fixing a panel to steel frame

[2 see signz]

Drove past a few signs today that are composite panel fixed to a 2" box steel frame, i can see that theres no fold on the edges or screws , how would this be fixed to it?
vhb tape and epoxy?

 

[CanuckSigns]

depends, i try to always use some type of mechanical fastner, I learned my lesson the hard way!

it may use some type of cleat on the back, or possibly a shallow pan around the sign face with small screws along the returns? without a pic it's hard to say.

 

[Moze]

Drove past a few signs today that are composite panel fixed to a 2" box steel frame, i can see that theres no fold on the edges or screws , how would this be fixed to it?
vhb tape and epoxy?

One of the most common ways is to VHB-tape aluminum angle to the ACM panels. The angle can be drilled or through-bolted to the sign frame. It's also not uncommon to build slip-over cabinets that simply slip over the sign frame and don't require actual fasteners (depending on the design, of course).

 

[Mosh]

VHB or counter sunk rivet or screw. I counter sink rivets then bondo, just like doing auto body work. use a bevet bit. Make for a clean look.

 

[2 see signz]

ill drop past tonight and take a pic. from what i could see, there was no evidence of fixings, and being double sided, surely tape on its own would not be standard practice.
its a full laminated print on alucabond (composite aluminum) so i dont think they would of used bondo on this one.

 

[Billct2]

probably VHB or Glue or both

 

[J Hill Designs]

they could have screwed/bondoed before putting on the print...

but yeah. epoxy and/or vhb

 

[2 see signz]

heres two pics i took

would epoxy be that strong to rely on?

 

[MikePro]

VHB tape. I wouldn't bother with the epoxy.

 

[TwoNine]

That's VHB IMO. The space between the post and the panel is equal (and similar thickness to VHB) on both sides and all the way up and down as far as I can tell. With epoxy or adhesives you'd probably see some variation in thickness and probably a little that came out when pressing the panels (even if it was wiped up - you'd see it right at the edge of the post and panel.)

 

[Moze]

VHB...that's all that would be required and what is typically used for signs like that.

 

[Mosh]

VHB tape for sure. I was at a trade show and the 3M rep had two peices of aluminum held together with VHB. He put them in a vice and cranked on them. The aluminum broke but the joint held with the VHB stayed together. Try and remove some and you will be a believer!!!!

Just let it set up 24 hours and it is there for good!