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Why Corian®?
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| Innovative Design Support R.D. Wing Co., Inc. employs creative design and fabrication professionals that can assist in questions ranging from how to integrate Backlight Images™ into your design plans, to proper installation techniques and alternative lighting methods. Our employees come from vastly different backgrounds. Each person contributes to the greater pool of knowledge which can be drawn upon to assist our customer’s needs. It is because of this that we are told time and again that we are truly an “outside the box” kind of company. We consider ourselves “Solution Providers” when working with Architects, Designers, and Engineers. This is the innovative design support difference from R.D. Wing Co., Inc. |
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Framing and Borders
All of our Backlight Images™ are framed, or made with a border. For example, the overall finished size of the piece of Corian® is 36” x 36”, we call this the Blank. The actual 3-D portion of the image will be within that piece which is called the Image size. Typically on a Backlight Image™ that large, we would put a 1.5” border all the way around. This would make the Image size 33” x 33”. The smallest amount of border allowable on any size image is 1/4”. The pictures show the difference between the Image and the Border. The Blank size is the total size of the Image and Border together.
Depending on design and installation, we have the capabilities to manufacture Backlight Images™ borderless to allow an image to flow from one panel to the next. This requires additional techniques and cannot be performed in every application.
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Nearly any geometric shape can be used for Backlight Images™. The Blank can be one shape and the Image size can be another. For example, an oval image in a rectangle (on the right), a diamond within a square, a circle within a star, etc.
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Sizes
Blank sizes range from as small as 8" x 10" to as large as 5' x 10'. Both application and original graphics can be a determining factor of how large an image can be produced.
Structural Support |
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All of our Backlight Images™ are backed with clear acrylic ranging from 1/16" thick to 1/2" thick depending on the size and specific image. The acrylic backer is applied to the image using UV stable, clear VHB tape. This tape attaches to the image behind the border section in the image. This reduces the chance for the clear VHB tape to transfer any shadow through the Backlight Image™. In most cases, it is impossible to know there is an acrylic backer on the image because the tape and acrylic give no shadowing through the image. Some larger images may require an aluminum or steel tube frame around the border for reinforcement and installation purposes. |
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Extraordinary Fabrication
Our Backlight Images™ are so unique people are always asking what it takes to get one made. Backlight Images™ are a 3-Dimensional representation of a 2-Dimensional photograph or vector image. The way the process works is pretty simple:
- We receive a photograph or vector image from a customer that meets the minimum digital or printed requirements (found under “Technical Specifications”).
- If not in a digital format, we scan the photo or vector art to create a digital file.
- The digital file is run through some filter programs and outputted to a technician who then reviews the file for potential problems.
- Now for the fun part, using the digital file, a Backlight Image ™ is achieved by creating a specific controlled relief into the surface of translucent ¼” DuPont™ Corian® utilizing a patented method. Our objective is to attain the greatest variation of grayscale contrast between light and dark to develop crystal clear 3-Dimensional images.
- Once completed, the image can be installed with a rear light source and viewed.
- The imaging is achieved through a variation of greyscale. Through our patented relief process we capture all 256 shades of grey to fully represent the image.
An example of the process can be illustrated in an actual project we worked on for Aveda Serenity Lifestyle Salon. The pictures show the original artwork, the finished 3-Dimensional relief before any lighting is added, and finally the installed and properly illuminated image.
Original artwork
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Unlit Backlight Image™ |
Lit Backlight Image™ |
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Additional Fabrication Options
Thermoforming: This is the additional process of heating up the flat 3-D relief image to a pliable state and, using a form, bending it into a desired position. Once cooled, the ¼” thick Corian® will be frozen in the newly formed shape with the 3-D relief on the surface. Thermoforming is widely used when a Backlight Image™ has to form to a certain shape. Examples would be: pillar covers (below left), lighting sconces (below right), matching curved walls, etc. In most cases, the addition of an acrylic backer can also be thermoformed to match the desired shape. Additional methods of programming for the image may be required to prevent distortion of final thermoformed image
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Colorizing: This is the additional process of adding colored studio film gel to the back side of the 3-D relieved image. When illuminated, the studio film will transfer its color through the semi-transparent Corian® to create a colorized Backlight Image™. Typically colorizing is used to accent one main part of the image and not used to create a full color image. Examples would be: Colorizing Spiderman and not all of his surroundings, The Saturn® Corporation logo, and the Zaxby’s logo. The colorized studio film is applied directly to the back of the Corian® before the acrylic backer is installed. This insures that the studio film is firmly in place and cannot be touched or moved.
Lit Colorized Backlight Image™ |
Unlit Colorized Backlight Image™ |
Original Artwork |
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Lit Colorized Backlight Image™ |
Unlit Colorized Backlight Image™ |
