The Let-R-Edge System does not follow the standard sign industry sheet metal model for channel letter fabrication. The system is tailored specifically for channel letter signs with polymeric faces and embodies a number of innovations for efficient production of this type of channel letter.

Innovative letter return material. While widely used today in letter fabrication, the application of aluminum coil to channel letter fabrication was a sign industry first when Channelume® was introduced by Heath Signs Northwest in the 1970’s. In addition to this innovation, the coil is machine roll formed into a patented configuration, making the lighter weight letter return Let-R-Ege® structurally equivalent to heavier gauge metals. This contributes to superior hand forming characteristics, one of the developer’s original goals.

The Company

Channelume/Let-R-Edge is a division of the J. L. Smith Company, Inc., a holding company with diverse financial interests in real estate and other businesses. James L. “Jim” Smith is founder and owner. Corporate and accounting offices are at 1320 North 16th Avenue, Suite A, Yakima, WA

Channelume/Let-R-Edge sales and manufacturing are conducted from 4206 Main, Suite A, Union Gap, WA. Jack Orrino, a journeyman Channelume System™ channel letter technician oversees production and training.

Company History 1970-2005

Under the leadership of owner Jim Smith, Heath Northwest Sign Company began a search in the 1960’s to develop an efficient production model explicit to plastic faced “channel style” letters. In an unprecedented departure from standard sign trade practice, that at the time utilized flat sheet metal, aluminum coil was introduced in combination with a means of attaching the face to the letter return to form the “channel.” This innovative feature would be an exclusive labor saving feature of Channelume® Let- R-Edge®. A distinctive moniker, Channelume® was applied to the newly patented product. Component certification by Underwriters Laboratories was obtained in 1974. Soon after, Channelume® was introduced to the sign industry at a National Electric Sign Association trade show. The new letter return system was embraced as an alternative to traditional handcrafted channel letter production trade practice.

Later in the 70’s, master sign maker and inventor Robert Minoque introduced Let-R-Edge®, a letter return material that was a modification of the Channelume® patent. Let-R-Edge® was acquired by the Blanchett family of Alberta, Canada and later owned by Tim Bennett and Valorie Squire Bennett. In 1987 Let-R-Edge® was purchased from the Bennett’s and merged the same year with Channelume® to form a new division of the J.L. Smith Company, Channelume/Let-R-Edge.

Under license from Lazer products Inc., in 2001 Channelume commenced marketing the Logixx Pattern Printer®, a software program for automating letter return layout. The patent and software code were purchased in 2003 by the J.L. Smith Company.

Manufactured Products

Letter Return Materials:Channelume® and Let-R-Edge®. Fabrication ready aluminum coil. Produced in coils of 100 and 200 feet and in widths of 3, 5 and 8 inches. (Export: Let-R-Edge® 30 and 60 meter coils, in 76mm, 127mm and 203mm widths).

System Tools: E-Z Bender™, Pneumatic Bending Tool; Lev-L-R™, Aluminum Coil Flattener Hand tool; Let-R-Pattern™ System Software and Printer; Starter Kit™, Selected System Hand Tools and Supplies; Letterback Attachment Devices

Supplies

Alumacorr™ Letterback Panels, IPS Weldon® Solvent Cements, Let-RMags ™ Industrial Magnicap Magnets, Butyrate Layout Tape, Channelcoat II, Fireproof Coating For Wood, and Let-R-Pattern™ Printer Tape

Global Sales & Service

Sold and serviced factory direct world-wide from Yakima, Washington through a network of distributors, importers and sign companies.

HEADQUARTERS:
Toll free in North America, 1-800-654-9247 or 509-452-9648 Fax 509-575-1478 info@letredge.com

CANADA:
Acme Neon & Plastic Sign Supplies, East West Plastic & Electric Products, EM Plastic & Electric Products Ltd.

GLOBAL:
Australia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Dubai U.A.E., Guam, India, Japan, Taiwan, Trinidad, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Panama, Philippines, Spain Channelume® and Let-R-Edge® are Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Recognized Components for use in Listed electric signs in North America. [Reference UL Sign Accessories Manual (SAM) for conditions of use.]

Associations

ISA – International Sign Association / SAC – Sign Association of Canada