Fabricated Signs
Fabricated signs are custom signs made by cutting, shaping, forming, joining and finishing different materials to create a specific design. Unlike simple flat printed signs, fabricated signs can include three-dimensional letters, logos, panels, boxes, frames and other custom structures.
Common materials used for fabricated signs include aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel, acrylic, PVC, wood and other suitable materials. Depending on the design, fabrication can involve CNC routing, laser cutting, bending, welding, heat forming, assembly, painting and other finishing techniques.
What Are Fabricated Signs?
Fabricated signs are signs that are manufactured from individual components and assembled into a finished sign or structure. The components can be cut, bent, formed, welded, bonded or mechanically assembled to achieve the required shape and appearance.
Fabrication allows businesses to create custom signage that may include dimensional lettering, logos, illuminated elements, shaped panels, sign boxes, frames and other three-dimensional features.
How Are Fabricated Signs Made?
The fabrication process depends on the material, size and design of the sign. A typical project may involve several stages:
- Preparing the logo, lettering or sign artwork.
- Confirming the dimensions and installation requirements.
- Selecting suitable materials.
- Cutting the individual components.
- Bending, shaping or forming materials where required.
- Joining components using welding, bonding, fasteners or other suitable methods.
- Adding paint, powder coating, vinyl, acrylic faces or other finishes.
- Installing lighting where required.
- Assembling and checking the completed sign.
- Preparing the sign for delivery and installation.
Materials Used for Fabricated Signs
Aluminium
Aluminium is commonly used for fabricated signs because it is relatively lightweight and can be cut, folded and formed into different shapes. It can also be painted or finished to suit a particular design.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel can be used where a metallic appearance and a durable surface are required. It is commonly used for corporate signage, reception signs, building signage and dimensional lettering.
Mild Steel
Mild steel can be fabricated into frames, sign boxes, brackets and other structures. It can be painted or coated to provide the required finish and protection.
Acrylic
Acrylic is available in different colours, thicknesses and finishes. It can be cut and formed into letters, logos, panels and illuminated sign components.
PVC
PVC can be used for lightweight fabricated elements, lettering, panels and other signage applications where the material is suitable.
Wood
Wood can be fabricated into custom signs, lettering, decorative panels and feature signage. Different wood types and finishes can be selected according to the intended application.
Fabrication Techniques Used in Sign Making
CNC Routing
CNC routers can be used to cut materials such as acrylic, PVC, wood and other suitable substrates into accurate shapes, letters and logos.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting can be used to produce detailed shapes and lettering from suitable materials. The process is particularly useful where accurate cutting and detailed designs are required.
Metal Bending and Forming
Metal sheets can be bent or formed to create sign boxes, panels, letters, channels, frames and other three-dimensional structures.
Welding
Welding can be used to join metal components together when creating fabricated frames, sign structures, boxes and other metal signage elements.
Heat Forming
Suitable plastic materials such as acrylic can be heated and formed into specific shapes for custom signage applications.
Assembly
Different fabricated components can be assembled to create a complete sign. This may include panels, frames, lettering, logos, lighting and mounting components.
Benefits of Fabricated Signs
1. Custom Designs
Fabrication allows signs to be produced according to specific dimensions, shapes, materials and branding requirements. This makes it possible to create signs that are different from standard rectangular formats.
2. Three-Dimensional Appearance
Fabricated signs can include physical depth through raised letters, shaped panels, sign boxes and other components. This provides more dimensionality than a flat printed sign.
3. Material Flexibility
Different materials can be selected according to the required appearance, application, weight, environment and budget.
4. Indoor and Outdoor Applications
Fabricated signs can be produced for both indoor and outdoor applications. Material and finishing choices should be matched to the environment in which the sign will be installed.
5. Different Finishes
Fabricated signs can be finished in different colours, textures and surface treatments. Options may include painted finishes, powder coating, brushed metal, polished surfaces, vinyl graphics and other suitable finishes.
6. Suitable for Complex Shapes
Fabrication techniques can be used to produce curved, dimensional and custom-shaped signage that may not be possible with a simple flat sign.
Types of Fabricated Signs
Fabrication can be used to produce many different types of signage and branded structures.
- Fabricated 3D letters
- Fabricated logos
- Channel letters
- Sign boxes
- Metal signs
- Stainless steel signs
- Aluminium signs
- Custom-shaped signs
- Illuminated fabricated signs
- Reception signs
- Building signs
- Shopfront signage
- Architectural signage
- Display structures
Where Are Fabricated Signs Used?
Fabricated signage can be used in commercial, corporate, retail, hospitality and architectural environments.
- Shopfronts
- Office buildings
- Corporate reception areas
- Shopping centres
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Showrooms
- Dealerships
- Business parks
- Retail stores
- Trade shows and exhibitions
- Corporate events
- Building entrances
- Interior feature walls
Fabricated Signs for Businesses
Businesses can use fabricated signs to display their company name, logo, brand elements, product information or directional information. The design can be adapted to suit the building, storefront, reception area or other installation location.
