equipment, such as computer-controlled routers, are recommended to achieve the required precision in measurements. Ultimately, accurate measurements contribute to the overall success and longevity of pan face signs as an effective form of advertising for businesses.
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Measuring pan face signs without disassembling the sign
Measuring the size of a pan face sign can be challenging, especially when dealing with large or high-mounted signs. Here are some methods for measuring pan face signs without disassembling them:
Use of Tools:
- Tools like Spike can assist in obtaining measurements for high-mounted signs. Spike provides reasonably accurate estimates within 1% of actual measurements. However, it is important to verify the exact size manually before production.
- Laser measuring tools can also be used to obtain reasonably accurate estimates for high-mounted signs.
Photography and Software:
- Take a straight-on photograph of the sign, ensuring a vertical measurement reference is included. Use a lens that produces a shallow depth of field, such as a telephoto lens, rather than a wide-angle lens.
- Find an item in the photo with a known size or place an object of a known size in the frame.
- Upload the photo into design software and size it up to the item of known size to obtain measurements.
Bucket Truck:
If possible, use a bucket truck to access the sign and take direct measurements. This ensures accuracy and is particularly useful for large signs.
Site Survey:
Conduct a site survey to measure the existing space available for the pan face sign. Subtract a few inches for optical empty space or margins to determine the "viewable" area.
Estimating:
- If the sign is high up, the height will appear shorter when photographed. Correct for this distortion in photo-editing software. Horizontal measurements perpendicular to the picture plane will be more accurate.
- When estimating, it is essential to communicate to clients that the provided size is an estimation and may change upon taking exact measurements.
Specific Measurements:
- When measuring or ordering new pan faces, consider the exact open area, retainer, flange, and overall size of the pan face.
- The flat area for graphics is usually 1/4" to 3/8" back from the pull to avoid convex bends.
- The trim size refers to the overall size of the pan face, including a gap of about 1/8" to 3/16".
- The visual opening (VO) refers to the inside dimensions of the retainers.
- The depth of the pan, also known as the "draw," is an important measurement.
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The role of a bucket truck in taking measurements
The process of measuring a pan face sign can be intricate, especially when dealing with large signs that are mounted at significant heights. In such cases, a bucket truck can play a crucial role in facilitating the measurement process. Here's an overview of the role of a bucket truck in taking measurements for a pan face sign:
Accessibility and Reach
The primary advantage of using a bucket truck is the ability to safely access the sign at height. Pan face signs are often mounted on poles or structures that are elevated, making it challenging to reach the sign without specialized equipment. A bucket truck provides a stable platform that can be adjusted to the required height, allowing the worker to reach the sign easily. This accessibility is especially important when precise measurements are needed, as it ensures that every angle and detail of the sign can be inspected closely.
Stability and Precision
Bucket trucks offer a stable work environment, which is essential when taking measurements. The ability to stabilize the bucket at the desired height allows the worker to focus on the task at hand without worrying about balance or safety issues associated with alternative methods, such as ladders or scaffolding. This stability contributes to the overall precision of the measurements. Workers can use tools like tape measures or laser measuring devices more effectively when they have a steady platform to work from.
Facilitating Disassembly
In some cases, taking accurate measurements may require partially or fully disassembling the sign. Bucket trucks can aid in this process by providing a workspace close to the sign, allowing workers to carefully remove components without damaging them. The ability to access the sign directly can make the disassembly process safer and more controlled, reducing the risk of accidental damage to the sign or its surrounding structure.
On-Site Adjustments
Bucket trucks are not only useful for taking measurements but also for making any necessary adjustments or modifications to the sign. In certain situations, it may be more efficient to make on-site adjustments to the sign face or its mounting hardware. The bucket truck's mobility and versatility enable workers to perform these adjustments at height, saving time and ensuring that any modifications are made with precision.
Safety and Efficiency
The use of a bucket truck enhances the overall safety and efficiency of the measurement process. By providing a secure and mobile platform, workers can focus on their task without the need for cumbersome climbing equipment or time-consuming scaffolding setups. This efficiency is particularly valuable when dealing with multiple signs or when time is a critical factor in the project.
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The visual opening, cut size, and cabinet size
When measuring a pan face sign, there are several key components to consider: the visual opening, cut size, and cabinet size.
The visual opening refers to the area of the sign that is visible to viewers. This is typically measured as the inside dimensions of the retainers, which are the pieces that hold the sign face in place. It is important to ensure that the graphics and lettering on the sign face are an appropriate distance from the edges of the visual opening. A general rule is to maintain a distance of about 3 inches around the perimeter to provide a solid background, and to keep lettering approximately 6 inches away from all edges.
The cut size of the sign face is crucial for ensuring a proper fit within the cabinet. It is recommended to add a couple of inches to the visual opening measurement to create a buffer, and then have the installers trim down the face on-site for an exact fit. This approach can be more efficient than disassembling the entire cabinet to obtain precise measurements.
The cabinet size refers to the outside dimensions of the structure that houses the sign face. For a pan face sign, the cabinet typically consists of a frame made of aluminium or steel, with the sign face fitted within it. In some cases, the cabinet size may include the depth of the pan, also known as the "draw". It is important to consider the thickness of the sign face material when determining the cabinet size, especially if a layered or embossed effect is desired.
When measuring for a replacement sign face, it is essential to consider the overall size of the pan face, including the trim size and the gap between the face and the track. Additionally, the depth of the pan, or "draw", is a critical factor in ensuring the new face fits securely within the cabinet.
By carefully considering the visual opening, cut size, and cabinet size, one can ensure the accurate measurement and production of a pan face sign. These measurements are crucial for achieving a proper fit, an aesthetically pleasing design, and the longevity of the sign.
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The different types of pan face signs
Pan face signs are commonly used in retail shopping malls to highlight the tenants. They are usually made of aluminium and acrylic and come in a range of types.
The first type is the underlay pan face, which is the most common. It features routed out outlines of the company letters and logo, with a sheet of acrylic underlying the holes. This type of pan face is typically made from aluminium, with the acrylic laying underneath.
The second type is the push-through face, which is similar to the underlay pan face but with thicker acrylic that is "pushed through" the routed-out outlines. This allows light to come out of the sides and create a halo effect.
A third, less common type of pan face sign is where the acrylic is cut to push through up to the surface and sits on the same plane as the aluminium face. This type has all the costs and work of the push through without any of the advantages.
Over time, pan face signs may need to be restored due to sun damage or other wear and tear. It is possible to strip and restore them to their original condition, or to cut through the layers of the pan face to create a new sign.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan-faced signs are sturdy, single or double-faced signs commonly used to advertise entrances to establishments such as shopping malls, gas stations, industrial parks, and hotels. They are framed within aluminium or steel and fitted with a plastic face.
You need to measure the exact open area, retainer, flange, etc. The flat area should be around 1/4" - 3/8" all around, back from the pull. The trim size should allow the pan face to slide into the track with a 1/8"-3/16" gap. You also need to measure the visual opening, cut size, cabinet size, and pan depth.
The three main types of sign faces are flat, panned (raised), and embossed (3D). Flat face panels are the most common and economical option, providing a sleek look. Panned face panels are moulded to create a raised effect, giving your graphics an eye-catching pop and improving wind resistance. Embossed face panels add a 3D element to the design, creating a stylish look.
