Glossary of Terms

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Nameplate: A small wall-mounted or freestanding sign that states the name, occupation and/or professional title of the occupant of an office, desk or building.
Negative space: The background of a sign or the space within the sign face that has no lettering or graphics. (Also called white space. See also positive space.)
Neon lamp: A lamp that utilizes electrically charged neon gas contained within a vacuum tube (typically clear) to generate light.
Neon sign: A sign that incorporates one or more neon lamps. The sign message is created by bending and forming the neon tubes into lettering and/or graphical shapes.
Neon tubing: Glass tubing filled with various gases and charged with electricity creating an illuminated tubular sign or decorative elements. Neon itself is a rare inert gas which, when an electric current is discharged through it, produces a reddish-orange glow. Other gases such as argon and mercury can be used, and will produce other colours. This term is also often used to describe a type of luminous tube sign, which may contain other inert gases. The coating and colour of the glass tubing will also dictate the colour of the illuminated tube.
Neoprene: A type of synthetic rubber with good chemical, flame, oil & abrasion oil resistance. It is used with quick setting, high-strength adhesives as a cushioning, gasketing, and weatherproofing material.
Nickel plating: A thin, protective finish made of nickel that is applied to a surface using an electrochemical process. It is commonly used as an undercoating for subsequent plating.
Notched: Channel letters that have been cut out in the back in order to fit over a raceway or other protruding object.
Nylon: A strong and durable synthetic material used in a wide range of fibers/fabrics, objects and coatings.