Sign Product Archives - ASI Signage Innovations

3 Signage Material Swaps You’ll Appreciate

13th February 2019 by Carmine Giso

Do you have a vision? Your space speaks to your brand and creates an experience or achieves a distinct look for your visitors. Advances in technology have made it possible to produce durable, lightweight materials to use for ADA code signage, donor recognition walls and signs, exterior signage, and interior signage.

Here are 3 Easy Materials Swaps that will save you time and money on almost any signage project.

Stone

This natural material is often requested in branded signage. Whether it connects to a holistic vibe or communicates strength and permanence, stone is a popular material. And an expensive one. In addition to the cost of the stone, it is heavy, which makes transportation, production, and installation costly and time consuming. Floors and walls often need to be reinforced to support the weight of a solid stone piece, furthering timelines and budgets.

For many projects, replacing real stone with a laminate is a smart choice. There are so many options to achieve the look and texture desired. The material is lighter weight, comes in smaller pieces, and is easier to produce and install. Stone-look laminates reduce timelines and budgets.

Metal

Similarly, metal instills a space with a specific feeling. It’s a material that helps tell a story. Is this space modern and cutting edge? Or is this space cozy and welcoming? Whether a client wants an industrial chic look or a rustic appearance, metal laminates create the ambience they want without the cost.

The cost of sourcing metal fluctuates as much as the stock market. Like stone, they can be heavy and difficult to produce and install. Metal-look laminates offer more varied design options, they’re lightweight, and durable. Real metal will continue to oxidize over time, changing the look. That oxidation process doesn’t happen with laminate. It’s also easy to clean, making it a great choice for health care facilities.

Glass

The versatility of glass has made it a popular option for decades, but it’s still a fragile product. Polished acrylic can create the sleek look of glass while providing greater resiliency. Acrylic is easier to print directly on and easier to handle during transportation and installation.

Acrylic also offers so much design flexibility. Opacity and color can be adjusted to suit almost any design specifications. Graphics can be printed on the back or front, creating unique designs. Acrylic itself can be cut into almost any shape. The possibilities are endless.

With all of these options it’s really important to engage a professional early. Initial concepts can be created or reviewed, budget and environment are also evaluated to choose the right option to fit all aspects.

There are so many options when it comes to picking materials, and as a signage expert (for more than 20 years), I walk clients through their vision to realize what are the best products to make their dream a reality.

Email me if you’d like explore products or have questions.

Innovative Signage for Innovative Hospital

11th December 2018 by Kelly Sheldon O’Byrne

ASI Signage collaborated with University of Iowa Health Care, Heery International architectural team, and Gilbane, the general contractor, early in the planning process to create all new signage for University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, as well as updating existing signage with rebranded designs.

First Things First

The project began with ground identification and wayfinding signage solutions throughout the new underground parking ramp that was built prior to the completion of the new children’s hospital.

Interior Updates

Within UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, custom Infinity Photopolymer signs with tactile graphics have modular components that are easy and affordable to update in addition to being ADA Compliant. They also are part of the hospital’s wayfinding system that includes floor-by-floor color coding and iconography. During construction, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital went through a rebranding that required new graphics to be incorporated into the interior and wayfinding signage.

Donor Recognition

Another major component of the project was to incorporate donor recognition displays with several donor walls placed throughout the hospital in elevator lobbies. These donor walls have a distinctive design with a series of glass panels that mimics the look of the quilt pattern used in branded materials throughout the hospital. To help control costs, the ASI Signage team engineered a solution using glass and in-house digital printing to achieve the same high-end design expectations.

Exterior Signage

The challenge with the exterior signage was to create two immense sets of custom fabricated illuminated letter panels and install them at the top of the hospital, which has 12 levels above ground, and two below ground. ASI Signage experts translated architectural renderings into a custom sign solution that looked like a carved stone construction with edge-lit LEDs. ASI engineered the exterior signs and worked with the architectural façade firm to maintain color consistency for the exterior cladding. The results are picture perfect, a true representation of architectural signage.

