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Behrends Group specializes in creating elegant and tasteful bronze grave markers for a number of different grave sites. From bronze veteran grave markers to flat bronze grave markers and headstones, we can cater to any and all tastes and design preferences. We make sure that each piece we make tastefully and respectfully pays homage to the life of your loved ones. It is important that our clients feel their loved ones are accurately represented and respected by the memorial we create. No matter what, you can rely on the professionals at Behrends Group to provide you with a bronze grave marker that stands up to the elements, while honourably remembering those who have passed on.
All of our bronze grave markers are fully customizable, so you can be sure that the memories you cherish are tastefully memorialized. We offer a number of designs and features for each bronze grave marker that will help you create a personalized memorial stone that is truly representative of the life and memory of your lost loved one. Combine your bronze marker with any number of quality flat stones or headstones that are expertly cut and polished to your exact specifications. Our memorial stones and bronze grave markers are designed to last forever, so you can rest assured that your loved one’s gravesite will be remembered and respected for years to come.
As a material, bronze is one of the most resilient and durable metals available for use as a grave marker. Bronze is an alloy which consists of copper and tin, with some trace amounts of zinc and lead. This combination creates a solid, long-lasting marker that is extremely easy to clean and maintain over the years. There are many examples of bronze grave markers that have lasted for decades, which is why their popularity continues to grow among a number of different people. Combined with a granite or concrete stone, bronze grave markers are the ideal way to memorialize an individual in an elegant and time-honoured manner.
At Behrends Group, we have numerous customization options for our bronze grave markers that can cater to the requirements of virtually any grave site. We offer a range of sizes and styles for our bronze grave markers, and we are familiar with the traditional standards for veteran’s grave sites. Our bronze grave markers can be enhanced with raised designs and each plaque is hand finished and given a protective coating to ensure its continued durability in the face of all the outdoor elements Canada has to offer.
As mentioned above, we are familiar with the many standards of grave designs for numerous individuals. We are ready to offer any number of design options that are specific to the following types of bronze grave markers:
The grieving process is often difficult for people, which is why we make sure to provide design options that make it easy to create a grave marker that accurately honours the achievements and positive memories from a person’s life. With the knowledge that your loved one will be honoured and memorialized with a bronze grave marker that receives our staff’s full attention and care, we hope that our clients can feel confident that their loved one’s memory is in good hands.
The creation process of each bronze grave marker represents our staff’s dedication and strong attention to detail. Each marker is created using bronze alloy which is melted at heats of over 2000 degrees, and poured into a sand mold. Once the alloy has cooled, we begin the process known as chasing. This consists of removing any imperfections, no matter how minor, by grinding the surface until the desired texture and definition has been achieved. We then move to the finishing process where several coats of oxidized paint is applied that helps reveal the beautiful natural bronze colouring of the grave marker. This process gives the marker a notable contrast between the raised letters and the darker metal background of the marker.
We then apply a lacquer coating to seal the metal. Once this is complete, we verify that all of the specifications and unique features of the grave marker are accurately represented before we attach the metal to the desired stone base. The end result is a quality grave marker that is built to stand up to the test of time. We ensure that each grave marker that we create meets or exceeds the highest industry standards, so customers can rest assured that they are getting only the very best that we have to offer at Behrends Group.
For more information about our bronze grave markers, or any other memorial plaques, signs and metal casting options, be sure to contact the friendly staff at Behrends today. We will make sure to take all of your specific requirements and desires into account, so you receive the exact item you envision. We look forward to making your vision a reality that is made to last a lifetime. Contact Behrends Group today to get started.
