Side-lit Channel Letters

Side-lit Channel Letters have 3D acrylic letters shell with LED inside, the light shines through the border of the letters shell onto the wall, creating a halo effect. Each letter is individual and can be lit individually, with the excellent 3D halo and amazing display effect, widely used for business, store, building, storefront, shop, outdoors & indoors.

About Side-lit Channel Letters

Sample case

Side-lit Channel Letters
  • Side-lit Channel Letters have the similar display effects of Pro Back-lit Metal Channel Letters. The main difference is that the former uses a solid non-luminous front surface, which is attached to the acrylic letters shell, while the latter uses a fabricated metal letters shell, and the acrylic-back panel is half-buried in the metal character casing.
  • Side-lit channel letters require a power source so that the LED light source can provide good light. Although solar energy and wind energy are used by more and more users due to their green characteristics, when used as power sources for illuminated signs, these green energy sources need to be matched with energy storage batteries to ensure the stability of the current. Therefore, the stability and cost of this kind of power supply will all be worse than the mains power. Therefore, we recommend using mains power. Whether it is civilian AC or industrial AC, it will be more stable.
  • The vast majority of LEDs are driven by safe 12V DC power. Therefore, if the mains power is used as the power supply, the AC transformer is required to convert the AC power into the 12V DC power required for LED operation. Therefore, it is recommended that before purchasing, you first understand the voltage of the AC power at the place where the side-lit channel letters will be installed, so that we can provide you with a suitable AC transformer.
  • In order to reduce line loss, we recommend that the length of the wire from the signage to the AC transformer be controlled to 3 meters (about 118 inches), otherwise the LED may not fully emit light due to excessive current loss.
  • The AC transformer will generate heat when working, it is recommended that the AC transformer be placed in a place with good heat dissipation. If the AC transformer cannot dissipate heat smoothly, the service life of the transformer will be seriously affected.
  • The installation of side-lit channel letters usually requires drilling holes in the wall, so it is recommended that you confirm with the landlord what restrictions there are on drilling holes before purchasing.
  • Some cities, communities and landlords have certain restrictions on the brightness and color temperature of illuminated signs, so it is recommended that you understand these restrictions before purchasing.
  • The border of metal channel letters can be made of metal with regularly arranged dense holes, allowing light to shine on the wall through these holes on the sides. If you need such metal channel letters with sides illuminated, please contact us.

Feature

  • Can be letters, numbers and logo.
  • Each individual part is separate.
  • Using fabricated or CNC engraved acrylic 3D letters shell.
  • LEDs are installed in the letters shell as light source.
  • Usually use laser-cut opaque signs, such as in black acrylic or metal, affixed to the front surface of the acrylic letters shell so that the front surface of the letters does not emit light.
  • The border of the letters shell is illuminated.
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors.

Tech details

The Min. width of the strokes
0.59" (15mm)
The Min. height of the letters
3.94" (100m) for outdoor signs
Default thickness
0.85"(21.5mm)
Production time
In 15 working days by default
Installation
Flush mounting mostly.
  • Too small letters have limited space in the signs shell, causing too hard to place the LED lights evenly, unless using PCB LED, which fit for the mass production only.
  • The CNC engraved acrylic letters shell is used by default, while the fabricated acrylic letters shell is more suitable for larger letters.
  • Fabricated acrylic letters shell is troublesome to transport, even if it is carefully packaged, because acrylic is a fragile material, so it may cause damage during transportation.
  • There are also ways to use metal with regularly dense holes to make the sides of the metal letters shell, so that light can shine through these holes on the wall. Please contact us if you require this kind of side-lit signs.

Component

One set of basic backlit metal channel letters consist of the following components:

  • Opaque front surface
  • Acrylic letters shell
  • LEDs
  • Aluminum back-panel
  • Cables
  • AC transformer

Opaque front surface

Material
Acrylic or metal
Process
laser cutting, painting
Default thickness
0.06"(1.5mm)
  • Can paint directly on the front surface of the acrylic letters shell or add a specific opaque graphics on the front surface of the acrylic letters shell through UV printing.
  • Black acrylic or even opaque black film can be used to make the opaque front surface.
  • Black acrylic is usually available in 0.12" (3mm) or 0.20" (5mm) thickness.
  • If metal is used, 0.06"(1.5mm) stainless steel is used by default.
  • Stainless steel is available in a variety of finishes, which you can find in our resources gallery.

Acrylic letters shell

Material
Acrylic
Process
CNC engraving or fabrication
Default thickness
0.79"(20mm)
  • Using CNC engraved acrylic letters shell mostly.
  • The thickness of the fabricated acrylic letters shell would be about 1.97"(50mm) at least.
  • Usually, only opal acrylic is used to make CNC engraved acrylic letters shell, because there are few thick colored acrylic sheet that can be used in this process. So have to purchase customized colored acrylic sheets, and the MOQ of this customized raw material will seriously affect the implement ability of this solution.
  • If the acrylic letters shell is required to have a specific color, fabricated color acrylic letters shell are usually used.

