
Sandblasted and HDU signs are an innovative substrate used for a variety of applications in the signage, modelling, aerospace, composite, architectural and design industries. HDU has become the most popular choice in dimensional signage.
HDU signs are fabricated from open-celled high-density urethane (HDU) and are extremely versatile. They are also less expensive and lighter than wood signs. They are resistant to harsh weather changes like snow, rain, ice, and UV sunlight exposure. This makes HDU signs an ideal alternative to wood and other materials in the custom sign industry.
The process of sandblasting involves using sand and air pressure to blast away the unmasked background, leaving graphics behind. This is done by applying a vinyl mask weeded from digital coordinates that are input into a plotter, or by hand. The sign is then sandblasted, primed, and finished.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | High-Density Urethane (HDU), wood |
Use | Dimensional signage, modelling, aerospace, composite, architectural and design industries |
Properties | Rigid, closed-cell substrate that does not rot, warp or crack |
Appearance | Can be coated or textured to resemble wood, metal, stucco, brick or stone |
Workability | Easy to sand, route and paint |
Grain | Grainless, requires support when spanning large distances |
Durability | Resistant to harsh weather changes like snow, rain, ice, and UV sunlight exposure |
Cost | Less expensive than wood signs |
Weight | Lighter than wood signs |
What You'll Learn
- HDU signs are a popular choice for dimensional signage
- HDU signs are versatile and can be textured to resemble wood, metal, stone, etc
- HDU signs are more durable and cost-effective than wood signs
- Sandblasting is a popular machining technique used in the sign industry
- Sandblasting is done using sand and air pressure to create three-dimensional signage
HDU signs are a popular choice for dimensional signage
Another benefit of HDU signs is their customisability. HDU can be coated or textured to resemble various materials, including wood, metal, stucco, brick, or stone. This makes it a versatile option for achieving different aesthetic looks. Additionally, HDU is easy to work with – it can be sanded, routed, and painted to create unique designs. The low blasting pressure required for HDU also means that sandblasters can work more closely to the surface, achieving more intricate details and subtle textures than with wood.
The fabrication process for HDU signs begins with constructing the "sign blank", which is the basic shape of the sign before sandblasting. The sign blank is then masked to protect the areas that will not be sandblasted. This masking process involves cutting a rubber mask from a digital design, ensuring that only the desired areas are exposed to the sandblasting process.
Sandblasting is an art form in itself. It involves using cool, dry air and sand at extreme pressure to strip away material and create natural patterns and textures. After sandblasting, the sign blank is cleaned and primed according to its specific application. Priming is essential, especially for HDU, as it ensures that the paint adheres properly and creates a strong barrier against the elements.
Finally, the finishing stage involves applying paint or clear coats to the sandblasted and primed sign. This stage is crucial in producing a maintenance-free sign that will endure years of use. With their durability, customisability, and ease of fabrication, it's no wonder that HDU signs are a popular and cost-effective choice for dimensional signage.
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HDU signs are versatile and can be textured to resemble wood, metal, stone, etc
HDU signs are an excellent choice for businesses as they are highly versatile and durable. They can be customised to fit any environment, design, and size requirements.
One of the most appealing features of HDU signs is their ability to be textured to resemble various materials, including wood, metal, stone, stucco, or brick. This versatility makes them a popular choice for businesses that want to create a specific look without the hefty price tag of traditional materials. For example, an HDU sign can be sandblasted to achieve a wood grain or pebble finish, simulating the organic look of sandblasted redwood.
The process of creating a textured HDU sign involves using a variety of techniques, such as CNC routing, hand carving, and sandblasting. The sign can then be finished with expert hand painting to create a truly unique and sophisticated result.
Additionally, HDU signs are made from high-density urethane, a rigid, closed-cell foam material that is both waterproof and resistant to warping, cracking, and bowing. This makes them ideal for outdoor use, as they can withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow, rain, ice, and UV sunlight exposure, without the need for frequent replacement.
With their durability, customisability, and ability to mimic other materials, HDU signs offer a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for businesses looking to make a lasting impression with their signage.
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HDU signs are more durable and cost-effective than wood signs
HDU signs are a more durable and cost-effective alternative to wood signs. HDU, or High-Density Urethane, is a rigid, durable foam material that is much stronger than most foam types. It is also a petroleum-based material, making it naturally waterproof. This means that HDU signs last much longer than wood and don't need to be replaced as often.