Today, grave markers are one of the most important parts of the grieving process and is a method of remembrance that involves beautiful, customized signage to pay homage to the life of our loved ones who have passed on. Conscious or not, memorial signage is a crucial method of preserving social memory and passing on history to coming generations. Personalized grave markers from Behrends Group stand the test of time and all the elements. We do:
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]]>Acrylic is a term often used in the same way as “plastic” and is a material derived from polymers of acrylic acid and its derivatives. For all intents and purposes, it is synonymous with plastic. At Behrends, we manufacture signs and plaques in the acrylic medium for a wide variety of purposes including wayfinding systems, interior office signage, recognition plaques and much more. It is infinitely adaptable and looks ultra-modern when combined with cast metal, giving a polished professional look to any interior signage project.
Aluminum is a metal with a variety of finished looks from mirror polished or textured to vertical brushed. Increasing in popularity due to its resemblance to stainless steel, aluminum casting is cost-effective and versatile. Aluminum offers an economical alternative to more expensive metals without sacrificing style and design.
Barrier-free refers to design that is oriented towards the independence and dignity of everyone, particularly as it pertains to vision, hearing, communication, mobility and cognition. The provincially-legislated codes for being barrier-free allow for proper and safe access to buildings and facilities for all individuals, no matter their abilities or background. Accessibility is a requirement for all public buildings excluding some historical sites, single-family dwellings and some industrial sites. For the vast majority of the time, however, barrier-free access is a required duty. Signage is a major part of being barrier-free.
Bench plaques are markers of dedication that are added to commemorative and decorative benches in public places in order to recognize or memorialize certain individuals or groups. Usually found in high-profile public spaces, dedication benches get a lot of visual traffic so it is important to have uniform, well-designed and durable plaques to create lasting memories.
This tactile writing method is used for the blind and the visually impaired as a way of transmitting information beyond visuals. At Behrends, we consult with appropriate translators and can make signs accessible by everyone. Using Braille is one type of barrier-free signage. Functionality and style are both taken into account when making inclusive visual tools in corporate or office environments.
Branding through signage refers to the methods and themes used in making your products or services memorable to your clients. Custom quality signage in experienced spaces and environments are one major part of your branding and creating a unified, cohesive voice for your company or organization.
Reminiscent of the military, brass house plaques have a commanding presence that gives spaces a sense of prestige and presence that other metals cannot offer. With the options of an antique aged look or a brilliant shiny finish, brass also offers versatility depending on what image you want to put forth.
There is a reason there is an entire historical age devoted to bronze – it is long-lasting and offers a sense of stability and permanence to any structure. Especially popular with corporate clients and professionals, bronze can lend itself well to any office building or the sophisticated home. The variety available in bronze is very large and diverse depending on your preference for the typeface (font) or how you want to finish your lettering. For someone seeking a lot of options, bronze might be for you.
Casting metal simply means the pouring of liquid metal into a waiting mold. This mold is a hollowed cavity that is made in the shape of your desired vision. The metal is then allowed to cool which lets it solidify. The solidified component of the metal is technically known as the casting which is then either ejected (removed) or broken out of the mold to finish the entire process. There are many different materials used for molding, depending on the desired outcome. At Behrends, we use a variety of different types, but rely heavily on sand casting as it is the most popular in the industry and is, by far the simplest. When a technique has been around for centuries, why mess with it?
Channel letters are a type of signage that involves a three-dimensional, individual structure for each letter, usually with separate illumination if the sign is lit. This makes the signage very visible and tends to be the norm for a lot of franchise businesses, though other organizations will use them as well. The channel itself is usually made from sheet metal, typically non-rusting aluminum, and it can form either the back (in the case of a standard channel letter) or the front (in the case of a reverse-lit channel letter). LED lights or neon gas tubes can be added to the channel to make it shine.
This term refers to a form of editing in signage that is not dissimilar to what is found in the field of writing. It is the work that a designer does in order to improve how things are formatted, the style they are using, and (of course) checking the accuracy of the text. It does not necessarily entail altering what has been written but can include edits to the final look of something, particularly its layout, typeface and spacing. However, it can also involve double-checking grammar, any terminology used, and whether or not the piece fits the overall style of the client.
