Do you manufacture and/or distribute other traffic products?
Yes, we manufacture barricades and sign stands as well as distribute delineators, road marking tape, JS Foster AFA products, PVC posts, highway delineation markers, vests, hardhats and a host of other products.
Will you personalize an order with my name or logo on it?
Yes, we will certainly personalize your order with any graphic you desire, printed on the product.
Do your signs comply with all government specifications?
All of our uniform traffic signs adhere to the guidelines set out in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Canada (MUTCDC) as well they meet the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure specs (MOTI). Our safety signs follow the standards of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Workers Compensation Board (WCB).
What brand and types of reflective sheeting do you use?
We use 3M materials throughout our line of products. We carry Engineer Grade (EG), Work Zone Engineer Grade (WZ), Hi-Intensity (HI), and Diamond Grade types of reflective. For detailed info please see the 3M Transportation Safety site.
Do your signs carry a warranty?
Although most traffic signs we manufacture will last several years, only Hi-Intensity reflective sheeting or better include a warranty by 3M. For detailed info please see the 3M Transportation Safety site.
What types of materials do you manufacture signs from?
We manufacture signs from aluminum, plywood, banner, paper, cedar, steel and numerous plastics.
What grade of aluminum do you use and how is it prepared?
We use only .081″ 5052-H38 sign grade aluminum. All aluminum is etched and washed in an acid solution. This is absolutely necessary for proper adhesion of reflective sheeting, paint or powder-coating. 5052-H38 sign grade aluminum is specifically designed for sign use.
How much do signs weigh?
Aluminum weighs 1.13 lbs. per square foot or 5.7 kg per square metre. For example, a stop sign 24″ x 24″ (60 cm. x 60 cm.) weighs 4.52 lbs. or about 2 kg. A standard sheet of 4′ x 8′ plywood ½ inch thick weighs 45 lbs. or about 20 kg. A ¾ inch thick sheet weighs 65 lbs. or 30 kg.
What grades of plywood are used and how is it prepared?
We use MDO exterior grade plywood in ½”, 5/8″ and ¾”.
Do you sell posts, concrete bases and installation hardware?
We supply a complete line of approved posts and installation hardware.
How can I protect my signs from theft and vandalism?
We supply various anti-theft hardware as well as the 3M anti-graffiti film and anti-graffiti towels for graffiti removal.
Do you install your signs?
We will install signs locally and provide instructions for customers who are not local.
What types of signs do you make other than traffic signs?
As well as traffic signs, we manufacture: banners, real estate signs, decals, fleet graphics, architectural signs, trade show displays, screen printing, digital printing, point of purchase, safety signs, menus, sandwich boards, window graphics, site signs, magnetic, sandblasted, vehicle graphics, bus advertising and more.
What is an MOT-recognized supplier and why does it matter?
British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation has a set of standards which sign manufacturers are to follow when producing sign products. Tran Sign is the only BC MOT-recognized sign shop on Vancouver Island because we focus on meeting and exceeding these standards. In particular, these five areas are the standards of manufacturing followed by Tran Sign:
- Reflectivity: All products meet ASTM reflectivity standards using MOT-approved reflective sheeting.
- Substrate: We use two types of approved substrates for permanent use – aluminum and plywood. For temporary signs, aluminum composite can be used. All of these materials have specific thickness requirements which we meet or exceed.
- Colour: Colours conform to ASTM D4956 Standard for traffic control and are printed through 3M-approved RIP software with correct presets.
- Lamination: Matches manufacturer’s recommendations of application and warranty. Free of any cracks, holes and deformities in the laminate.
- Warranty: All products meet the warranty according to the ASTM grade, up to a 12-year warranty. All MOT signs have the manufacturer name, contact, warranty date and reflectivity grade level printed on the back of the sign.
Why does this matter? It matters because these standards have been set for a reason. Traffic signs meeting the MOT specification are designed to keep drivers safe. When a sign does not meet the MOT standard, it is considered unfit for road usage and you could potentially be held responsible for accidents which occur due to unfit signage.
What production methods do you use to produce signs?
We use silk screening, single colour to multi-colour, as well as digital printing and vinyl graphics.
How long does an order for a standard traffic sign take?
Generally we require three business days to ship your standard traffic sign.
How long does it take to receive a custom sign?
A custom sign requires one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the order.
Do you have an in-house design service?
Yes. Custom designs generally require 5 to 7 working days.
Will you supply a proof of the artwork before the sign is completed?
Yes. All custom work includes either a black and white or full colour rendering that can be sent via fax or e-mail.
Can you recreate my own designs or existing signage, and in what formats?
Yes, we will accept your digital file, printed artwork or existing sign and reproduce it to your specifications. Files can be sent in most formats (list available on request). Artwork can be sent to our art department at [email protected]. Contact us for info. Please contact Sales prior to sending artwork.
Can you match my specified colours?
Yes. We will match Pantone colours, paint chips, or any physical colour sample that you can bring to us.
Is there a maximum number of prints you can make with one screen and what formats?
We can print 1000’s of a single print with just one screen. Screen printing is most economical when used for medium to long print runs (50 to 1000+), but we often print short runs and single prints for far less than the cost of hand building or digitally printing a sign.
How big an image can you print? How small?
We can print an image as large as you wish on our 60 inch Solvent Inkjet, and Latex printers. Large graphics will have to be printed in multiple pieces and seamed together during installation. We can also print as small as 1″ x 1″, but do not recommend printing text smaller than 8 points.