How to make a sign tray with a Keencut Steeltrak
- QuickByDesign
Custom sign trays are a growing trend, taking the commercial signage industry by storm. Whether you run a sign-making business, a picture framing studio, or a creative printing enterprise, being able to create bespoke sign trays can set you apart from your competitors.
Enter the Keencut Steeltrak, a game-changer in precision cutting. This tool is not just an addition to your workshop; it’s a vital asset that can revolutionise your approach to sign tray creation. With its unmatched precision and ease of use, the Keencut Steeltrak transforms complex cutting tasks into simple, efficient processes, ensuring your business delivers top-notch quality every time.
The beauty of sign trays lies in their versatility and visual appeal. These trays aren’t just signs; they’re an integral part of your client’s branding, capturing attention and leaving a lasting impression.
This guide will show you how to harness your Keencut Steeltrak’s power to create stunning sign trays that speak volumes about your craftsmanship.
Sign trays – the basics
A sign tray is a three-dimensional sign often used for business branding and outdoor advertising. It adds depth and sophistication to the traditional flat sign, making it a popular choice for businesses aiming to stand out. Think of it as the face of a business – the first thing a customer sees and remembers.
But what goes into creating one of these eye-catching sign trays? Here’s what you need:
- Keencut Steeltrak: This will be your primary tool for cutting the panels to precision. The Steeltrak’s ability to handle different materials easily makes it ideal for this task.
- Compression shears: These are essential for cutting through rigid materials like aluminium composite panelling – a common material used in sign trays for its durability and sleek finish.
- Marker pen and ruler: Precision is vital in sign-making. A marker pen and a reliable ruler will help you mark accurate measurements and cuts.
- Activator spray and CA glue: These will be your go-to for assembling the cut pieces. They ensure a strong bond, keeping your sign tray intact and durable.
- Clamps: Clamps are necessary to hold everything together as it sets. They ensure that the pieces are held tightly in place, allowing the adhesive to bond effectively.
- Aluminium Composite Material (ACM): The star of your sign tray. This material is sturdy and weather-resistant, providing a smooth finish perfect for printing and painting.
Whether you already own a Keencut Steeltrak or are considering investing in one, understanding these basics is the first step in mastering the art of sign tray creation. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you can produce professional-grade sign trays that reflect your business’s quality and creativity.
Preparation and measurements
Before diving into the cutting process, proper preparation is crucial. It starts with selecting and pre-cutting your ACM. Choose a high-quality aluminium panel. It should be larger than your final sign tray dimensions to accommodate the tray’s depth. Cut your ACM panel to slightly larger than your desired final product. Remember, it’s easier to trim off excess later than to add it back on.
Carefully measure out the size of your sign tray. For example, if you want a 50cm x 25cm finished sign tray with a 5cm border, you’ll need to cut a panel of 60cm x 35cm. This accounts for the edges that will fold up to form the sides of the tray.
Use your marker pen and ruler to mark the dimensions accurately on the aluminium panel. These measurements are vital for the perfect end product, so take your time to ensure they’re precise. The accuracy of your measurements plays a significant role in the outcome. A misstep here could lead to a skewed or uneven sign tray, which might not meet your or your client’s expectations.
Setting up the Keencut Steeltrak
Now, let’s set up your Keencut Steeltrak so you can transform your aluminium panel into a sign tray.
- Installing the V-grooving tool: Remove the twin wheel cutting head from your Steeltrak. Replace it with the V-grooving tool. If this is your first time, you may need to calibrate the tool (you can find instructions in the Keencut manual or online resources).
- Adjusting the sight line strip: The sight line strip on your Steeltrak gives you a visual guide where the blade will pass. When using the V-grooving tool, remember it’s offset by about a centimetre to the left of the cut line. Adjust your measurements accordingly.
- Setting the production stops: The production stops on the left and right sides of the machine help ensure consistent cuts. Set the left production stop to account for the V-grooving tool’s offset and the desired width of your sign tray’s border. The right stop helps prevent side-to-side movement during cutting.
