The History of Neon Signs
The history of neon signage is filled with interesting facts and interesting stories. While most people associate neon signs with days gone by, they are a far cry from the early days of the medium. Moreover, the glowing glow they produce can't be compared to anything else. The following article explores the colorful history of neon signage. It is important to know what makes them glow in the dark and how they are manufactured. If you're a fan of this medium, it's worth reading this article.
The basic principles of neon sign manufacturing date back to the 1675 era, before the age of electricity. In this period, the French astronomer Jean Picard noticed a faint glow in a mercury barometer tube. Observers speculated that it was caused by the presence of barometric light, which is the same as sunlight. The discovery of static electricity led to the invention of many different types of lighting, including the neon sign.
While neon signs are extremely unique in their glow, their abilities are limited compared to modern signs. LEDs emit light in a narrow direction, thereby reducing the need for light-trapping reflectors. LEDs are one of the most energy-efficient light sources, using 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescent lighting. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US DOE), widespread use of LEDs will result in savings of up to $30 billion by 2027.
Neon signs are made of gas that can be switched and thus change colour. The gas is argon, which emits very weak light due to its reduced resistance. The use of argon is much more common in modern signage than that of neon. It can be used to enhance the interior design of a room while filling it with soft light. So what makes them so popular? They are an excellent way to add a pop of colour to your interiors!
The main component of a neon sign is the glass tube. This is a tube containing the gas. This tube contains an electrical current and glows in different colors. It is made of five parts: a glass tube, a bulb and a transformer. They are used to create custom lamps. The advantages of neon signs are endless and there is something for everyone! They're great for advertising, a business, or a nightclub.
The glass tubes that make up neon signs are made of soft lead glass. The glass tubes are bent to a variety of shapes, and can be 0.3 to one inch in diameter. The glass tubes can be up to 5 feet long, and can be bent or formed. The electrodes in the illuminated tubing are made from very pure iron. These electrodes are then enclosed in a glass tube, which contains a wick that holds liquid air inside.
The history of neon signs begins with scientific experiments. In 1856, Heinrich Geissler created the first light source with a low-pressure gas. In subsequent experiments, he showed that many gases could conduct an electric current, and many more could produce light. But common gases can't be used in a sealed tube, and their toxicity can pose a fire risk. However, a few other factors can make a neon sign a safer and more effective choice.
Electricity for neon signs is usually very low. They require a transformer, which steps up the voltage from 120 to fifteen thousand volts. While these signs may seem like a complicated technology, the basic science behind them is very simple. Essentially, a neon sign is a glass tube that contains electrodes and an inert gas. The tubes contain gases that make them glow, and the current is sent through them. The result is a brilliantly-coloured sign that attracts attention.
A neon sign is made of many different sections of glass tubing. Each section can be 8-10 feet long. This method requires two sets of tubes of the same length. The two ends are heated and fused together. Then, a vacuum pump is used to evacuate the tubes. The entire process is highly specialized and can take several days. It is possible to buy one of these signs in a store or shop. So, you can choose a neon sign that suits your preferences and budget.