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advice please -joining perspex on a light box

Posted by Hugh Potter on 17 February 2016 at 13:43

Hi all,
what’s the best way to joint two opal perspex panels on a led backlit facia? I’ve had some in before which came routered so they overlap/lock together but they left a dark line where the light shone through. on this particular sign it will be a royal blue front so some light will still get through (unless I back it with black and releive the lettering) but as I’m looking to buy the panel and cut myself, I’m looking for ideas on the best way to make the join.. the join will be between words so as to avoid the dark line in the light lettering.

sounds a silly question but ..!!

cheers,
Hugh

Robert Lambie replied 9 years, 10 months ago 5 Members · 9 Replies
9 Replies

Kevin Flowers

Member
17 February 2016 at 13:59

Hugh
Rebated 50/50 with Panalocks, darkness comes when an extra piece of acrylic is added to one of the panels. Panalocks fit along the top edge with the hanging strip

Kev
Hugh Potter

Member
17 February 2016 at 15:18

Hi Kev,
Do I need to use a hanging strip? I’ve not looked inside this old lightbox yet so I’m unsure if it has one or not,

Do you know where I can look for the panalocks?

regards,
Hugh
Kevin Flowers

Member
17 February 2016 at 20:48

Hugh
hanging strip stops the panel from bowing under its own weight & helps as a retainer in high winds etc. Remember to give the panel breathing room i think i used to do 25mm smaller than the frame size but does depend on the frame being used.
Panalocks, most sign panel suppliers or plastic supplier, think mine originally came from either Robert Horne or Amari. They come in big bags so may be better to try and buy a couple off another signmaker who does more panel work altough they are not mega expensive. If you use panalocks then you will need a hanging strip anyway

Kev
Kevin Flowers

Member
17 February 2016 at 20:57

Hugh
don’t know if these are still available was a SMP product don’t know if Ashby started selling them once the purcashed SMP someone else might know.

Kev

Attachments:
Martin Pearson

Member
18 February 2016 at 11:17

Universal use to sell them but haven’t bought any for years so don’t know if they still do.
Hugh Potter

Member
18 February 2016 at 12:55

thanks gent’s, I’ll look into the suggestions.

Hugh
NeilRoss

Member
19 February 2016 at 19:40

I have some lying around if you’re stuck, Hugh.
Hugh Potter

Member
20 February 2016 at 12:47

thanks Neil,
Think I’ll be ok as I’ve now just asked for a price from a trade manufacturer to include all bits!

I’ll keep you in mind though.
Hugh
Robert Lambie

Member
23 February 2016 at 06:09

quote Kevin Flowers:

Hugh
don’t know if these are still available was a SMP product don’t know if Ashby started selling them once the purcashed SMP someone else might know.

Kev

Did Ashby not buy SMP out along with all these types of bits and pieces Kev?
May be able to get hold of them via Ashby Trade Supplies Hugh.