Installing Gemini track on maxmetal

VHB tape. What thickness is the maxmetal? Will it be mounted to a stiff substrate?

 

No, VHB tape will not work. I tried three adhesive methods before giving up and going to mechanical fasteners. First was clear VHB tape and that lasted about a month, it also ended up collecting all the dust and dirt and made the tracks nasty. Second, I tried Weld-on which lasted another month. Also tried something else that I forgot. I think the mixing of materials (plastic and metal) made it tricky. I don't get a lot of requests for reader boards so my experience is limited. In the end I re-made the boards (because by this time the sign looked horrible being only 6 months old) and used mechanical fasteners and it's still going strong, that was 4 years ago.

 

I have used West System Six10 epoxy adhesive which comes in a cartridge so you can lay down a nice bead. It has an open time for it to dry so you can move a little before setting up. Once it hardens you are not going to move it. Draw pencil lines on the metal to make sure you get it straight. I used a thin bead and then laid the track on top of that pushing down lightly so it did not squeeze out on the sides. Last time I purchased it was about $20 for cartridge and applicator that screws on top. After you use some of it you can reseal it to use another time. Instructions for cleanup are on the cartridge. Also sanded just where the track was going to add to adhesion.

 

I used tiny machine screws on the front and nuts on the back. I put them every 4-6 inches. I think because I did them so tight I never had a problem with wavyness or separation. Visually you dont even notice them, they just look like tiny little dots. Guess you could paint them white if you really wanted them to blend in.

 

rivets.

 

gemini letter track is polycarbonate, so if you're using an adhesive then you have to pick one that bonds to that....
such as SciGrip 58.

 

SS screws. Built an 2" aluminum frame to match the thickness of the HDU carved sign above. I setup a jig on a my CNC for the routing oblong holes. Keep your screws a bit loose to allow movement of the tack. Works great, no dirt behind the tracks. Posts were painted a dk green in the spring.

 

Good touch with the oblong holes. I made mine oversize to account to expansion but yours looks great.

 

Thanks Tex, they definitely have been effective in expantion and contraction of the materials. By the way I neglected to say I pre-drilled the hole on the CNC & used SS coarse sheet metal screws.