Ascent Equipment revolutionized the trim cap with the introduction of its TMB3 machine.
The TMB3 is the only machine in the industry that takes a flat aluminum coil and converts it directly into aluminum trim — forming it into the shape of any letter.
See it in action
Why Aluminum Trim Is Better Than Plastic
Aluminum trim offers decisive advantages over traditional plastic trim caps:
- Will not fade, crack, or distort over time
- Significantly reduces labor — no more manually forming plastic trim by hand
- Lower cost per foot — aluminum coil is approximately 25% cheaper than plastic trim
- Faster assembly — customers save time on every job
- Available in a wide variety of colors, including stock White, Black, and Red
- Comes with a PVC strip built in — use the same standard adhesive as plastic trim
The Problem with Plastic Trim Caps
Trim caps gained widespread adoption for illuminated channel letters during the 1970s and early 1980s, coinciding with the rise of acrylic-faced channel letters. But plastic has well-known, long-standing problems:
1. UV Degradation
The most common issue with plastic trim:
- Plastic becomes brittle after years of sun exposure
- Colors fade or chalk
- Trim caps crack and break
- Deterioration accelerates in southern climates
2. Shrinkage and Warping
- Repeated heating and cooling cycles cause distortion
- Corners pull away from the face
- Wavy edges develop on large letters
3. Water Intrusion
- A poorly fitted trim cap channels water directly into the letter body
4. Appearance Issues
- A visible trim border makes letters look less modern
- Gaps between the trim cap and return are noticeable
- Painted trim caps peel after years outdoors
- Seams where cap ends meet can appear messy
5. Large Letter Limitations
Very large letters (typically over 48") may require fabricated retainers because plastic trim caps fail under wind loading and thermal expansion.
6. Fabrication Hassles
- Manual labor: Wrapping tight corners requires tedious heating and stretching
- Limited lifespan: Signs often need service within 3 to 7 years
What the Ascent TMB3 Does
The TMB3 is a full-featured CNC bending machine that handles both trim and side return work:
- Converts flat aluminum coil to aluminum trim and shapes the letter
- Makes the flanging on the channel letter side return from 0.040" aluminum coil
- Produces channel letter side returns (with or without flanging) ready for welding
- Processes all standard plastic trims — 3/4" and 1" trim cap
- 360° cutter for accurate notch position, front and back
- Custom colors available for national programs
The aluminum coil comes with a PVC strip pre-applied, so standard adhesive (the same used for plastic trim) works without modification.
Pricing and ROI
The price per foot for aluminum coils is lower than traditional plastic trim. Add in the labor savings from automated forming versus manual plastic trim work, and the TMB3 pays for itself quickly — especially for shops producing volume channel letters.
"The Art of Channel Letters Through Precision Automation" ™
Ascent Equipment ascentequipment.com/ascent-bending-and-trim-machine/ Tel: 647-494-7800 Extension 1008 Email: dov@ascentGE.com
