Vacuum-Forming:
Taking a flat sheet of material and giving it dimension by placing it in a mold, heating it until pliable and them drawing the air out of the mold, creating a vacuum and forming material to the mold.
Value Engineering:
Assessing a sign based on the cost of its material, design, installation, and maintenance, with the goal of getting the best value for the money.
Variance:
A method by which a government body formally deviates from the terms of its sign or zoning code. Typically, obtaining a variance for a sign requires the applicant to show that it would not be contrary to the public interest or that a literal enforcement of the regulations would result in unnecessary and undue hardship (due to conditions peculiar to the property).
Vector:
In computerized sign making, a line segment between two coordinates, on which a knife or tool path can be created for plotting or routing.
Vectorization:
A function of the process of tracing around a bitmap image to create an outline comprised of line segments, or vectors.
VHB:
Tape produced by 3M. Very High Bond joining systems are applied between mated parts to eliminate the need for mechanical fasteners or welded attachments. This tape is available in many grades and thicknesses.
Video Wall:
Array of CRT monitors, plasma screens, etc., linked to display a single image or variety of images.
Vinyl:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film that, in sign making, is backed with an adhesive that creates a strong bond to a surface when pressure is applied. Many different integral colors are available with adhesives having different levels of aggressiveness (adhesion) for various applications from permanent to semi-permanent to temporary.
Vinyl Letters:
Letters cut from adhesive-backed material, in dozens of opaque, translucent, metallized, and transparent colors and patterns.
Viscosity:
The thickness or density of a paint or ink.
Visible:
Capable of being seen by the human eye. A sign may be visible without being readable or legible.
Vitreous:
Resembling glass, as in transparency, brittleness, hardness, glossiness etc.
