Creating custom metal signs is our favorite thing to do at Sunriver Metal Works. Here’s a brief look at the process we go through to create them!
Contact us!
Most of our custom requests come to us through our Contact forms on our website. We just need basic information from you to provide an estimate – an idea of dimensions you are looking for, the SMW# of a product you’ve seen that you like, a jpeg image that you’d like to use. You can just give us an idea of what you’d like to do – like combine a picture of a barn with a favorite tractor. And, of course, we need to know how to get a hold of you and the time frames you are working with. In this example, Brett was looking for a memorial for 3 family bunnies.
Custom metal signs and images
If you don’t have an image to use, we search and send you some to see what might work. With the lop eared “Bunnies”, Mike came up with a few images that Brett liked.
Creating the prototype
Once we have the images, we use computer software to create black and white images. We use a variety of methods to create lettering and borders. Combining bitmap images, lettering, and background creates a vectored file. And the vectored file translates into a cuttable image on our CNC plasma machine.
Hangers, Patinas and Finishes
Once cut and ground, welding extras on the sign occurs. These extras include stake pockets for garden stakes, hangers, or rivets for hats, keys, or leashes. Once ground, patinas applied to the steel create the unique stain. The clear coat then finishes the piece so it can be used inside or out. The bunnies memorial has stake pockets on the back for re-bar stakes.
Shipping
Finally, the finished piece is ready to go. Because the custom pieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, we make many of our boxes. Items are shipped via the least expensive transport. It seems that for orders that are on the west coast, USPS is the choice. Usually, we use FedEx for shipping.
A sweet memorial for three sweet bunny rabbits!
More to come!
Look for future posts on each step of the process. We also plan to add some videos to the website to show each process, so you can understand how your custom piece will be created.
Stay tuned!