Signage is one of the best ways to develop corporate identity cohesion throughout your built space to make a lasting impression on people using these environments. There are few more effective methods of developing brand memory in individuals than by having them experience your corporate identity in physical space, and one of the best ways to ensure this happens is through visual cues in the environment, like quality custom signage. From typeface and colour to style and size, these are the elements that express an organization’s identity, projecting qualities such as dynamism, pride, integrity or professionalism.
Metal fabrication can include stock components and pieces that a shop produces to fit typical needs. However, when non-standard metal parts are required, custom fabrication becomes an important way that we offer solutions for you. Custom fabrication refers to the creation of pieces specifically for your project. This involves careful design and execution of your vision through the medium of your choice. It offers more flexibility and freedom in terms of the look of your final product, what materials it is made from, installation and other customizable components. With top-of-the-line equipment and decades of experience, the team at Behrends can produce quality custom metal work beyond your expectations.
Cut metal signage is exactly what it sounds like! We use precision cutting tools (lasers?) to custom-cut virtually anything you can think of, from company logos to graphic fonts and much more. The look of cut metal can be bold and modern, or laid-back and rustic according to your needs. It should be noted too that the end-result is bold and brilliant, without breaking the bank. The economical nature of cut metal combined with its wide versatility makes cut metal an excellent choice for various signage needs.
Digital media is an excellent addition to your signage needs and is particularly common with recognition walls, for wayfinding and other areas of signage that might need to be regularly updated. Digital media screens can be incorporated seamlessly into the look of your display and are easily updateable with timely content to keep your display relevant and fresh. With digital media comes the need for content management and this requires precision and innovation. Using the WonderSign solution, we take the time to learn your needs and develop an excellent communicative relationship to make the managing of your content easy and efficient. Using cloud-based digital media distribution, there is no hassle when it comes to changing things up on a regular basis, whether it be to add donors to a recognition wall, change office names on a directory, add historical anecdotes or whatever other content desires you need filled. Digital signage, interactive kiosks, screens and tablets are all available to customize the look and feel of your display.
These letters are individual and formed out of a variety of materials. While they are three-dimensional (hence the name!) and add depth to your signage, they are not the same as channel letters in that they are generally not illuminated and tend to be used for offices and interior applications. That is not to say that they are not durable enough to be used for certain exterior purposes, however, they are more typically used inside. They are a classy and professional option, particularly for businesses, medical clinics and similar institutions.
Directory signage is part of the entire wayfinding system and helps assist visitors in finding their way to specific areas of a building. These areas can include offices, washrooms, elevators, specific floors, stairs and so forth. It includes directional, informational and identification details that promote ease of navigation and minimize confusion.
Donor recognition walls are a growing trend for non-profit, non-governmental and governmental organizations alike. When funding or volunteer labour for a project comes from external donors, particularly in the launching of a project, it has become customary to designate prominent space in offices and facilities as a way to show gratitude. These walls tend to be a stylistic opportunity to recognize those important to the organization while being a beautiful addition to the environment. These systems must be attractive, engaging, technologically advanced and professional – qualities that your brand emulates in order to inspire confidence in your donors, from the past and in the future. They often include digital media and can easily be updated frequently to suit your organization’s needs and growing list of supporters.
Entrance features refer to signage and sculptural elements that are at the front of properties, neighbourhoods or subdivisions. They offer information to visitors to orient them, but are also beautiful and welcoming. It confers a certain status on an area to have a stylish entrance sign that is both visible and functional, and offers a sense of arrival that is innovative and expressive.
The finish of your metal signage is critical to determining how the final product looks and can change dramatically according to what is chosen. Depending on the metal used, there are a variety of different finishes available, making your opportunity for complete customization very wide. Some of the many finishes we offer include: painted, powder coated, satin natural anodized, polished, mirror polished, satin finish, chrome plated, patina, natural bronze, orbital finish, brushed metal, sandblasted and much more.
