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Fabricate
To manufacture a sign or major sign components from raw materials or parts.
Facade
To architects, this usually means the front or the most prominent "face" of
a building. In the sign industry, its meaning extends to any area of a building
where a sign may be installed effectively.
Face
(1) The decorated surface of a sign the area on which the copy
and art is placed.
(2) Traditionally the printed surface of any type character. It now means
the group or family to which a particular type of design belongs. (See also
Typeface).
Fair Market Approach
One of three appraisal approaches. The highest price at which a property could
be sold given a reasonable exposure period in the market. The price is arrived
at by a willing seller and willing buyer, neither being under duress to
act.
Fascia sign
A sign which is fixed on vertical surfaces such as a wall. It will not normally
have a significant projection from that wall. It is intended to be viewed
from a position opposite to the mounting surface.
Fasteners
Items that help hold a sign together and/or in position, including nuts and
bolts.
Feature joints
A joint in metal or plastic panels which may be recessed. Sometimes referred
to as an expressed joint or shadow joint or gap.
Fibre optic sign
A sign in which light is transmitted through optical fibres, the ends of the
fibres being arranged to form either the dots of a matrix sign or the outline
of a message.
Filament lamp sign
A power illuminated sign that uses tungsten filament lamps.
File format
The way in which a program saves data to work with others using different
applications.
Fill Pressure
The pressure of inert gas that is put in a neon lamp after processing.
Finger post sign
A post mounted sign that functions as a direction sign and has one or more
sign planks that point in the general direction of the destinations.
Fireman switch
Part of the statutory requirements for the installations of electrical signs.
First Surface
The most external surface of a sign face; the surface most exposed to the
elements.
Flange
A frame for the sign or letter face. This usually consists of a thin strip
of metal, attached at 90° the return of the sign and is designed to
retain the plastic face.
Flasher
A device for switching one or more lamp circuits on and off. Although flashers
may be constructed to provide any animation sequence, certain popular sequences
are available. These include flashers to provide border chasing and spelling
effects.
Flashing sequence
The order in which the contacts (or semiconductor switches) of a flasher are
operated and the time intervals between their operation.
Flat face(d) letter
A non-illuminated individual letter or character, normally constructed from
metal, with a flat front and perpendicular returns. [Click here to view
example]
Flex Face
A sign face made of a flexible vinyl material reinforced with a fabric and
then stretched over a frame.
Flexible face material
Thin translucent sheeting, usually of PVC or polyester material, reinforced
by internal fibres, which may be used as a sign face and decorated by a
legend. The material has the advantage of being able to cover large areas
in one piece.
Fluorescent
Having the quality of appearing to take in radiation and send it back out
as visible light. Refers to the appeared on some specialty colors of paint,
vinyl or screen printing ink.
Fluorescent lamp or tube
A type of lamp in which the light is produced by the fluorescence of a phosphor
coating in the tube. In a fluorescent lamp, the tube is coated with phosphors
and then filled with a mix of argon gas and mercury. When electrical current
passes between the electrodes, the gas mixture emits ultra-violet (UV) light.
The UV is absorbed by the phosphors, which then radiate the energy as visible
light. A starter ballast help regulate the current and voltage necessary
to ionize the gases in the tube. Fluorescent lamps are more efficient than
incandescent bulbs and are a popular source of illumination for many signs.
Fluorescent tube sign
An illuminated sign that uses tubular fluorescent lamps.
Flush
A way of arranging lines of copy in which they are aligned perpendicular to
the right (flush right) or left (flush left) margins or with both (full
flush) margins. Also known as justification.
Flashing Sign
A sign with an intermittent or flashing light source. Generally, the sign's
message is constantly repeated, and the sign is most often used as a primary
attention-getting device. Government highway departments frequently use
flashing signs to improve highway safety.
Flat Cutout Letter
A dimensional letter cut from sheet or plate stock.
Foam board
A type of lightweight, rigid board used for interior signs. Foam boards consist
of a foam center sheet laminated on one or both sides by a variety of substrates.
Font
A set of letters, numerals, and shapes, which conform to a specific set of
design criteria. Refers
to the style of a particular typeface designed of letters, numbers and symbols,
such as Helvetica Bold or Times Roman. Until the development of the computer
and scaleable fonts, references to fonts also included the size, such as
10 point.
Footing
The projecting base of a sign pole or pylon, including the portion that is
buried in the ground.
Footing or Foundation
The concrete substructure of a ground-mounted sign. When of cube shape, it
is referred to as a block foundation. When round or tube-shaped, it`s called
a caisson.
Formed
Refers to a plastic face or letter that has been heated and shaped to give
it dimension.
Freehand
To draw without the use of measurements or instruments.
Freestanding Sign
A sign that is not attached to a building.
Frequency
The average number of times an individual has the opportunity to see an advertising
message during a defined period of time. Typically measured over a four-week
period.
Front Lighted Letter
An illuminated channel letter with translucent face.
Full Service Sign Companies
Sign companies that complete the entire signage project, including surveying,
designing, engineering, permitting, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining
signs.
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