Recently, a customer placed an order for Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters from us. This is also a product that is frequently ordered by our customers. In today’s article, we’ll give a brief introduction to this type of signage.
What is Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters?
Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters refer to three-dimensional letters without built-in lighting. They are typically fabricated by welding, bending, and assembling materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and acrylic.
These letters create visual impact through the texture, color, and three-dimensional structure of the materials themselves. They offer excellent visibility during the day, but they do not illuminate on their own at night.
Simply put: three-dimensional letters without lighting.
If lighting is added, they are generally referred to as illuminated letters or channel letters. For more information about channel letters, please refer to the following article:
What Are the Different Types of Channel Letters?
The Structure of Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters
Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters are typically made by welding the metal face and side returns together. When necessary, a back panel can be added for additional support. The overall structure is relatively simple.
They share some similarities in appearance with illuminated three-dimensional letters, but since they do not require internal lighting components or translucent faces, the construction is much simpler. The main focus during fabrication is on the letter shell forming, welding accuracy, and surface finishing.
The basic structure is shown in the pictures below:
How to Install Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters
Similar to illuminated letters or channel letters, Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters also have six common installation methods:
1) Studs
2) Studs with Spacers
3) Double-sided Tape
4) Raceway
5) Wireway
6) Mounted with Backer
For more details about these six installation methods, please refer to Part 4, “How are Front-lit Channel Letters Installed?” in the following article:
Front-Lit Channel Letters: Structure, Materials, and Installation Guide
FAQ
Are Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters Considered a Type of Channel Letters?
Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters can be considered a type of channel letters. Based on the definition of channel letters, there is no specific requirement that channel letters must be illuminated. In other words, channel letters can be either illuminated or non-illuminated.
However, in most cases, the channel letters people order are illuminated, so over time, many people have come to assume that channel letters are always lit.
In actual projects, regardless of whether someone refers to illuminated or non-illuminated channel letters, it is always recommended to confirm based on the artwork drawings.
Where Are Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters Commonly Used?
Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters are commonly used for storefront signs, interior brand walls, and building facades. They are especially suitable for applications where daytime visibility is the primary focus or where external lighting is already available.
Take Away
Non-Illuminated Fabricated Letters are a simple yet versatile signage solution that creates a strong visual impact through material, craftsmanship, and three-dimensional design rather than lighting.
Although they share similarities with illuminated channel letters, they do not require internal lighting components, making the fabrication process simpler and the structure more straightforward. With various installation options and a wide range of material finishes, they are commonly used for storefront signs, interior branding, and architectural applications where daytime visibility and a premium look are the main priorities.
When specifying channel letters for a project, it is important to confirm the final design based on the artwork drawings, as channel letters can be either illuminated or non-illuminated depending on the actual construction.
