Channel Letters are basically customized from the metal or the plastic letters
. It is used commonly on the business buildings, churches and on other organizations for outer signage. There are different types of the channel letters, such as standard channel letter, exposed neon channel letter, reverse lit channel letter. A standard channel letter is basically a 3-dimensional graphic sign element. To avoid rust it is fabricated from the sheet metal. Aluminum is used often. A computer controlled router is used for cutting the aluminum sheet. A flat aluminum sheet is cut on a table. This is used for creating the back of the channel and this is the basis of the letter shape.
There is another aluminum sheet of 3 to 6 inches wide around the aluminum back. It forms the sides of the Channel Letter and it is called returns. This is welded at the joint or riveted to back. It creates a solid can in the shape of letter. Thus a letter can is formed. It is fitted with any lighting components. For example neon gas tubes or light-emitting diode modules. There is a translucent plastic sheet of 3/16 thick acrylic or polycarbonate. It is cut and fit into the open face of the letter can. There is a trim cap border which is used to the edges. It provides the letter face a complete appearance. It creates a binding surface to attach with the letter can. In the night the channel letters can draw the attention of the passersby.
Channel Letters is attractive and beautiful. There is exposed neon channel letter. Usually these look like standard letters but it is not covered with a plastic face. Reverse lit channel letter is there. In this type the face of the letter is made with the aluminum and the lighting is done from the front to the back. The motto is flooding the wall with the light so that the letter is mounted and makes a negative space in the night. This style is known as halo letters. Usually this type of channel letter is very much expensive to manufacture.