Materials foil and machines in the sign shop
What you work with — from plotter and printer to film types and sheets
The sign technician's workshop is filled with machines and materials, each with their own purpose. Knowing them — and knowing when to choose what — is a major part of the profession. A wrong material choice can mean a sign fades, peels or cracks long before its time.
§The machines — respect not fear
The two central machines are the large format printer and the cutting plotter. The printer prints colored motifs photos and text on foil banner or plate in large sizes. The plotter is a computer-controlled cutting machine that cuts letters and figures from foil according to your design. Many workshops also have laminators routers and equipment for mounting and finishing.
- 01Large format printer for full-colour printing on film, banner and board
- 02Cutting plotter for cutting letters and shapes from film
- 03Laminator to protect prints against wear and weather
- 04Cutters and cutting tools to fit plates and parts
§Foil types
Foil is the sign technician's most important material and there are many types for different purposes. Some foils are for short-term use others are designed to last many years outdoors. There are foils for car wrapping that can follow curved surfaces and transparent foils for windows. The choice depends on where and how long the sign should stay.
§Laminate and protection
Printed designs are often protected with a laminate — a transparent film placed over the print. It protects against wear, scratches and sun damage and can give the surface a certain gloss or matte. Lamination is especially important on signs and decorations that are subject to contact or weather.
§Plates and workpieces
Signs are built on many types of substrates: plastic sheets, aluminum sheets, composite sheets and other materials chosen by weight, strength and appearance. Vinyl and print can also be transferred directly to cars, windows, walls and objects. Knowing the substrate's properties — whether it withstands weather, how vinyl adheres to it — is part of the craft.
Finally the digital part is part of 'the tool': the programs you design in. A good sign begins on screen and the ability to set up a layout correctly — in the right resolution with correct colors and dimensions — is just as important as the machines that produce it.