LEDs

LED type
LED module, LED strip, PCB LED
Lifetime
More than 100,000 hours
Lighting color
  • White (about 6000k color temperature)
  • Warm white (about 4000k color temperature)
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Orange (RGB)
  • Pink (RGB)
  • Purple (RGB)
  • Addressable RGB/RGBW LEDs
  • Using the BlueView brand LED by default. Also have Cree brand LED.
  • For the outdoor signs we will use the water-proof LED lights.

Back-panel

Material
Aluminum
Process
Laser cutting
  • The back panel would be painted/powder coated in white and using screws to fix on the acrylic 3D letter shell.
  • LED would be installed on it by default.

Cables

Type
Plenum copper wire by default
Specification
1.5mm2 (AWG 16) by default
Default Length
60cm (23.62")
  • Suggest using 2.5mm2 (AWG 14) for the trunk wire at least.
  • Trunk wire would not be provided by default.

AC transformer

Brand
Mean Well
Type
waterproof or non-waterproof
Input
110v~240v AC
Output
12v DC
  • The waterproof AC transformers are using MeanWell brand LPV-60V-12 default, IP67, -30~70℃ wide operation range.
  • The Non-waterproof AC transformers are using LRS Series by default, 300VAC input surge, 5G vibration, 70℃ operations.

Installation

Most of the installation methods of side-lit channel letters are flush mount or raceway mount, using stud bolts to install the signs on the wall.

  • Flush Mount: This installation method uses stud bolts and is installed separately on the building facade using the mounting holes. The wires used to power the lighting are fished out of the wire holes and mounted behind the wall so light source maintenance can be easily done from behind. Typically, each individual illuminated sign part has 2-3 stud bolts and 1 wire, so 3-4 holes need to be drilled in the wall for this. Obviously, this installation method will increase the installation workload, but since the wires and stud bolts are buried in the wall, the installed signs will be sleek and sophisticated.
  • Raceway Mount: In this installation method, the sign is first mounted on a slender metal mounting structure called a "raceway", usually made of aluminum or stainless steel, and then the raceway and signs are mounted on the wall as a whole. The interior of these mounting structures can be used to house electrical wiring and AC transformers. The advantage of this type of installation method is that it has fewer holes need to be drilled, which can be an important consideration for building owners or landlords, and it also makes it easier to install and renew the signage, while creating an off-wall visual for the sign, so the three-dimensionality will be better. However, due to the existence of the "raceway", the integrity of the sign and installation wall will be weakened.

To ensure your signage is installed correctly for optimal display and longevity, we recommend hiring professional installers. We will provide a 1:1 layout template to show the hole positions of stud bolts and wires, the installer will drill holes on the wall according to these hole positions. If it is an illuminated sign, the wiring work of the wires needs to be completed. We will provide installation instructions, wiring diagram and necessary installation accessories to help your installers complete the installation correctly and quickly. If you are unable to find the professional installers, please let us know and we will put you in touch with one of our partners to find good installers for you.

Others

Certificate
CE, UL, ROHS
Recommended working temperature
-20℃ ~ +50℃ (-4℉ ~ +122℉)
Default IP rating for outdoor use
IP65
Warranty
Three Years
Accessories
  • stud bolts
  • nuts
  • washers
  • tube spacers
  • 1:1 layout template
  • wiring diagram
  • installation diagram
  • The recommended working temperature means that based on our experience, the sign can keep working within this temperature range for a long time without significantly reducing the service life. Generally speaking, illuminated LED signs can work in a wider temperature range, usually -30℃ ~ +70℃ (-22℉ ~ +158℉) but the harsher environment will shorten the service life of the signs.
  • Stud bolts are necessary for installation, used to fix the signs on the backing wall.
  • Nuts and washers are only fit for situations where people can work at the other side of the backing wall, then can use washers and nuts to secure the stud bolts to the wall.
  • If you need the side-lit channel letters off the backing wall, we will provide the stainless steel tube spacers with 20mm (0.8") length by default, electrical wiring and stud bolts can through the tube spacers, used to make all the individual part of the side-lit channel letters have the same distance between the backing wall.

Warranty

  • In three years, if it is not the man-included damage, we will send you the damage part.
  • After 2 years, because of the half-life, the LED lighting would be weaker. In order to keep the effect of the signs, we suggest changing the LED lights when you feel the brightness could not reach your requirement.

