The first commercial neon tubing was demonstrated by George Claude in 1910 at Grand Palais in Paris, France. Since then, neon tubing has become a popular light source because of the range of colors and striking brilliance that incandescent or fluorescent lights cannot offer.
PATTERN
A pattern is generated and used as a
template to form the neon tube.
BENDING
The tube is heated over a flame until pliable.
FORMING
The heated tube is placed on the
pattern to fit the desired shape.
ADDING ELECTRODES
The neon tube ends are capped with electrodes.
This is the point of the electrical connection for the tube.
BOMBARDING
The tube is heated to burn out impurities, then all
air is removed to create a vacuum.
INTRODUCING GAS
Neon or mercury vapor gas is introduced
into the tube and is sealed inside.
COMPLETED TUBE
The tube is ready for use.
Neon Tubing Applications
Neon tubing is a very simple device. It consists of a vacuum-tight glass tube fitted at each end with a glass-encased metal terminal called an electrode. Inside the tube is a small amount of gas. The gas is either neon that has a red arc when lit or mercury vapor gas which lights with a blue arc. Some tubing has a powder inside called a phosphor. The different types of phosphors give each tube a different color when lit. Filling the same phosphor colored tube with either red or blue gas will create a different color. Example: a yellow phosphored tube filled with blue gas lights up yellow. When it is filled with red gas, it lights up orange. Neon tubing is available in the full spectrum of colors from which to choose.
Connected to the electrodes is the high-voltage electrical power source and, when energized, the tube glows with a steady, piercing light.
Neon can be used for many applications ranging from electric signs to architectural lighting accents. Neon tube is the standard light source for individual lighted letters that are very popular as store front signs.
Neon is often used in creating hanging window displays or exterior border accents. Border tubing installed on buildings compliments and draws attention to the business. It can be flashed or used as animation to call attention to an image. Designers often use neon as recessed or "halo" lighting to create a more subdued effect.
Neon is a brilliant light source that enhances the visual impact of any display.
Ask your Garrett Sign Company project manager to demonstrate the neon color choices we can provide.
