Plastic Products for Signage Applications
Products for Visibility, Weatherability, & Impact
About Signage Industry Plastics
Electrical signage and LEDs have revolutionized marketing, which has led to an advancement in available products. Many new sign-grade plastics are enhanced for better longevity and endurance in conditions traditional signage materials can’t handle. Since most of these signs are meant to last for years, it’s important to choose materials that will remain strong and visually appealing throughout their lifespan to prevent inconvenient replacements or a poor image. With outdoor electrical signage on the rise, businesses must invest in ways to vividly showcase their brand no matter the conditions.
Plastics That Are Perfect for Long-Term Permanent Sign Applications
Sign-grade plastics are designed to outperform general purpose alternatives, primarily in long-term or permanent outdoor, electrical, and optical applications. With durable UV resistant and light-diffusing products at their disposal, companies can vibrantly display their brand day or night, rain or shine. Some materials offer excellent printability, while others are available in a wide range of colors to provide design flexibility that aligns with a brand’s marketing guidelines and color story. Polymershapes’ sign-grade materials give companies the opportunity to compete for recognition 24/7 with long lasting signs that won’t scratch, fade, or crack, even in full sunlight, bad weather, or harsh environments.
80+ Years of Expertise in Working with Leading Manufacturers
Polymershapes is the largest distributor of sign-grade plastics in North America, with over 80 years of expertise and lasting partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers such as Polyvantis, Plaskolite, and AZ Polymers. We carry the most in-demand solutions for electrical signage needs, including complementary materials such as LED lighting, adhesives and sealants, overlaminates, and hardware, so you can get everything you need in one place. Contact one of our material experts today to discuss how Polymershapes can supply all your electrical and outdoor signage needs.
80+ Years of Expertise in Working with Leading Manufacturers
Polymershapes is the largest distributor of sign-grade plastics in North America, with over 80 years of expertise and lasting partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers such as Polyvantis, Plaskolite, and AZ Polymers. We carry the most in-demand solutions for electrical signage needs, including complementary materials such as LED lighting, adhesives and sealants, overlaminates, and hardware, so you can get everything you need in one place. Contact one of our material experts today to discuss how Polymershapes can supply all your electrical and outdoor signage needs.
Features & Benefits
Durable & Long-lasting
•Flame Retardant
•Improved Longevity
•Abrasion Resistant
•UV Resistant
•Light Diffusing Options
•Optical Clarity
Durable & Long Lasting
Resists impact and weather for extended service life.
Flame Retardant
Meets flammability standards to enhance safety.
Improved Longevity
Withstands moisture, UV, and chemicals without degrading.
Abrasion Resistant
Maintains clean, legible appearance with minimal wear.
UV Resistant
Prevents fading, yellowing, and embrittlement.
Light Diffusing Options
Eliminate hot spots for uniform backlighting.
Optical Clarity
Excellent optical clarity, often comparable to glass.
Applications
Backlit Menu Boards & Pre-sell Boards
Backlit signage often comes with the challenge of preserving clarity as time goes on. Traditional options may crack, break, or yellow over time due to UV exposure. Sign-grade acrylic such as OPTIX® SG05 (medium impact) or SG10 (high impact) can accommodate most menu board needs. Higher-end options such as OPTIX LD include better light-diffusing qualities, reduced glare, and elimination of hotspot burns. We also offer LED lighting so you can conveniently address all your signage needs in one place.
Channel Lettering
Many office buildings and facilities use large three-dimensional letters or numbers, known as channel lettering, to boldly capture their brand. Sign-grade acrylic can be easily machined into various shapes and comes in a wide selection of colors. It can even be equipped with LED lights for extra pop, which Polymershapes can also supply. Adhesive-backed vinyl options are available for more cost-effective daytime solutions.
Electrical Signage
With electrical signage on the rise, the demand for rigid, durable, and electrically compatible materials has increased. Aluminum composite material (ACM) has developed a proven reputation for its electrical resistance and strength. This sturdy, lightweight, and rigid material is comprised of two aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core. It meets both UL94 V-0 extinguishing ratings and ASTM E-84 Class A fire ratings, making it safe to use in and around high voltage applications.
Monument Signage
Monument signage is permanently fixed to the ground, often near the entrance to a building. Designed for long term use, its scale and proximity to traffic requires durable material. LEXAN™ SGC100’s impact resistance, optical clarity, and UV resistance can handle harsh weather conditions, flying debris, and more, which makes for tough and long-lasting signage.
