Acrylic backers sit behind the openings in a fret-cut face. Keep them on the material list alongside the face and any backing tray. Their size and material choice need to suit the artwork and the way the sign will be assembled.
Be clear about which backing you mean.
An acrylic backer behind the lettering is a different part from an ACM backing tray. List each separately so the supplier and workshop know what is needed. The app’s 3D letter previews show appearance; they are not production cutting files for built-up letters.
Confirm which openings the acrylic must cover and how it will be supported and fixed. Check the space available behind the face, including any backing, joins and lighting. Use the checked drawings and a physical fit check for the actual construction.
Check the actual acrylic sheet plan.
In Sheet layouts, open Acrylic sheets and inspect every part and sheet. Check the stock dimensions and quantity against the material you can buy. A part count is not the same as a sheet count.
The café example is an unlit sign. It has no LED parts or backing tray, so it does not show the full material list for an illuminated sign.
Watch the sheet-layout recordingKeep acrylic separate from ACM.
The same example needs one ACM face sheet and one acrylic sheet. The combined order is two sheets of different stock. Its quantities cover one sign with no spares; a different job, quantity or sheet size needs its own reviewed layout.
Record the acrylic product or grade, colour, thickness, sheet dimensions and quantity. Ask your supplier to confirm that the chosen material suits the intended appearance, cutting process and installation. For an illuminated face, agree the acrylic and LED combination before buying both.
Ask for the exact opal or translucent grade and its light transmission. White or opal alone is not a complete specification. The maker’s information, such as PERSPEX opal and white grades, helps you check the differences.
Agree the material and fitting details.
- Confirm the colour and appearance required behind the artwork.
- Check the backer dimensions, overlap, support and fixing method.
- Confirm the exact thickness and available sheet size.
- Include every part, the job quantity and any agreed spares.
- State whether you want full sheets or cut parts, and who will prepare them.
Keep the agreed specification with the job. After any artwork or construction change, review the parts and sheet count again before ordering. When preparing cutting files, check scale, orientation and machining details in your CAM software before manufacture.
Help with acrylic, backing and sheet layouts