Heart of the Matter

Collaboration was very important throughout this project to achieve the look and feel of all components of this signage system. From top to bottom this project embodies the ASI team’s capabilities to engineer, manufacture, and install a complete architectural signage package as part of the planning and construction teams.

Fall In Love With Fascia All Over Again

22nd October 2018 by Kelly Sheldon O’Byrne

Guess what? There are new reasons to fall in love with the Fascia sign system!

What are those reasons you ask?

New directories and large applications that were (not previously available).
More sign sizes now available.
New magnetic paper holders to allow changeable paper inserts.

Resources:

https://asisignage.com/interior-signage/fascia/

www.asisignagelatimergroup.com/fascia-slim-and-modern-sign-system
https://www.asisignagelatimergroup.com/cluttered-hallways

Specification Information

https://asisignage.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/FasciaFreestyle_CSIspec_CompleteLine-V2.pdf

Product PDF

https://asisignage.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/WP_BaB_CS_Fasica.pdf
Want to learn more? Contact your rep or email us at admin@asisignagelatimergroup.com

When Design & Manufacturing Collaborate: Clients Win!

27th August 2018 by Kristin Adkins

Imagine you’re building a house. The architect creates a brilliant design. You take it to a contractor and they give you 100 reasons why it won’t work, or they tell you the things you love about the original concept will have to change. Frustrated, you end up with a house that’s functional but doesn’t have the grandeur you envisioned.

The same often goes for architectural signage. Designers and fabricators aren’t always on the same page especially if they’re not working together. The worst feeling is thinking your sign is being installed in three weeks only to find out there’s an issue with the design once it goes to production.

Designers need to be experts at interpreting brand standards and putting a creative spin on how logos, colors, and fonts work within a complete architectural signage package. Fabricators bring the vision to life. This collaboration of specialties is essential to ASI. Together they discuss engineering, wind load, the best way to add illumination, and how to value engineer materials for design. It is possible because both the design and all the interior and exterior sign manufacturing is done in Grinnell then delivered or shipped to install locations across the country.

“Most problems can be solved before the job even hits production. Our collaborative process allows us to make suggestions, across specialties, about complications we have run into on past projects that may be helpful on the current project,” says Eugene Peart, Director of Design. Eugene’s expertise in design of both interior and exterior signage allows him to lead and establish such a collaborative process.

For example, ASI recently completed a project for the Kum & Go Stage at the Iowa State Fair. The concept was for a sign that looked like a giant guitar with neon lights to hang above the stage. The body of the guitar was 22-feet long. It was built in Grinnell and delivered to the fairgrounds in one piece and hung over the main stage. Designers and production collaborated to make the sign with flexible LED lights that created the look of neon at a much more affordable price. They also had to engineer the sign to make sure it could be securely installed onto a temporary outdoor stage and then easily removed, stored, and used for consecutive years.

“What’s great about the process at ASI, is that a client could literally come to us with a sketch on a napkin, and we could make it happen,” says Mike McKeag, President and COO. “Our designers know how to value engineer the design to create the desired look, and they bounce ideas off the production team to make sure every engineering consideration regarding weight, weather, and wind is taken into account.”

This collaborative approach also served the Johnson County Board of Supervisors very well. The Board wanted a rustic-looking sign to mark a historical farm near Iowa City. ASI suggested a faux corten steel material, that uses a chemical reaction to create the look of rusted metal. This suggestion reduced costs allowing the Board to include illumination in the sign. Bringing solar-powered lights into the sign impacted the design. ASI seamlessly reworked the plans for the sign to create a place in the sign’s stone base to house the solar battery and added an access panel that can be removed for maintenance.

“The Johnson County Historic Poor Farm project is a great example of how we can use innovative materials and technology to go beyond our clients’ expectations to create something that looks great and matches their desired style while giving them more functionality,” says Bryce Carlson, Business Development Manager.

If you’re knocking around some ideas for an innovative exterior sign design, let ASI make it a reality. “Bring us your wild, crazy ideas,” says Todd Carey, VP Business Development & Marketing. “There’s nothing more rewarding for us than to take an idea and bring it to life. The only limit is our creativity.“

Recognition Systems, Start Small To End Big

10th July 2018 by Kelly Sheldon O’Byrne

People, funds, goals, and ideas are all brought together to create something big, really big.