The font of your sign is determinative of your voice and brand. Believe it or not, the style of your sign’s lettering can confer legitimacy, trust, friendliness and a myriad of other social cues to your future clientele so don’t underestimate the power of how it looks! Sometimes called the typeface (referring to the font family), the weight, style, condensation, width, slant, italicization, ornamentation and design will all be important factors for your consideration. If you don’t have a fluency with fonts, leave it to the design experts to take your brand information and transform it to effectively communicate everything you need and more.
Freestanding signs are sometimes mistaken for “floor stands”, which are portable signs that does not need permanent installation. However, freestanding signs (sometimes called pylon signage) are much larger, are permanent, and are found outside all major business areas, including professional centers, strip malls and commercial subdivisions. A well-designed and easy-to-read freestanding sign attracts clients from a distance, increasing visibility and communicating all services offered. These can be double-sided to be seen from both directions of traffic, as well as illuminated with LED lighting to ensure optimal visibility, even after dark. Further add-ons include area branding and electronic message boards that communicate the most current retail information to potential clients. Behrends Group only uses the most durable of materials to ensure the longevity and strength of your freestanding sign for many years to come.
Grave markers can come in a variety of appearances include single flat grave markers that are flush with the ground, bevel markers (also flush with a slightly raised face), slant markers (in an upright position to mimic an upright headstone), headstones (completely upright) and gravestones (larger headstones that might cover more than one grave). Behrends Group offers memorial signage to adorn grave markers in the form of bronze plaques. Memorial signage is one of the most important parts of the grieving process and is a method of remembrance that involves beautiful, customized signage to pay homage to the life of our loved ones who have passed on. Conscious or not, memorial signage is a crucial method of preserving social memory and passing on history to coming generations. There is a reason there is an entire historical age devoted to bronze – it is long-lasting and offers a sense of stability and permanence to any structure. Pet memorial signage is also available.
Architectural signage is a cornerstone of the work that Behrends Group conducts. It is an essential part of the signage industry and tends to refer to any custom sign or signage system that helps with identification and navigation. In the case of historical signage, this generally refers to signs that indicate or communicate the meaning of a place from official governmental sources, historical agencies or other organizations that seek to preserve historical memory in the public. These signs tend to be found in exterior places that are easily accessible to remind and inform of the public of a community’s legacy and a neighborhood’s past.
An icon refers to any image or symbol that is meant to represent something else. It is usually in the form of a graphic image, a small picture or some object that comes to be associated with something else. An icon can enhance your branding by associating a visual short-hand with your company that is easy to remember and comes to represent your voice. A classic example of this is the Windows icon or McDonald’s Golden Arches. Both of these symbols are inextricable from the companies they represent and are used in their branding and signage to elicit a specific consumer response in their clients.
Interpretive signs refer to large panels that contain a large amount of information on them about the history or significance of a particular place. These will often have some kind of story and additional information on them that helps increase a patron’s knowledge of a place in reading them. Available in full-colour, high resolution and durable materials, interpretive signage can deliver bold diagrams, bright graphics and brilliant text to engage viewers and educate them on their visit. With a variety of materials available to resist the extremes of weather changes and to increase recoverability from vandalism and graffiti, our interpretive panels will stand the test of time.
A logo is a type of emblem or graphic mark that becomes commonly associated with a company or organization that aids its public recognition. Logos and symbols have been used for centuries to create a more succinct language of communication and sometimes to communicate while traversing linguistics boundaries. These days, logos are an essential part of any marketing plan and are among one of the first things generated in the building of a new company. As it invokes the initial impression of a company, a logo should consider many factors including its own cultural promotion and the message it is trying to convey about the company it symbolizes. A logo is a core identifier of an organization and will appear on its letterhead, business cards, websites and, of course, signage.
