A successful lobby sign isn’t just about looking good. It’s about engineering and executing a vision using the right tools. When the customer approached us needing a brand new lobby sign for Centex Auto Title, they had a vision that required precision, multi-process and -material handling, and professional finishing. Because we manage the entire manufacturing process in-house, we were able to deliver a complex, stacked installation, a prominent brand sign on top, with a custom quote panel below, that perfectly matches their professional environment.
The Foundation: 3mm ACM Panels and the Zund
The first challenge was creating the backbone for both signs. We selected Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) for its perfect balance of rigid strength and lightweight handling.
- For the main Centex sign: We didn’t just cut a rectangle. We needed the backer to perfectly match the final contour of the logo letters for a clean, professional finish. For this, we utilized our Zund G3 digital cutter. The Zund’s precision routing capabilities allowed us to cut the ACM backer to the exact complex shape required with an incredibly smooth edge that requires no additional finishing.
- For the Bible verse panel: We utilized a rectangular piece of brushed-finish ACM with rounded corners, providing a sleek, durable background that perfectly contrasts the high-gloss black lettering.
Bringing in Dimension: 1/2″ vs 1/4″ Acrylic and Laser Precision
To give the signage real depth and “pop” off the wall, we used dimensional acrylic letters applied directly to the ACM backers. This required two different thicknesses to achieve the hierarchical look:
- The Centex Logo: For the primary branding, we utilized 1/2″ thick acrylic sheet. This thickness provides a substantial, high-value look that is immediately impactful. These letters were intricately cut on our in-house laser cutter, ensuring the sharpest corners and smoothest edges possible.
- The Jeremiah 29:11 Verse: For the detailed script verse font, we needed precision at a smaller scale. We used 1/4″ black glossy acrylic. Our laser cutting process allowed us to achieve the incredibly fine detail of the script font without burning or deformation, resulting in clean, readable text.
The Professional Finish: Custom Painting
Sometimes you can’t just slap raw plastic on a panel when custom colors are required for cohesive brand representation. The Centex logo required Pantone matched colors. After the 1/2″ acrylic letters were laser cut, they were transferred to our on-site paint booth. We expertly painted the letters to Centex’s specific blue and red specifications, ensuring a flawless finish with no texture imperfections before carefully mounting them to the Zund-cut ACM backer. The added bonus of painting is it allows you to incorporate mutiple sheens into your final sign design, just like we did here with the satin paint color and high gloss black acrylic to give a more elevated look.
The “Invisible” Cleat Mounting System
A great sign is nothing without a secure, clean installation. We don’t believe in visible screws. We engineered a robust cleat mounting system right here in the shop, fabricating custom mounting strips out of strips of 3mm white ACM. These hidden cleats allow the signs to securely “float” on the wall with no visible hardware, providing a sleek, secure installation that completes the professional presentation.
Wrap Up
This project for Centex Auto Title is a perfect example of what we can achieve when design, engineering, and manufacturing work under one roof. Whether it’s routing complex shapes on the Zund, achieving intricate details on the laser, or providing a flawless paint finish, we have the tools and the expertise to execute any signage vision. Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your customer’s next project to life.