Here are 4 small steps to creating something big to recognize your thoughtful donors:

Share your goals, values, and ideas. After listening and understanding your campaign, we can share our experiences, expertise, and best process for your needs. The ASI team knows a thing or two about donor campaigns and recognition displays.
Get more donors. By creating a design early, you engage donors to SEE the recognition possibilities their contribution will bring. Appeal to the ego, a great motivational sales tool.
Pennies become dollars and dollars add up! Custom does not have to mean expensive. Every campaign and facility is unique, make your recognition system a reflection of your brand and budget.
Start small. Ask a rep any questions you might have. Maybe a lunch and learn is a good fit for your team.

Let’s be smart about maximizing your resources.
Email our VP of Sales and Marketing Todd Carey at todd.carey@asisignage.com if you have any questions, please include your location.

Meet our new Pull-Tab Sign Series!

24th October 2017 by Todd Carey

Communicate critical patient information in a sleek and stylish way.

Patient-Centered Medical Facility Signage

Every patient has specific needs: Allergies. Medication reminders. Special post-op instructions. Instead of digging through volumes of files to find critical information, healthcare professionals can take advantage of ASI’s new pull-tab sign series to get the information they need in an instant.

ASI’s new pull-tab sign series communicates critical patient information in a sleek and stylish way, which is also ADA and HIPAA compliant. The signs are customizable with numerous pull-tab options, and distinctive graphics. It’s easy to update the signs with interchangeable inserts.

There are two lines in the series.
The Venus line a durable, flat-face modular interior signage system comprised of an anodized aluminum extrusion body, an optional design accent bar and insert options that provide a flexible system with a distinguished look.

The Horizon line is a clean, polished curved-face extrusion signage system design. It is based on a single piece of extruded aluminum, which creates stability and consistency across the line, and allows for a variety of panel insert solutions. The accent bar can be anodized or powder-coated or finished with a simulated woodgrain application.

What Makes Our Pull-Tab Signage the Best Choice:

ADA and HIPAA compliant.
Crafted with anodized aluminum, a sustainable and recyclable material.
Choose from flat, Venus product line, or curved face, Horizon product line.
Endless customizations including:
- Pull-tab options – quantity, color, messages
- Graphics options – sign background and pull-tab
- In-Use/Not In-Use slider bar
- Note Bar (Paper Holder)
- Changeable inserts
- Lockability

Contact our signage solutions team today to discuss your facility signage needs.

Bring the Outdoors In!

26th July 2017 by Todd Carey

You don’t need the “elements” to create a unique architectural signage.

Get the look of Cor-ten (rusted) steel using aluminum and our faux weathering/rusting steel finishing process.

Why this is so cool:

Versatility

Overhead panels, room signs, decorative accents, custom shapes, illuminated lettering, dimensional lettering, routed designs, donor recognition displays, Wayfinding signage, and pretty much anything you can think of would be a great fit for this unique product. You can even add the rusted finish panels with other materials for a mixed-media look with tactile graphics.

Durability

The finish of the material is NOT rusting so the finish is not degraded any further nor will it cause damage (staining) to any of it surroundings. It will never rust through or discolor surrounding materials.

Easy Upkeep

The “rusting” process involves applying a primer with iron flakes to aluminum then clear coating to seal the material. This clear coating fends off possible vandalism by sealing the material and making it easier to clean.

A Controlled Look

We are able to choose and collaborate over the best rust level for the project. The rust color is controlled during the production by the amount time the materials are allowed to process. For example, one hour will produce less of a rust finish, than five hours will.

How it works:

A primer and iron flake solution are applied to an aluminum surface. An acidic solution is then applied, which begins the “rusting” chemical reaction. Depending on the desired rust level, the sign could sit for a couple hours or as long as overnight. Once the desired rust look is achieved a clear coat is applied to stop the rusting reaction permanently and seal the material. The product will not continue to degrade.

