Applications: Sign Making

Lindsay Neathawk, Neathawk Designs
2011 ShopBot PRSstandard 96×48

Andy Brooks, Oak Branch Manufacturing
2005 ShopBot PRTalpha 96×48; ShopBot Desktop

Sarah Evans and Laura Shoemaker, Appalachian Signs
2007 ShopBot PRSstandard 96×48

CNC technology presents opportunities and advantages to sign shops that traditional sign making methods can’t provide. ShopBot CNC machines allow sign makers to be more efficient and more productive, as well as expand the capabilities of what they can offer to their customers.

ShopBot CNC machines have the versatility sign makers need to tackle a wide range of projects. With the capability of 3D carving, V-bit carving, profile contouring, fluting, and engraving – and the ability to do so in an array of materials – a ShopBot CNC machine can rev up production for a sign shop. From cutting your own channel letter components, to dimensional signs, frames, posts, borders, and more, USA-made ShopBots are the versatile and reliable solution, with machine sizes ranging from Desktop to Full Size.

While CNC is particularly good at recutting the same file multiple times, it can also save huge amounts of time doing custom single or smaller run jobs. In addition to the time savings, a ShopBot tool can provide sign makers with consistency and repeatable accuracy; the ability to use a broader selection of material types such as wood, plastics, composites, high density foam, and non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, and copper); the ability to do more work with less staff or labor costs; and even the ability to do more than one thing at the same time. Unlike most of the more traditional sign making tools, you can be working on other tasks while the CNC is machining a project. For example, compared to sandblasting, the CNC adds a much higher degree of control, nearly limitless background textures, the possibility of 3D relief carving, and the ability to work with more materials.

Size is No Longer a Constraint

Sign makers are no longer limited in scale in their designs by the mechanical limits of their CNC. The availability of CAD/CAM packages provides the ability to slice any 2D or 3D project into manageable components for machining. Larger scale jobs can now be machined with a few clicks of the mouse. Advanced nesting capabilities also help save on material waste and boost profits.

CNC technology has become the tool of choice for sign makers moving beyond printers and vinyl cutters. These tools, linked to sign design software, have become the central component of many shops, small and large. ShopBot has led the way in making CNC affordable for small shops, and the ease of integration of the tools into design and production operations is unequaled. Once your customers know of your capabilities you will find new jobs coming to you. Getting started with CNC is truly a great way to open your business up to new clients and markets.