NanoXplore office design

Discover the Art & Science Behind Corporate Office Branding

uMake.ca, a leading Canadian sign manufacturer, collaborated with Nanoxplore’s design team to create a sophisticated interior branding solution for their corporate office. Below, we outline the meticulous process of designing, manufacturing, and installing their custom signage, focusing on key details that elevate the final product.

Achieving a Matte Graphene Texture Finish
To replicate the unique matte graphene texture for Nanoxplore’s signage, uMake utilized 3/8-inch cast acrylic (not extruded) and CNC-machined the letter profiles with precision. A chamfer was added to the edges of the letters, followed by sandblasting to achieve a soft, matte black acrylic finish. This process ensures a refined, professional aesthetic that aligns with the brand’s vision.

Secure Installation Methods
Signs can be mounted to walls using various methods, including adhesive, double-sided adhesive tape, or mechanical fasteners. When opting for adhesive tape, it’s critical to consider the sign’s weight, the tape’s surface area, and its weight-bearing capacity per square inch. The wall’s surface finish also plays a vital role in ensuring strong adhesion.

For optimal results:
- **High-gloss surfaces** pair best with double-sided tape, provided the surface is thoroughly cleaned.
- **Non-flat surfaces** benefit from Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) tape, which compensates for minor surface irregularities.

Based on our expertise, 3M UHMW tape is ideal for uneven surfaces, while Tesa double-sided tape excels for bonding flat, glossy surfaces.

Printing Vibrant Colors on Acrylic
To achieve vivid, durable color on acrylic signage, uMake employs UV printing, a versatile CMYK digital printing process that supports white ink and varnish. For superior ink adhesion, extruded acrylic is preferred over cast acrylic. The slight transparency of UV ink makes it an excellent choice for illuminated signs, as it enhances LED backlighting, creating a striking visual effect.

For Nanoxplore’s illuminated logo, uMake incorporated an acrylic French cleat mounting system to minimize internal shadows and enhance ambient lighting, ensuring a seamless and professional appearance.

uMake.ca combines innovative techniques and premium materials to deliver exceptional corporate branding solutions tailored to your vision. For more information, visit [uMake.ca](https://umake.ca).