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode, meaning a semiconductor device that emits a visible light when electricity passes through it. Most of these lights are monochromatic, meaning that it occurs on a single wavelength, tends to emit less heat and are generally energy-efficient. These types of lights are used everywhere nowadays, lighting LCD displays, refrigerators, flashlights, all kinds of buildings and signage. LED message boards and signs are growing in popularity because of their flexibility in what they depict, full colour applications, and the dynamic nature of their advertising potential. LED signs are low-maintenance and use technology that has a half-life of almost 100,000 hours. Customizable to the point of pixilation quality and angle viewing, LED signs are becoming more popular as the go-to sign for public advertising and communication.
Also known as investment or precision casting, lost wax casting is the process by which a duplicate of a metal sculpture is made. Though modern methods do not always necessitate the use of wax to create a mould of the original object, the jargon can still be used in the industry today. The process can involve making a model of the original sculpture which is then used to make a mould. Molten wax (or another medium) is then poured into the mould. When it solidifies, it is removed and dipped into a slurry of silica or sand to make a shell, drying before being dipped again. When a piece is larger, it requires a thicker shell so the process can be repeated a number of times. When this is ready, it is placed in a kiln that melts out the wax and leaves the shell only. The shell is tested for imperfections before being immersed in a container of sand for pouring. Molten metal is poured into the shell which is then allowed to cool and harden. After this, the shell is finally cracked and the metal duplicate is finally released. Various finishing techniques may be applied to perfect the duplication.
Lit signs are increasing in popularity in urban centers as a way for companies and organizations to get noticed, even at night. In particular neighbourhoods, these types of lights might even be the legislated norm with more business communities looking for visual cohesion with one another, particularly in kitschy areas or new subdivision developments. There are a number of lit signs that Behrends Group has on the offer and as technology changes, we continue to diversify your choices. The most common type of lit sign involves LED Front Lit channel letters with trim around the face of the letters (also known as an integrated retainer). These signs are very common but variations do exist and can include: front lit channel letters with no retainer, thinner trim, as well as rounded over and resined faces. Some companies prefer halo lit signs which refers to both Front and Back Lit channel letters which offers a different look depending on your needs. Other custom options from Behrends Group include special retainers that are extra wide, acrylic-faced letters that have invisible metal sidings, and black acrylic facing with white illuminated edges. The possibilities are wide and if there is something in particular you are looking for, we can likely accommodate it.
A crucial part of traditional human grieving rituals involves honouring and memorializing loved ones in performative or permanent ways. These can include specific burial sites, funerary rites and permanent grave markers too. It has been popular to offer homage to your loved ones by marking their grave with a bronze or aluminum memorial plaque. At Behrends, we pride ourselves on helping people through the grieving process by offering custom memorial plaques that are long-lasting and preserve the memory of your loved ones. The level of personalization in their memorial is completely up to you. Whether you choose to honour them at their funeral by adorning their special burial place, or you choose some other reminder of them to grace a special place (such as a bench or sanctuary), we are able to use a variety of mediums to make sure we get your tribute just perfect. Additionally, using PhotoSculpt technology, we can add a hyper-realistic image of your loved one to whichever medium you choose. In exacting detail, the imagery adds a level of personality to your memorial and helps in coping with your loss as you will be regularly reminded of them by seeing their image. As a timeless investment, the image of your loved one will grace their memorial, continuing to bring the smiles and fondness that they gave so freely while alive.
Once you have your beautiful sign or plaque, the mounting of it becomes just as important as its overall quality and production. Without the proper mounting that works best for particular types of signage and without the knowledge to back that up, other sign companies can leave you with less than desirable results. At Behrends Group, we have decades of experience determining the best mounting methods for putting up our brilliantly designed and manufactured products because we know our work is not done until everything is perfect. Depending on the style of sign or plaque and the space it goes into, we might use blind mounting, French cleat, flush, thru-face, pin with offset or other styles of mounting brackets and techniques. Our mounting techniques are really only limited to what you envision and where you envision it. Given our level of experience, we know what will work best for the most lasting results so your signage endures the test of time and changing aesthetics. Our installation team is professionally trained and always learning new techniques to make sure the final result looks great and is durable as well.
