When I first began in the sign industry, I was working for my parent company and had the opportunity to move into their sign products division as manager. I had no idea I had to learn in order to sell aluminum extrusions, let alone specific extrusions used to build illuminated and non-illuminated sign cabinets.

Have you ever tried to explain to your wife, best friend or your parents what aluminum extrusions are and that you sell them for a living? My mother still doesn't have any idea what I do except that I travel a lot and I have something to do with signs. Explaining and introducing my product to someone new to the idea of using extrusions has to be the hardest part of my job. There is nothing glamorous about selling extrusions but I really enjoy the industry, it's people, and it's challenges.

One of my first challenges was to find out how and why sign extrusions should be and why they are being used. Why did they come in different sizes? Why did you use a 6" frame over a 12" frame? What is a retainer? Why and where do you use a hang bar? You mean there aren't 12-foot lamps?

Just like there are multiple manufactures of plotters, computers, and routers there are different manufacturers of extrusions available to the sign company. Not only are there different manufacturers but there are many different types of extrusions as well. There are architectural such as post and panel systems, illuminated systems for flat as well as formed plastic faces, and flex face systems for vinyl faces. Using extrusions, you can fabricate a complete cabinet or retro fit an existing one.

Making the decision to use an extrusion is the first step. Whose extrusion or what extrusion profile should be used is the next. Building an electrical sign is very job specific. What I mean by that is that each sign is being built to fit a specific need and application. It is our job or the shop foreman's job to help determine what extrusion is needed for the job. Based on the size of the sign, where it's going and how it's going to be installed will determine the depth of the cabinet the sign company will use.

Asking the proper questions is always key in selling a specific cabinet. In the beginning I had to learn what to ask in order for us the to suggest the correct product for the job. Most sign companies calling know that information but it is still our job to make sure we are all on the same page. Never assume. We can't read your mind. Make sure the manufacturer has all the information. There is nothing worse than an unsatisfied customer and that will be you if you don't clearly communicate all the information.

We, the manufacturer learn new things everyday from our customers' that is what makes us better as manufacturers. The more we learn from you, the more we can improve and update our products. This ultimately ends up giving the sign company of, more efficient and job specific extrusions to manufacture with.

Getting into manufacturing electrical signs is a whole new ball game. When a sign is going to be illuminated the manufacturer needs specific information in order to cut your cabinet correctly. First, we need to know the size of the cabinet and if it's outside or face size. Usually we will ask for the height first then the length. Second, we will need to know if the sign is a single face or double face sign and how deep of cabinet you require. Third, we would need to know which way you are running your lamps, and finally if you want a mill or pre-painted bronze finish. Fourth, it would help to tell us how the sign was being mounted: pole, monument, wall, etc.

I don't believe there is any easy way to learn about extrusions for illuminated and non-illuminated sign cabinets. There many different types of sign extrusions available in the market today all designed to help you build single or double face sign cabinets. There are commercial and architectural extrusions available. The application will typically determine the type of sign extrusion that will be best suited for that job. Personal preference, design, price and availability can play a part in your decision on what system to purchase. Using extrusion in your shop on a regular basis is what we want. It will also be where you will receive your best pricing. The key is finding a manufacturer that is innovative, sensitive to your needs, competitive and reliable.

The phobia most sign companies have or have had about extrusions is that they cost more than their traditional materials. This may be true, but depending on the type of equipment the sign company has in which to build signs and the type of employees you have to build them, your labor cost should be less. Some extrusions are designed to go together with out any special tools. Welding is the preferred method but not always necessary. If you were to compare a sign built out of angle iron and sheet metal versus a sign built out of extrusion, an extruded cabinet will win based on the time it takes to fabricate. Keep in mind each cabinet has to be wired and structured based on how it is going to be installed. That cost remains the same. Remember, an aluminum extruded cabinet that will not rust and will last longer than the traditional methods. You can install a finished product that is fabulous and worth the investment your customer is making in his or her new sign.

Signs and our industry are moving into new and better ways in which to fabricate, design, finish and manufacturer sign cabinets. Extrusions are part of that change. Sign extrusions are the perfect production material. Everyone will agree with that. Why else would all the large sign companies throughout the country use extrusions in all their nationwide projects. They are quick, cost effective, and deliver exactly what the customer is looking for.

I will admit that extrusions are not for every job. There are a lot of custom sign manufacture's out there. Without them this would be a pretty boring industry. For those manufacturers, sign extrusions typically play a much smaller role in their overall business. For the small to medium size companies, extrusions can move you to a whole new level. Don't be afraid to try them if you haven't already.

There is a different language spoken in every industry. The sign industry is no different. We all have to learn it and understand it. For example, do you know that one frame extrusion has .100 walls and is produced out of 6063-T5 alloy in 26'0" lengths in a mill finish? Does that mean anything to you? How about radius corners or radius end, hinged retainers or molding, extended or standard, corner key or corner angle, rigid or flex face, bleed or frameless, 1 ½" double T or divider bar, wireway or raceway cover? Where does it end? It isn't hard once you understand. It gets to the point where you understand what you want and are able to communicate that information back to the manufacturer.

How do you paint an extruded cabinet? As I mentioned before the availability of pre-painted extrusions are typically in a bronze finish. Other colors may be available depending on the market and product. Pre-painted extrusions, not anodized, can serve two purposes. First, once assembled they can use it as a finished sign. Second, they can use pre-painted extrusions as a primed surface saving the sign manufacturer the time and expense of prepping and priming the surface prior to painting. In using a raw extrusion the problem lies with adherence to the final coat of paint. First a raw extrusion will need to be cleaned or prepped before a self-etching primer is applied. Without a good base there can be problems with adhesion. Most sign companies just getting into building electrical signs are just not aware of these problems. Call your paint manufacturer for technical help and support.

How do you install a sign cabinet? Good question, but I am the wrong person to ask. Most extrusion manufacturers can give you recommendations on bracing their products. I believe that most manufacturers rely on the sign company to have a person or persons that have experience in building, structuring and installing signs. Structuring a sign cabinet should not be taken lightly. Make sure to work with an engineer prior to manufacturing your sign cabinet. Your engineer will make sure that you are using proper size angle, pole or poles based on the size and height of the sign.

Every installation is different. Many are basic; still more are "unique". That is why by attending trade shows and seminars, and being active in your state sign associations will bring you closer to many of these answers.

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