Order Confirmation System (OCS) Screens
With more menus becoming digital and even interactive, OCS screens are evolving into more intuitive designs. Light-diffusing acrylic options like OPTIX LD are naturally UV resistant, making them great for outdoor use. The added light transmission benefits help with screen clarity, reduce glare, and prevent hotspot damage as time goes on.
Pylon & High-rise Pole Signage
Modern advertising efforts have evolved to incorporate electrical signage so businesses can showcase their brands day and night. However, creating outdoor signage that remains bright and vibrant as time passes can be challenging without the right materials, especially for signs that are elevated on poles or pylons for additional visibility. Sign-grade polycarbonate, such as LEXAN SGC100, is a yellow-resistant material with printable surfaces, ideal for outdoor backlit signage. LEXAN XL102UV is further enhanced for more long-term use or harsher weather conditions.
Products for Signage Applications
Acrylic (Polymethyl Methacrylate, PMMA)
Acrylic, also known as Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), is a thermoplastic that can be formed into a number of shapes, making it suitable for use in a broad range of industries and products.
Adhesive-Backed Vinyl
Adhesive backed vinyl material sees a broad spectrum of use in the sign and graphics industry. Digital and screen print grade films, plotter films, specialty films, vehicle wrap material, laminating films, and complementary tapes are all available from Polymershapes.
Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)
Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) is a rigid sheet made of two sheets of pre-finished aluminum, bonded to a polyethylene core. Light-weight, without sacrificing durability, ACM sheets are often used for outdoor signage, and channel letter backings.
Aluminum Sheet & Coil
Aluminum sheet & coil delivers long-life and durability in outdoor applications, and are most frequently used in the production of electric signs. Aluminum Coils are used in channel letter fabrication to create the sidewall or return of the letter.
Banner Media
A staple of the graphics industry, banner material is used in a variety of applications and settings. Grades are available for solvent, eco-solvent, UV, latex, and screen printing, in a range of widths, sizes, and thicknesses to meet your project needs.
Digital Media – Floor Graphics
Whether you are looking for short-term solutions or more long-lasting materials, Polymershapes offers floor graphics grades specially formulated to suit your needs. Indoor grades are developed to handle extensive exposure to foot traffic, while outdoor grades are further enhanced to handle vehicular traffic and changing weather effects.
Expanded Foam PVC
Expanded Foam PVC sheet is a versatile material, often used in the sign and graphics industry. Expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets are durable and rigid with a matte finish.
Fabrics / Textiles
Fabrics and textile media are making waves in the graphics industry. With grades available for dye-sublimation, latex, and UV printing, technology advances have made textiles an option for many existing graphics applications.
Foamboard and Paperboard
Foam and paper boards are staples of the sign and graphics industry. Lightweight and versatile, there are many options for these rigid, printable boards. Applications may include direct printed signage, dimensional lettering, mounting and backing for framing photographs and art, packaging, and more.
HDU Board
HDU Board is a closed cell rigid urethane foam board that is commonly used in dimensional signs and tool making.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), also known as PS (Polystyrene), is an amorphous thermoplastic material, used in lower heat applications. It is categorized as a standard material, and offers ease of processing, high impact strength, and stiffness.
LED Lighting
LED lighting offers low energy consumption for an eco-friendly lighting solution for new or retrofit electric sign installations.
Magnetic Materials
Magnetic Materials include flexible magnetic sheeting and rolls. The material is most commonly used for decorative promotional magnets and vehicle graphics.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, or PETG, is a clear thermoplastic that can be formed into a number of shapes, making it suitable for use in a broad range of applications.
Polypropylene Twinwall – Corrugated Plastic
Polypropylene twinwall sheet, also known as fluted polypropylene, or simply as corrugated plastic, is an economical material that is light-weight and durable. In twinwall form, sheets are commonly used for both indoor and outdoor signage, as well as trade show and retail displays.
Rigid Board Finishing System
Polymershapes is proud to be the exclusive distributor of DGS BOARDers® Rigid Board Finishing System! Offering exhibit and display designers complete freedom With their easy & quick assembly, DGS BOARDers® Standee Bases lift your signs off the ground, making them a great choice to protect your signs from water & dust.
Silicone and Adhesives
Silicone sealants and adhesives are inert, synthetic compounds with a wide variety of forms and uses. They are typically heat-resistant and rubber-like.
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