For external signage, the selected material and finish should be appropriate for exposure to sunlight, rain, wind and other environmental conditions.
Illuminated Fabricated Signs
Fabricated signs can incorporate lighting where illumination is required. LED modules can be installed inside suitable sign structures or behind fabricated letters and logos.
Common illuminated configurations include:
- Front-lit fabricated letters
- Backlit or halo-lit letters
- Illuminated sign boxes
- Internally illuminated panels
- Combined front and back lighting
The lighting method depends on the sign design, material, available space and intended viewing conditions.
Fabricated Signs vs Flat Signs
Flat signs normally use a flat substrate with printed graphics, vinyl lettering or other applied graphics. Fabricated signs are constructed from individual components and can include physical depth, shaped sections and three-dimensional elements.
Flat signage may be suitable when simplicity and straightforward installation are priorities, while fabrication can be considered when a custom shape, dimensional design or specific structural construction is required.
Choosing Materials for Fabricated Signs
The material should be selected according to the intended application rather than appearance alone.
Important considerations include:
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Sign size
- Required weight
- Shape and design
- Exposure to weather
- Required finish
- Lighting requirements
- Installation method
- Maintenance requirements
- Available budget
How Much Do Fabricated Signs Cost?
There is no fixed price for fabricated signs because every project can have different materials, dimensions and fabrication requirements.
The cost may depend on:
- Overall sign dimensions
- Material type and thickness
- Design complexity
- Number of components
- Cutting and fabrication requirements
- Welding or assembly
- Surface finishing
- Lighting
- Mounting hardware
- Installation requirements
A quotation can be prepared once the required design, dimensions, materials and installation requirements are confirmed.
Durability and Maintenance
The durability of a fabricated sign depends on the materials, fabrication method, surface finish, installation and environment.
Outdoor fabricated signs should use materials and finishes appropriate for the conditions at the installation site. Regular cleaning and inspection can help maintain the appearance of the sign and identify damage or loose components.
Different materials require different cleaning methods, so maintenance should follow the recommendations for the specific material and finish.
Fabricated Signs in South Africa
Businesses installing fabricated signage should consider the requirements of the property owner, landlord, shopping centre or building management where applicable.
External signs and structures may also be subject to municipal or other applicable requirements depending on their location, size, position and type of installation. These requirements should be checked before manufacturing and installing the sign.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fabricated Signs
What is a fabricated sign?
A fabricated sign is a custom sign manufactured by cutting, shaping, forming, joining and finishing different components to create a complete sign or structure.
What materials are used to make fabricated signs?
Common materials include aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel, acrylic, PVC and wood. The appropriate material depends on the design and installation environment.
Can fabricated signs be used outdoors?
Yes. Fabricated signs can be designed for outdoor applications when suitable materials, finishes and construction methods are selected for the environment.
Can fabricated signs be used indoors?
Yes. They are commonly used for reception areas, feature walls, offices, retail stores, hotels, showrooms and other interior applications.
Can you fabricate a company logo?
Yes. Company logos can be cut, formed or assembled from suitable materials to create dimensional fabricated logos.
Can fabricated signs be illuminated?
Yes. Suitable fabricated signs can incorporate LED lighting. The lighting configuration depends on the sign design and material.
What is the difference between fabricated signs and 3D lettering?
3D lettering refers specifically to dimensional letters, while fabricated signage is a broader category that can include letters, logos, sign boxes, frames, panels and other custom structures.
Can fabricated signs have custom shapes?
Yes. Fabrication allows signs to be produced in custom shapes, including curved, dimensional and irregular designs where the selected material and production method allow it.
How long do fabricated signs last?
There is no single lifespan for every fabricated sign. Durability depends on the material, finish, construction, installation location, exposure to weather and maintenance.
Can fabricated signs be painted?
Yes. Suitable fabricated materials can be painted or finished using methods appropriate for the material and intended environment.
Are fabricated signs suitable for shopfronts?
Yes. Fabricated letters, logos, sign boxes and other custom structures can be used for shopfront branding and identification.
Can fabricated signs be used for corporate offices?
Yes. They can be used for reception logos, building identification, directional signage, feature walls and other corporate branding applications.
How much does a fabricated sign cost?
The cost depends on the size, material, design complexity, fabrication process, finishing, lighting and installation requirements.
Do fabricated signs require installation?
Most permanent fabricated signs require suitable mounting and installation. The installation method depends on the sign weight, dimensions, mounting surface and location.
Do I need permission for fabricated signage in South Africa?
Depending on the location and type of sign, approval from a property owner, landlord, shopping centre, municipality or other relevant authority may be required.
Can Signs4SA make custom fabricated signs?
Yes. Signs4SA can assist with custom fabricated signage, including dimensional letters, logos, sign structures, illuminated signs, building signage, shopfront signs and other custom fabrication requirements.
Get a Quote for Fabricated Signs
Fabricated signs can be produced in different materials, shapes, sizes and finishes to suit commercial, corporate, retail and architectural applications. The right fabrication method depends on the design, installation environment and functional requirements.