Similar to memorial signs, niche plaques refer to memorial markers for mausoleum spaces or urns. As cremation increases in popularity, people are finding innovative ways to honour the remains of their loved ones and the lasting impression of a bronze plaque works brilliantly for this purpose. Like grave markers or headstones, niche plaques allow for personalization of the final resting place for your loved one’s remains. These plaques are cast bronze and come with a variety of customizable options including fonts, finishes, and patinas. Names, dates, quotes and PhotoSculpt imagery can make this plaque unique, timeless and lasting to honour the legacy of your loved one, no matter how they choose to be held.
This is a bronze casting technique that recreates recreates photographic images on bronze signs and plaques for a detailed and realistic effect. A picture is worth a thousand words and Photosculpt can be used to convey a beautiful and timeless message on grave markers and memorials, pet memorials, in recognition systems, on historical markers and plaques, and so much more.
This term refers to two free-standing posts that are supporting a panel that displays the sign and its information. Depending on the material and construction, these structures can be temporary such as in the case of a real estate or construction sign. There are also, more commonly, permanent post-and-panel signs, particularly for businesses or business plazas, offering directions (wayfinding) or displaying some other kind of important information.
This is when lettering or a logo has been cut out and mounted on a sign substrate directly over the place where the same shape has been cut out and removed. The lettering is usually back-lit from within the sign to illuminate the space between the substrate cut-out and the mounting. Depending on the material and treatment of the letters, the sides might be lit up (illuminating the outline of the letters) or the face and sides will both be lit up. Usually the substrate is made of either stainless steel or aluminum with acrylic lettering.
Pylon signs refer to free-standing structures (medium or large-scale) that are often used to mark shopping centers, gas stations, hotels and industrial complexes. This large, roadside signage usually indicates the presence of multiple tenants and businesses. They can be double-sided and are usually made of aluminum, steel and can be illuminated.
These signs are important for indicating rules, regulations and requirements as they pertain to a particular location. These can include indications regarding traffic, parking or even no-smoking signs. In order to be effective, the imagery chosen and the words used need to be clear and simple. They should be widely recognizable and standardized to ensure optimal visual communication.
A sign box is a panel with applied graphics that is then mounted on a box which contains LED or fluorescent lighting illuminates the graphics. The graphics or panel are easily changed allowing for versatility without needing to change the entire box out.
This is the process by which we develop effective wayfinding systems for your built environments. Information should be communicated through consistent visual and linguistic language; it has to be relevant and strategically placed to guide people through a space with little to no effort.
This refers to multiple signs used in a “family” to form a consistent sign language in a particular environment. These work together for effective communication throughout a space, especially for wayfinding purposes. Consistent use of symbols, terms and strategic placing in relation to each other ensure that a visitor is left with an easy navigation experience.
These architectural signs appear at the entrance of subdivisions and contain information about the name of the community. They convey a beautiful and positive first impression while setting the tone for the community’s aesthetic. Operating as markets for distinct, unified communities under a shared image or name, these signs lend elegance to new areas of the urban landscape.
This type of raised lettering gives depth and textured to your signage. It can be used in Signage for people with Visual Impairments. Raised letters or translations into Braille are available as well. The placing of signs needs to be accessible, at locations that can facilitate touching or close-up reading. For signs that are not at arm or eye level, lettering should be large, sans serif type and in high contrast tones.
Typeface refers to a set of fonts that share common design features but might differ in terms of size weight and style. For example, Times New Roman is a particular type face, while italics Times New Roman refers to a font. One useful way to classify certain typefaces is in Serif, Sans Serif, Script and Decorative Type Styles. Each of these can further be divided into classifications based on style and even history. This a term that is now commonly used interchangeably with the word “font” (though not everyone agrees on that!)
