In Sichuan, whether you are traveling on the elevated ring road in Chengdu or driving on the winding mountain highway in Aba, Ganzi, you will always see those upright traffic signs with reflected light. They are silent, but they are the key to guiding the direction and ensuring safety. These signs are often Eighty-nine years ago, they were all made of aluminum. Let’s not talk about it in vain, but let’s take a real look at it. What kind of knowledge and attention are involved in the local manufacturers of aluminum traffic signs in Sichuan? If you are considering doing this, or are simply curious, this article may be able to bring you some useful information.
First of all, we must understand why traffic signs prefer aluminum? To put it simply, "build it", Sichuan has a humid climate, the basin is foggy, the temperature difference in the mountainous area is large, and there is acid rain from time to time. The aluminum plate is good, naturally corrosion-resistant, not easy to rust, and with good surface treatment, it can last for many years regardless of wind, sun or rain. And it is light in weight. It is much lighter than steel plates of the same size. This can save a lot of trouble and cost for the support structure and installation, and it must be strong enough. Therefore, it uses high-strength aluminum alloy plates that meet national standards. Not just any aluminum skin can be used on the road.
Speaking of local manufacturers in Sichuan, the distribution is actually quite interesting. The Chengde-Mian Economic Circle has gathered many large-scale and advanced-equipped factories, which have obvious advantages.: They are close to the raw material supply chain and large logistics hubs. The technology is updated quickly and they can often handle batch orders for large-scale municipal projects and highway signage. The production lines of these factories are "high-end" at first glance, from large-scale CNC shearing and bending, to automated screen printing or more advanced digital printing, to spraying, laminating, and baking. It is a one-stop service with high efficiency and relatively stable quality control. If you have a large demand and require unified standards, it is more reliable to find this type of manufacturer.
But don’t think that’s the end. In some prefectures, prefectures, and even counties in Sichuan, there are still many “small but sophisticated” workshop-style manufacturers. They may not have such dazzling automation equipment, but the craftsmanship and experience of the masters are real, especially for the replacement of some special-shaped signs and old signs, or for the replacement of old signs. With on-site installation cooperation in mountainous areas with particularly complex industrial environments, the advantages of these small local factories come out - flexibility, down-to-earth knowledge, and fast service response. They have a better understanding of the actual conditions of local roads and installation difficulties, and can sometimes provide more "down-to-earth" solutions. Their production capacity and degree of standardization may be weaker.
When dealing with manufacturers, what should you look for? It is not enough to just look at the size of the factory building and the condition of the equipment. First, Qualification is the bottom line , Traffic signs are safety products and must have relevant production qualifications and test reports. This cannot be vague. The manufacturer must show a real certificate to see. Secondly, Look at the process details , does the thickness of the aluminum plate meet the standard? Which grade and brand of reflective film are used? (Big brands such as 3M and Avery are more expensive but have good durability.) Can the corners be polished smoothly without cutting your hands? Are riveted or welded joints solid and flat? These details are directly related to how many years the sign can be used and whether it lights up at night. Thirdly, Look at design capabilities , don’t think that signs are produced according to drawings. Good manufacturers will have designers who understand the national standard (GB 5768) and can help you review the drawings to avoid non-compliant designs. For example, there are strict regulations on the arrow direction, text size spacing, and color contrast on the sign. It is not a trivial matter to make a mistake.
Let’s talk about the production process, roughly: Design finalization → Cutting → Cleaning and degreasing → Base film treatment (such as polishing or chemical treatment) → Applying reflective film or spraying base color → Text and pattern printing or engraving and pasting → Surface protection treatment (such as covering with transparent protective film) → Inspection → Packaging and film application are key links. They must ensure no bubbles, no impurities, and no wrinkles. This greatly tests the patience and skills of workers. Now there are some new processes, such as direct digital printing with high-strength reflective film, which is suitable for complex patterns, but the cost has also gone up.
Finally, let’s talk about installation and maintenance. Reliable manufacturers will generally provide installation guidance or even contract installation. In Sichuan, the installation environment is complex, such as construction on a highway with existing traffic, or erecting signs on the edge of a cliff. Safety regulations and construction skills are particularly important. The foundation is not firm, the verticality of the columns, and the installation height of the signs. If the manufacturer can have a professional installation team or provide a detailed installation plan, it will definitely be a plus. As for maintenance, although aluminum signs are durable, they must be checked regularly to see if they have been knocked crooked, and whether the surface is peeled off or stained in large areas. Timely replacement can ensure safety.
When looking for an aluminum traffic sign manufacturer in Sichuan, there is no absolute "best", only the "most suitable". It must be comprehensively weighed according to your project budget, quantity, quality requirements, construction period and specific use environment. Large factories have their own specifications, while small factories have their flexibility. Go to a few more and see. Looking at their actual cases and chatting with their technical leaders is much more useful than simply comparing prices. This brand stands on the road and is related to the safety of thousands of households. In the final analysis, it is a heavy responsibility. I hope this knowledge can help you find that reliable partner.