Ever since neon technology was invented in the early 1900’s, neon tube manufacture has been a key process to the production of high and low level neon signs. From the multi coloured glitz of Times Square and the Las Vegas strip to the highest sky signs on the tops of buildings in cities worldwide, neon signs have commanded pride of place. A real historical symbol of a ‘good sign’.Neon signs have therefore done an admirable job for the sign industry and its customers for over 100 years but, as the saying goes, nothing lasts forever.
Although there is still a place for neon technology in the industry, it has been diminishing at a remarkable rate over the last 10 years or so and it is now very difficult to promote the virtues of neon signs over LED technology in most circumstances.
Change drivers such as manufacturing cost, installation cost, energy costs, safety and other environmental considerations have forced neon signs out and LED signs in.
Nevertheless, we are sure that illuminated signs will still be referred to as ‘neon signs’ for many years to come because this enduring technology will remain entrenched in the terminology used by those that know no better, as it should be.