This material is a type of plastic that is a versatile and economical alternative to metal signage. It is great for wayfinding systems, office buildings, and interior signage but also has exterior applications such as in information boards, historical markers and much more. Its appearance can be customized to virtually any graphic design and is cold/heat resistant keeping your signs protected from temperature fluctuations.
Wayfinding systems help your patrons make a mental map of your facility, using directional and architectural signage to make navigating from one part of your space to another simple and intuitive. At Behrends, we create wayfinding systems that reinforce your brand identity and enhance the visual appeal of your workplace, incorporating custom design elements, colours, and materials. The most effective wayfinding systems create a positive navigating experience that reflects well on your company.
This is a typographically distinct logo made of the company’s name or even an image that turns an organization’s name into a memorable, visual symbol. It can be especially useful in creating a brand presence for your company and a visual language associated with your business.
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]]>Effective built environments are more than just physical places; they are social spaces which craft emotional interactions between individuals, places and communities. Sometimes, the desired effect of an environment is to be vibrantly current and to foster a forward thinking attitude in its users. Other times, creating ties between individuals, community, and place requires the creation of historical memory. History is the narrative that links individuals to the past, and through a shared past, communities are linked to one another. When history is made visible and physical in the landscape through architecture and urban planning, or signage and memorials, the past is made present and meaningful.
Commemorative plaques mark the location of significant events or illuminate the underlying meaning of sites and buildings, while memorials keep the memory of notable figures and community members alive in the places and communities which they helped shape. Keeping social memory alive contributes to community cohesion and pride, and the use of memorials and historical signage to maintain social memory can operate at different scales.
War memorials preserve the memory of nation-forming events, while plaques on historical buildings preserve local historical meaning. Even street signs such as those for Whyte Ave and in Garneau, which keep the historical street name alongside the current number system, preserve the shape of the old city alongside the new. Grave markers carry historical memory on a familial level and can teach us a lot about our collective pasts as well.
With over sixty years of our own history as a local business in Edmonton, Behrends has proudly contributed to the creation of historical memory through civic, provincial, and federal projects including plaques, signage, and memorials. Emphasizing craftsmanship and quality materials over mechanization, Behrends brings the human touch and community connection to our projects – qualities which enhance the significance of projects intended to create historical memory.
Depending on the desired effect of a sign or memorial within a built environment, different materials and styles offer different benefits. Bronze is an excellent choice for imparting historical weight and significance. An extremely durable material which has been used since 3800 BCE, bronze ages attractively and has instantly recognizable connotations of age, permanence, and authority. Its unique green aged look is associated with buildings such as the Canadian parliament, and cast bronze statues in old European town squares. Before even reading a bronze plaque, the viewer knows that the medium signifies “history” through its appearance and long history of its very material.
Beyond its cultural meaning, bronze offers our clients excellent value with its durability and flexibility. Bronze is an alloy of copper, which means that the copper oxidizes and gives bronze its characteristic green patina, which protects the underlying material. For new projects, Behrends can accelerate the aging process in order to produce the attractive and historical effect of the green patina. For old pieces which have acquired a less attractive, dull brown patina, Behrends also offers restoration services. Restoration can bring the brilliance back to old commemorative plaques, ensuring that they continue to contribute to historical memory, rather than fading into the landscape.
All in all, bronze plaques have a multitude of applications and are especially perfect for legacy pieces that go towards contributing to large narratives – whether national, provincial, or civic. Whether used for a personal memorial project or a governmental commemoration, bronze plaques offer presence and powerful social memory. To look into custom bronze signage and plaques, contact us today.
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]]>At Behrends Foundry, the plaques we make are the result of a collaborative effort – from the first preliminary consultations and designs to the final installation of the piece, our team of professionals works closely together in order to ensure that excellence and expertise permeate every step of the process. Below is a detailed account of the bronze casting process so you can see for yourself the importance of each and every team member, here at Behrends.
