Business Signage: Comparing Aluminium and Stainless Steel Signs

Blog

If you are planning on installing a new business sign or upgrading your old item, you should consider using metal signs. In general, metal signage products are more resilient than plastic counterparts. Therefore, you will enjoy longer service, particularly in the outdoor environment. There are two primary metals to consider before making your choice. These are aluminium and stainless steel. Both metals are suitable for business signage, but their properties are different. Here is a short comparison of the two materials to help you make a decision.

Strength and Weight

When choosing a material for your business signage, it is important to evaluate the weight and strength. These two properties are critical in determining the ease of handling and durability respectively. Stainless steel is a favourable material because the metal is strong and sturdy. This means that the material is not prone to dents and tears. On the other hand, steel is considerably heavy, so the installation options are limited. Aluminium is not as strong as stainless steel, so mechanical impact will cause distortion. However, this lightweight metal can be installed almost anywhere, including being hung from the ceiling.

Material Workability

The workability of metals is the degree to which the material can be deformed during metal working processed without detrimental deformation. Aluminium is a highly malleable material, so it has better workability than stainless steel. In simple terms, it can be cut and formed into different shapes and designs to represent your business image. You can also use different sign writing methods, including engraving. Stainless steel is highly resistant to abrasion and wear. This makes the material difficult to cut and form when creating the sign. Consequently, there are limited sign designs, and the cost of the fabrication process will be higher.

Corrosion Protection

Corrosion will determine the long-term aesthetic value and general performance of the business sign. Standard carbon steel is usually highly vulnerable to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture. On the other hand, stainless steel is an alloy which is highly resistant to this type of degradation because it contains chromium in its structure. The material can still become tarnished in saline environments. Aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion because the metal forms a passive outer layer in the presence of oxygen. However, this process can cause aluminium to change into a whitish colour, and some pits might form on the metal surface.

When getting your new metal business sign, you should make certain that you have engaged an experienced signage expert for the task.

Share

3 February 2017

Signs That Shine: Tips for Small Business Owners

Your signs are hugely important. Whether they are hanging on your storefront or behind your cashier, they express your brand, reflect your image and create a certain emotional vibe. Hi, my name is Dani. I studied graphic design and have always had an eye for style. I also worked in my parents' small business for my entire life and know what it's like to be a small business owner. I decided to merge all of that in this blog, and I sincerely hope you like the results. Start exploring, and if you find a post you love, share it. I always love to have more traffic. Thanks for reading, Dani.