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More Cases

Custom Side-lit Channel Letters

Custom side-lit channel letters are a sophisticated and modern approach to business signage, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. Unlike traditional front-lit signs, these innovative letters emit light from the sides, creating a subtle and elegant glow around each character. This design feature not only enhances the visibility of the signage but also adds a dimensional and high-end look to it. The side lighting produces a soft halo effect, which is particularly striking during the evening and night hours, drawing attention while providing a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The versatility of custom side-lit channel letters lies in their ability to be tailored to a wide range of business needs and aesthetics. They can be crafted in various fonts, sizes, and colors, allowing businesses to perfectly match their brand image and architectural style. The construction typically involves durable materials like acrylic or metal, ensuring longevity and resilience against weather elements. These signs are ideal for businesses looking to convey a sense of sophistication and contemporary elegance. Whether displayed on the storefront or as a part of an interior design scheme, side-lit channel letters make a statement of quality and attention to detail.

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Workflow

Here you will know our workflow well

  1. 1: Contact with us

    Contact with us or fill our free quote form, we will arrange one of the sales following your quote and jobs.

  2. 2: Initial design

    If you do not have the design file as we needed, we will provide initial design service which includes the choosing fonts, dimensions confirmation, etc.

  3. 3: Free quotation

    Based on your request and the design file, we will give you the exact cost

  4. 4: Order confirmation

    Please print our quotation file, signature it and send us the scanned file

  5. 5: Deposit payment

    Please finish the deposit payment, then show us the bank slip etc. so that our accounting can confirm it

  6. 6: Drawing design

    We will detail the design file of your signs, then we will send the file to you to show you all the details

  7. 7: Begin production

    When we get the confirmation of the detail design file, we will begin the production

  8. 8: Lighting test

    Your signage would be a 24 hours keep lighting test when we finish the production, so that most issue could be fix

  9. 9: Final products

    We will take photos for your signage to show you the final products effect

  10. 10: Balance payment

    When you confirm the products, please send us the balance payment, then show us the bank slip etc. so that our accounting can confirm it

  11. 11: Shipping

    We will call the delivery company to pick up your signage products and give you the waybill number so that you can track it

  12. 12: After sale

    We provide three years free replacement to non-human damaged signs

Outdoor Side-lit Channel Letters

Outdoor side-lit channel letters represent a modern and innovative approach to exterior business signage, combining both functionality and aesthetic appeal. These letters are designed with illumination that emanates from the sides, creating a distinct and elegant lighting effect. This side lighting casts a gentle halo around each letter, offering a sophisticated and understated alternative to the more common front-lit options. The subtle glow provided by side-lit channel letters is particularly effective in the evening, enhancing the visibility of the signage while adding a contemporary flair to any building façade. This type of signage is perfect for businesses looking to stand out in a tasteful and modern way, drawing attention without overwhelming the senses.

Crafted to withstand the challenges of outdoor settings, these side-lit channel letters are made from durable materials like acrylic, stainless steel/aluminum, ensuring longevity and resistance to weather elements. Their versatility in design allows for customization in various fonts, sizes, and colors, enabling businesses to align their signage perfectly with their brand identity and architectural style. Outdoor side-lit channel letters are not just signage; they are a statement piece that can significantly enhance the curb appeal of a business. They are ideal for establishments looking to project a cutting-edge image while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication. Whether it’s a retail store, a corporate building, or a chic restaurant, these letters offer a visually appealing and high-quality signage solution.

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Why choose us?

We do customized fascia signs professional

  • Experience

    With over 20 years of successful experience and knowledge in producing signs, we do know how to produce signs well for the world.

  • Price

    Orders directly from manufacturers to reduce intermediate expenditure. Buy high-quality custom signs with a more reasonable price.

  • Quality

    We provide you with high quality signs produced by our experienced technicians using advanced machines and high quality raw materials.

  • Lead Time

    Depending on the type and quantity of ordered signage products, we generally need about 15 business days to complete the signs production.

  • Accessories

    Provided with 1:1 layout template, stud bolts, nuts, installation diagram and other installation accessories per the needs of the customers.

  • Warranty

    Provided free three years non-human damage limited warranty, and also provides 5 years limited warranty policy with enrollment fees.

HiSun Advertising Co., Ltd

Address: Floor 7th, Qiang Sheng Mansion, No.145 of Pujian Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China

Zip: 200127

Office Hour: 9:00 – 18:00 Beijing Time, Mon-Fri

EMAIL

About Us

We are a professional manufacturer and comprehensive signage company in China, committed to providing customers with high-quality signage products since 2004. With more than 13 years of international business experience and understanding of international brand quality certification systems, we have certificates with CE, UL, ISO: 9001, ISO: 14001 and ISO: 45001, to ensure the safety and reliability of our marked products. Through professional operation and rapid development, we already have many customers from all over the world.

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