Aluminum Steals the Look of Rusted Steel

20th April 2017 by Michael McKeag

5 Reasons to Consider an Alternative to Cor-ten Steel for Signage

Get the industrial look of rusted steel using aluminum and ASI’s faux weathering and rusting finishing process for signage that looks like this:

5 Reasons to Choose Finished Aluminum over Rusted Steel:

1. Lighter Weight

At ⅔ the weight of steel, per square foot, this product is more easily and more economically installed. Only light-duty machinery and minimal labor are needed at install time.

2. Durability

The finish of the material is NOT rusting so the finish is not degraded any further. It will never rust through or discolor surrounding materials.

3. Customization Opportunity

Need illumination, routed lettering, or a custom shape? No problem, aluminum allows for this flexibility. No torches, water jet saws, or welders are needed like with Cor-ten steel.

4. Better Vandal Resistance

The process involves applying a primer with iron flakes to aluminum then clear coating to seal the material. This clear coating fends off possible vandalism by sealing the material and making it easier to clean.

5. A More Controlled Look

Using samples, we are able to choose and collaborate over the best color for the project. The rust color is controlled during the production process by the time the material is allowed to process.

How Faux Rusted Aluminum Signage works:

A primer and iron flake solution are applied to the aluminum sign with an acidic solution sprayed over to begin the “rusting” chemical reaction. Depending on the rust level, the sign could sit for a couple hours or overnight.

Clients are able to choose the look based on product sample ranges. Once the desired rust level is achieved a clear coat is applied to stop the rusting reaction permanently.

While aluminum can be more expensive than steel, the value-added difference is made up quickly through the control of the look, flexibility of design, durability of the product, and the labor needed at install.

>> Contact ASI Latimer Group today about your custom signage needs

Cluttered hallways?

21st February 2017 by Todd Carey

Tired of pieces of paper taped to your walls? ASI’s Fascia Series has added a new and innovative product solution for continuously changing messages! Customer and co-worker satisfaction, are closely linked to neat and tidy workspaces, organizational surroundings and facilities. Make a good impression by cleaning up all those taped-up paper notices with special devoted displays that are designed for areas with ever evolving needs.

Product Details
Product Details
Product Details
Product Details
Product Details

The Fascia Series Magnetic Replacement paper display is perfect for temporary messages in printed paper – everything from advertising events, posting new notices, changing menu displays, welcoming new customers, etc.

Design: Aluminum anodized frame and magnets (frame can be painted any color)
Aesthetic: Architectural organized environment
Minimal: Slim appearance
Functional: Easily updated “in house”
Sizes: Letter and A4

Download:

Magnetic paper display holder (Letter) 11×8.5 PDF

Learn More

Inspiration in a Standard System

23rd January 2017 by Alan Parsons

Customizing a standard product is a wonderful option to transform a stock system into a look that is unique to your facility. Utilizing a standard (mass-produced) product for your custom sign system can better adhere to a consistent appearance, yet still add flexibility.

Product lines such as Venus and Horizon extrusion systems help make replacing the functional aspect of a sign much easier. Essentially one is allowing for the unified sign design to be made up of multiple parts, thus creating a customized modular system that can be changed, updated, or expanded in the future. Customizing a standard system is most commonly executed in two ways: the addition of a backer or other accessories, or the use of print-to-panel graphics.

Brand or design elements are easily incorporated and also easily updated without discarding the entire sign; be it a window with lens and insert, a simple insert extrusion, or the in-use slider. This saves cost for the customer as the entire sign does not have to be replaced.

The Reflections product line is very low profile, easily blending and integrating well with any design ideas, with other products, or with custom builds. With the increasing growth of printing capabilities many of these standard line products lend themselves easily to custom direct print (print-to-panel) projects. They become the perfect material to apply an array of printed custom design graphics to.

Incorporating a modular and time-tested product into a custom look is a perfect way to help insure an overall sign design will function in a predictable way and cost remains consistent. To learn more about how you can customize standard signage systems for a clean, professional look, Contact ASI Signage.