NQ 64 – Northern Quarter Bespoke Totem Sign

Breakdown of the fabrication process:

• Material Selection: The Astra team started by selecting premium materials for the signage. Aluminium sheets and block acrylic were chosen for their durability in outdoor environments.
• CNC Routing: We used a CNC router to precision-cut the selected aluminium sheets into pieces that would eventually form the trays. Additionally, the router was used to accurately reproduce NQ64’s branding elements, including their logo and text. This step was crucial in maintaining NQ64’s unique brand identity.
• Welding: The aluminium sheets were expertly welded together to form three-dimensional trays, adding depth and dimension to the signage.
• Powder Coating: To enhance durability and protect the signage from outdoor elements, each tray was meticulously spray-painted with a powder coating finish, which is known for its resilience.
• Curing: Following the painting process, the signage trays were cured in a specialised oven at high temperatures. This curing process ensures the longevity of the signage, even in poor weather conditions.
• Sloan RGB Integration: Astra Group’s skilled team then assembled block acrylic on the back of each tray and incorporated Sloan RGB modules into the inside of the trays. Adding Sloan RGB modules not only illuminates the signage but also contributes to its visual appeal, especially at night time. The integration of RGB technology offers clients the flexibility to adjust the illumination colour seasonally or select a custom hue that aligns seamlessly with their brand identity.
• Bespoke Neon Arrow: We included the creation of the tray for the bespoke arrow. To achieve this, the selected aluminium sheet was meticulously folded to its required shape. This shaped tray was designed to house the flexible neon and seamlessly fit the side of the main trays. To aid passersby in locating the retro arcade bar, a bespoke arrow was created using flexible LED neon. This element adds a unique touch to the signage, enhancing its visibility and guiding potential customers to NQ64’s Northern Quarter location.