- Securing the material: Place your aluminium panel firmly against the squaring arm under the clamp to ensure stability during the grooving process.
Following these steps will set you up for a successful cutting process. The Keencut Steeltrak’s precision, combined with a careful setup, will contribute to creating a professional-grade sign tray that will enhance your business’s portfolio.
The cutting process
Now that your Keencut Steeltrak is all setup, it’s time to start the cutting process. This is where your sign tray begins to take shape.
Position the aluminium panel so that the line you need to cut aligns with the offset of the V-grooving tool. Remember, the tool cuts about a centimetre to the left of the sight line. Secure the panel firmly. hen you’re ready to cut, apply steady and even pressure on the handle. Cutting through aluminium composite panels requires more force than standard materials. Be mindful not to use excessive strength.
After each V-groove cut, you’ll notice a piece of the panel comes out. Carefully remove this excess material. Take care, as it can be sharp. Rotate your panel and repeat the V-grooving process on all four sides. Consistency is critical. Ensure each side is grooved at the same distance from the edge for a uniform look.
A consistent V-groove on all sides is essential for a neat and professional-looking sign tray. This process requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are worth it.
Marking and cutting the corners
Once you’ve V-grooved all four sides, the next step is to work on the corners of your sign tray. Measure and mark the corner cut line from the centre of each V-groove to the corner of the board. Use a ruler and marker pen to draw straight, precise lines. Ensure each corner is marked identically to maintain symmetry.
Now, take your compression shears – these are essential for cleanly cutting the rigid ACM. Align the shears with your marked line, and cut through the corner with a firm, controlled motion. Repeat this for all corners. Check that each cut is clean and that the corners are symmetrical. Cutting the corners accurately is crucial as these will form the edges of your sign tray. Take your time with this step to ensure precision – a well-cut corner leads to a neater, more professional finish.
By following these steps, you’ll transform a simple aluminium composite panel into a structured sign tray, ready for final assembly. It’s a process that might seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes a straightforward task that can significantly add to your business’s service offerings.
Assembling the sign tray
Once your corners are neatly cut, it’s time to bring your sign tray to life by assembling it. Carefully begin folding the sides of the tray along the V-grooved lines. These should bend smoothly, creating the walls of your sign tray. Take care to fold them evenly to maintain the shape and ensure a professional finish.
At each corner, apply a small amount of activator spray, followed by a thin layer of CA glue on the inner side of the flaps. The activator spray helps the glue cure quickly and firmly, securing the corners of your sign tray. After applying the glue, bring the corners together and hold them in place. Use clamps to keep them securely fixed as the glue cures. This ensures the corners are tight and well-aligned, essential for a sturdy and professional-looking sign tray.
Remember, patience is vital during assembly. Rushing this process can lead to misaligned corners or weak joints, which might compromise the quality of your finished product.
Finishing touches and decoration
Your sign tray is almost ready. It’s time to add those finishing flourishes to make it stand out.
Depending on your business or client’s brand, you can get creative with the decoration. This could include applying vinyl graphics, painting or even attaching 3D letters. Ensure the decoration aligns with the project’s overall branding and aesthetic. Consider using weather-resistant paints or finishes, especially if the sign tray will be displayed outdoors. This enhances the look and ensures that your sign tray withstands the elements and retains its appeal over time.
Do a final quality check before delivering the sign tray to your client. Look for any uneven edges, loose corners or imperfections in the finish. A thorough inspection ensures your sign tray looks professional and reflects your business’s high standards.
How can Creative Office Solutions help?
Creating a sign tray with a Keencut Steeltrak is more than just a cutting and assembling task; it’s an art. It allows you to provide a bespoke product that can significantly boost your business’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship. With every sign tray you create, you’re not just meeting a client’s needs but also showcasing the skills, creativity and attention to detail that set your business apart.
All these things are much easier if you’ve got access to a Keencut Steeltrak cutter. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to get yours.
