How Barber Poles, Road Signs, Neon Signs & More Are Made | How It's Made | Science Channel

Science Channel20 minutes read

Barber poles have a historical origin from early medical practices, while manufacturing involves intricate processes for neon, electronic, and traffic signs, using specialized techniques and materials for durability and aesthetics. Design possibilities are vast due to modern technology, allowing for customized and detailed creations to fulfill different requirements.

Insights

  • Barber poles originated from historical medical practices of barbers, symbolizing surgeries and bloodletting through red and white stripes twisted like bandages.
  • Manufacturing processes for neon signs involve shaping glass tubes with gas and mercury for illumination, while electronic signs utilize LEDs and matrix elements controlled by soldered connections, showcasing the diverse methods used in sign production.

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Recent questions

  • How are barber poles manufactured?

    Barber poles are made by rolling a printed liner onto a wooden mandrel, scoring the liner, and trimming red, white, and blue material. The company logo is riveted to a support frame, aluminum frame and castings are attached for rust-proofing, and a glass cylinder is sealed with caulking powder. Hand cleaning the glass, painting the caulking, adding a motor mechanism, and installing a light fixture complete the process.

  • What are neon signs made of?

    Neon signs consist of glass tubes filled with inert gas that glows when an electric current passes through. Different gases and glass colors produce various light hues. The glass tubes are shaped using a glass-blowing technique, filled with gas and mercury, sealed to create the desired color and brightness, then painted and mounted on a background with a transformer for illumination.

  • How are traffic signal poles constructed?

    Traffic signal poles are built from high-strength steel sheets, cut to size, bent into shape, welded, and galvanized for durability. Connection plates and base plates are added for stability. The manufacturing process involves cutting, bending, welding, and inspecting the poles to ensure they can withstand weather conditions and support traffic signals securely.

  • What materials are used for road signs?

    Road signs are made from highly reflective materials, involving computer-guided design, film stencils, polyester screens, aluminum panels, chemical treatments, reflective film lamination, silk screening, and curing in an oven. This process ensures visibility and durability on the road.

  • How are three-dimensional signs crafted?

    Three-dimensional signs are created from high-density polyurethane foam using specialized software, computer-controlled routers, various blades for effects, primer, polyurethane paint, gold leaf for lettering, and mounting on aluminum frames or backgrounds. This process allows for intricate and visually appealing signage for various purposes.

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Summary

00:00

Barber poles and neon signs manufacturing process.

  • Barber poles originated when barbers performed surgeries, tooth extractions, and bloodletting, with the red and white stripes possibly symbolizing bloody and clean bandages twisted together.
  • Only one company in North America manufactures barber poles, starting by rolling a printed liner onto a wooden mandrel, scoring the liner, and trimming the red, white, and blue material.
  • The company logo is riveted to a support frame, and aluminum frame and castings are attached, ensuring rust-proofing, followed by the installation of a glass cylinder sealed with caulking powder.
  • Hand cleaning the glass, painting the caulking, adding a motor mechanism, and installing a light fixture to illuminate the liner are crucial steps in completing the barber pole.
  • Neon signs are made of glass tubes filled with inert gas that glows when an electric current passes through, with different gases and glass colors producing various light hues.
  • Glass tubes are shaped using a glass-blowing technique, filled with gas and mercury, and sealed to create the desired color and brightness, then painted and mounted on a background with a transformer for illumination.
  • Electronic signs are created with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or tiny lights forming a matrix, with each element soldered and connected to controllers for displaying images.
  • Channel letters are three-dimensional signs made from acrylic, with colored vinyl applied, cut into letters, and attached to a back enclosure called the letter can, housing LED lights.
  • Traffic signal poles are constructed from high-strength steel sheets, cut to size, bent into shape, welded, and galvanized for durability, with connection plates and base plates added for stability.
  • The manufacturing process involves cutting, bending, welding, and inspecting the poles to ensure they can withstand weather conditions and support traffic signals securely.

23:15

"Sign Manufacturing: From Galvanized Poles to 3D Designs"

  • Poles are treated at a galvanizing plant through a series of wash tanks, sulfuric acid bath, chemical weakening, and molten zinc to create galvanized surfaces that can last over 40 years.
  • Road signs have evolved from simple markers to highly reflective ones, with the manufacturing process involving computer-guided design, film stencils, polyester screens, aluminum panels, chemical treatments, reflective film lamination, silk screening, and curing in an oven.
  • Three-dimensional signs are crafted from high-density polyurethane foam using specialized software, computer-controlled routers, various blades for effects, primer, polyurethane paint, gold leaf for lettering, and mounting on aluminum frames or backgrounds.
  • Signs can be made from a variety of materials based on indoor or outdoor use, incorporating 3D resin or fiberglass objects, with aluminum signs cut by computer-guided routers, primed, painted, and assembled with aluminum studs.
  • Design possibilities for signs are vast due to computer technology, allowing for intricate and customized creations to suit various needs and preferences.
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