One of the main advantages of HDU signs is their resistance to harsh weather conditions. They do not warp, crack, or bow like wood when exposed to snow, rain, ice, or UV sunlight. This makes them an ideal choice for outdoor signage. Additionally, HDU is lighter than wood, which simplifies installation and reduces shipping costs.
The versatility of HDU signs is another key benefit. They can be easily cut, carved, and shaped into any design, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including 3D, sculptural, and intricate designs. HDU signs can also be painted, stained, or finished to achieve the desired look or texture. They are available in a variety of thicknesses, starting from one and a half inches, and can be single or double-sided.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, HDU signs are more affordable than wood signs. Since HDU is easier to shape than wood, the material itself is cheaper, and the manufacturing process is less expensive. HDU signs are also lightweight, reducing installation costs as they require less structural support.
The durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of HDU signs make them a popular choice for businesses and organizations seeking high-quality and long-lasting signage solutions. With their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and low maintenance requirements, HDU signs offer a great return on investment.
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Sandblasting is a popular machining technique used in the sign industry
There are several materials that can be used for sandblasting signs, including wood and high-density urethane (HDU). Wood is the traditional choice for sign-making and is still widely used today. However, HDU has become the most popular choice in dimensional signage due to its versatility, durability, and ease of use. It is a closed-cell rigid substrate that does not rot, warp, or crack and can be coated or textured to resemble various materials such as wood, metal, stucco, brick, or stone. Additionally, HDU is less expensive and lighter than wood, making it an ideal alternative for custom signs.
The process of sandblasting HDU involves applying a vinyl mask to protect the areas of the sign that will not be blasted. The blasting itself is done at low pressure, allowing for more intricate details and shapes. The type of sandblast grit used, such as clay sand or aluminum oxide, will depend on the desired texture, with larger grit creating a rougher texture and finer grit allowing for a smoother finish.
After sandblasting, the sign blank is primed according to its intended application. Priming is essential for HDU to ensure that the paint adheres properly. Finally, the sign is finished with paint, stains, or clear coats, resulting in a maintenance-free product that will endure years of use.
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Sandblasting is done using sand and air pressure to create three-dimensional signage
Sandblasting is a process that uses pressurised fluid, typically compressed air, to forcibly propel a stream of abrasive material against a surface. Sandblasting is done using sand and air pressure to create three-dimensional signage. This technique is used to create high-profit, three-dimensional signage and is one of the easiest ways to do so.
Sandblasting is also known as abrasive blasting, which is a generic term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds. Sandblasting can be done using a variety of media, with some being more abrasive than others. Sandblasting with sand is one of the most abrasive methods, alongside shot blasting with metal shot. Moderately abrasive variants include glass bead blasting and plastic media blasting, while a mild version is sodablasting with baking soda.
Sandblasting equipment consists of a chamber in which sand and air are mixed. The mixture then travels through a handheld nozzle that directs the particles towards the surface. The pressure of the sand may be anywhere from 50 to 130 pounds per square inch (PSI). The sand is blasted across the surface, and because of its abrasive properties, it creates a smoother surface. For example, sandblasting is often used to treat concrete, removing excess material to make it smoother.
Sandblasting is a popular technique for creating three-dimensional signage as it is a higher-end product compared to flat signs. These signs often incorporate gold leaf overlay and sometimes crushed glass backgrounds, which are called smalts. Sandblasting can also be used to create a traditional carved look on wooden signs, as it allows the wood grains to show and the growth rings to be raised.
HDU (High-Density Urethane) is another popular substrate used for dimensional signage. HDU can be sandblasted to create a variety of looks, including a wood grain or pebble finish. HDU signs are less expensive and lighter than wood signs, and they are resistant to harsh weather changes.
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Frequently asked questions
HDU stands for High-Density Urethane, a synthetic product that is easy to mill, resistant to harsh weather conditions, and dimensionally stable. It can be textured to resemble a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and stone.
Sandblasted HDU signs are more lightweight and less expensive than wooden signs. They are also more resistant to harsh weather changes like snow, rain, ice, and UV sunlight exposure. Additionally, HDU does not rot, warp, or crack, and it has a uniform surface that lasts indefinitely.
The process typically involves constructing a "sign blank," which is the basic shape of the sign before sandblasting. This can be made from wood or HDU Sign Foam. The sign blank is then masked to protect the areas that will not be sandblasted. Sandblasting is performed using a combination of cool, dry air and sand at extreme pressure, which strips away the exposed areas. Finally, the sign is primed and finished with paint or a clear coat to protect it from the elements.