Channel letters offer advertising potential unmatched by any other type of signage. They can be seen from a distance, making it easy to find businesses on busy streets. These letters are created by bending metal or plastic using an Automatic Letter Bender Machine, either automatic or manual.
So, what type of channel letter bender will work best for your needs? This blog post will explore how each type of letter bending machine functions and help you find the right one.
What is an Automatic Letter Bender?
Automatic letter bender machine is designed to make bending letters easier. It can automatically bend trim cap letters, reverse, and handle the entire manufacturing process.
The channel letter bender can help you fabricate trimless channel letters seamlessly. Additionally, these channel letter benders utilize a telescopic bending system that ensures flawless results, particularly for small bend angles and sharp curves.
Automatic Letters Bender Machine Features
Accurate
An automatic letter bender machine provides an accurate and clean finish on your bends, eliminating human error. A computerized controller measures the bend angle and adjusts accordingly, eliminating any potential errors that may occur when done manually.
Versatile
They also come with preset levels, making them great for unique materials such as aluminum, copper, and steel. An automatic channel bending machine allows you to customize the shape with just one push button. Such versatility allows these to be used for straight lines, sharp angles, and curves. Additionally, it can also produce both small and large letters.
Easy to use & speeds up the process
Automated letter benders use an electric motor. This makes them easy to use and reduces the turnaround time on any project. The machine is excellent for working with curved pieces, such as those with rounded or sharp corners.
Moreover, the Benders have developed their software, which is updated regularly, ensuring that any language interface is easy to understand and follow.
Besides, auto letter benders require no setup or assembly, meaning they are ready to go as soon as you turn them on.
Productivity
Automatic letter bending machines offer high production rates due to their automatic cycle time and ease of use while operating the machine. This flexibility enables individuals with limited experience in product design (or those with limited free time) to complete high-quality work efficiently.
Disadvantages of the CNC Channel Letter Bending Machine
CNC channel letter bending machines also have an electrical cord that must be plugged into the wall for it to work. This can limit where you place your machine, depending on the availability of outlets.
In addition, automatic cnc channel letter bending machines require electricity to function. This means that people who plan to use these types of letter benders in remote locations will need a way to power them up, which can be challenging without access to an electrical outlet.
Automatic letter benders also require time to bend letters completely, as they need an electric current to run through them first.
What is A Manual Channel Bender?
As the name suggests, a manual channel bender primarily involves using manual tools to bend letters to achieve a desired end product. They are manually operated, requiring an individual to turn handles or crank levers. Manual letter bending is designed for hand-controlled work without the use of electricity.
Manual bending letters requires a lot more effort than automatic letter bending machines. However, unlike channel letter bending machines, manual letter bending allows you complete control over how far your piece bends.
Manual channel letter bender tools are designed for smaller projects or those who want more control over their bends. They are suitable for straight lines and sharp angles during the design phase, when you want to preview the finished product before putting it into production.
Unlike automatic letter bending machines, manual channel benders need no electricity, so they’re more portable than those requiring power cords. A manual channel bender can bend letters in remote areas or where electricity is unavailable.
Advantages of Manual Channel Bender
Manual letter bending tools are affordable and can be used on a smaller scale without worrying about their durability or size. Automatic letter bender channel machines tend to cost more than manual tools for bending because of their high capacity for commercial use.
Automatic Letter Bender VS Manual Channel Bender
With manual letter bending, you have complete control over every process. Depending on the bent material, you can conveniently adjust the bending as needed. Additionally, it will yield better results in certain situations compared to an automatic letter bender machine with preset levels for different materials.
Which is Better for You?
An automatic letter bender machine is better suited for commercial use because it can produce more letters in less time than a manual channel bender. You will save a significant amount of money and time, especially if you are conducting mass production or seeking increased efficiency.
Additionally, automatic letter bending machines offer improved accuracy and come with preset levels, making them ideal for unique materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.
On the other hand, a manual channel bender is best suited for smaller batches or hobbyists who want complete control over their bending process. Unlike automatic ones, manual letter bending requires extra force and effort, making it slightly more tedious.
Budget-wise, manual bending tools offer more competitive pricing options compared to automatic models.
Reasons to Buy An Automatic Letter Bender
Productivity.
Typically, an automatic channel letter bender bends in a day, which is what you would ordinarily bend in a week. Eliminating the need to bend channel letters manually leaves you free to focus on more challenging, revenue-producing tasks. Ideally, this translates to profitability. You will also reduce waste, which ultimately increases your bottom line. In addition, Section 179 of the US tax code practically allows you to deduct the full purchase price of business equipment if bought during a tax year, which is a good incentive to purchase an automatic letter bender and save on expenses.
Increasing Sales.
Increased sales and profits are often directly or indirectly linked to any purchase for business operations.
Consistency.
Channel letter bender software is programmed to produce the same letter in the same proportion every single time. Every letter produced is identical, whether it’s a single or mass production.
You Don’t Need Specialized Staff.
Operating a channel letter bender is a straightforward process that requires hiring additional staff specifically for letter bending. In addition, unlike human labor, you can constantly count on a channel letter bending machine to function without unnecessary limits and breaks.
It reduces Field Service Expenses.
A channel letter bender enables you to replace a weathered or damaged sign without having to make costly fits and measurements initially. The pre-programmed software has precise data to reproduce the letters without needing fresh measurements.
Things to Consider When Buying An Automatic Letter Bender
- Technical Support. Ensure you have access to free 24/7 knowledgeable technical support in case of any machine or software trouble.
- Quality. Not all letter benders are designed using the same material quality. Check if the machine is built on a bolt-together aluminum extrusion frame exposed to vibrating loose or a strong welded steel frame. The metal and electronic parts should also be of good quality.
- Warranty. Ensure your letter bending machine has a reasonable warranty in case of unforeseen future events.
- Ease of Use. Can you set up and operate the machine independently, or do you require on-site training to manage it effectively?
- Maintenance Needs. Check what is required to keep the machine functioning at all times. What are the potential mechanisms for part failures, loosening, and leaks? Does the letter bending machine need to be calibrated periodically? Moreover, are mechanical or software upgrades available over time, and for how long?
- Duration. Even with proper maintenance, a machine has its limits. Check with the manufacturer or supplier to determine the expected lifespan of different models and make an informed decision.
- Cost. Although purchasing a channel letter bending machine is a significant investment, it is essential to avoid overspending on your budget. Check the machine prices and any additional items that may incur extra costs later.
Summary
An automatic letter bender machine is a better investment than the manual channel bender option. It is a good investment if you plan on producing letters on a large scale. Additionally, an automatic channel letter bender is a more accurate and consistent option, unlike the manual alternative, whose productivity is often influenced by human error.
With luck and due diligence, you should quickly find a reputable manufacturer and supplier of high-quality, industrial-grade channel letter benders for your commercial needs.
Varisigns is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality automatic channel letter benders. In addition, Varisigns automatic letter benders feature top-of-the-line functional features that make your letter bending experience highly productive.
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FAQs
1. What materials can I use with an automatic letter bender?
You can use various materials, including aluminum, steel, and copper.
2. Are automatic letter benders easy to operate?
Absolutely! They come with user-friendly software that simplifies the setup and operation process.
3. Can I use a manual channel bender for large projects?
While you can, remember that manual bending is often slower and may require more effort than automatic options.
4. How much does an automatic letter bender cost?
Prices vary widely based on features and capabilities but generally represent a higher investment than manual benders.
5. What kind of maintenance does an automatic letter bender require?
Regular checks on mechanical parts and software upgrades may be necessary for preventive maintenance.