In a world with endless possibilities, creating the perfect look for a plaque is both invigorating and challenging. Capturing the exact essence of the plaque’s purpose requires a strong attention to detail and expertise in the visual arts. Behrends’ designers boast impressive resumes – with years of experience and exceptional talent, they prides themselves on crafting perfect lasting impressions. Our use of only the best technology to create renderings for our clients allows them to envision their plaques in the environments they will be manufactured for and this adds to the whole creative experience.
Once a design is created, the process of casting the bronze begins. The first step in the process is the creation of a pattern – a prototype of what will eventually be made in bronze. These can be made of various materials, such as photopolymer resins, woods and plastics. Behrends also use a variety of software for 3D machining and 3D printing for the more complicated shapes that may be required for the pattern process. The pattern makers at Behrends have been in the industry for decades and pay extraordinarily close attention to the details in this critical part of the process. What we find in the pattern, will likely appear in the final product so a craftsperson’s hands have to be skilled.
The pattern, once complete, can then be used to create a mold for the final product. First, the molder applies a layer of mold release to the pattern so that the finished mold will not stick to it. Then a fine sand/epoxy mixture is applied and packed down over the entire surface of the pattern to ensure all the fine details are included in the mold. The mold is then reinforced so that it is sturdy enough to maintain its integrity throughout the casting process.
Filling the mold with molten bronze is not a simple task – workers have to be incredibly careful while handling the hot metal, and processes must be in place to eliminate air bubbles while it is poured. In order to safely and effectively fill the mold: sprues, runners, gates and risers are used to introduce the bronze to the mold and they also act as ventilators, letting mold gases to escape. If you have ever been fortunate enough to see a traditional metal pour, you will notice our team members are wearing protective gear that looks a lot like space suits! As futuristic as it seems, bronze casting is actually an ancient tradition.
After the bronze has cooled and solidified, it has to be removed from its casing. Team members do this by shaking the mold to loosen all of the sand from the plaque. This process safely removes the sand from the bronze, leaving the rough cast plaque ready for the final touches.
Finishing the metal plaque involves a number of important processes and has to be done by someone with a perfectionist’s eye. All of the components used in the crafting of the plaque that will not be part of the finished product – such as sprues, runners, and gates – must be removed. The bronze is then hand-cleaned and sanded to give the piece a perfect shape and finish.
To put the final visual touches on the piece, bronze plaques are painted using an industrial paint system. A steady hand and attention to detail makes this finishing process the final touch at the end of the life of a plaque. Talented craftspeople do the painting to give the plaque further dimension, character, and personality as well as keep it well protected.
The final step in the process comes when a talented team of installers takes the carefully made bronze plaque and expertly installs it in its forever home. At Behrends, our plaques might end up high in the sky or amongst busy foot traffic, and either way they need to be there to last: the perfect installation completes the life cycle of a plaque and is just as essential to get right as ever other stage of the process.
At Behrends Group, when our talented foundry artisans work together, beautiful things happen!
Contact us today to discuss your next plaque project.
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]]>The post Custom House Numbers: Set Your House Apart appeared first on Behrends Group.
]]>Even if you’ve owned your own home for awhile, custom house numbers can be a quick and efficient way to add a little flair to the appearance of your home without the high cost of outdoor renovations or touch-ups. It’s amazing how quickly the curb appeal of a home increases with the simple addition of unique address plaques or number designs.
The fine metals that are available at Behrends – whether it be brass, bronze, or aluminum- are the best choices for long-lasting and enduring plaques that are both elegant and timeless. If you have a vision for the exterior of your home and you would like to bring it into existence, Behrends can help make your dream a reality. Your home will stand out on the block, in the best way, setting neighborhood precedent for style and innovation that will greet every guest with a modern, personal touch.
The following mediums make a statement about you:
Aluminum: A versatile metal with a variety of finished looks from painted or textured to vertical brushed, aluminum offers an economical alternative to more expensive metals without sacrificing style and design.
Brass: Reminiscent of the military, brass house plaques and numbers have a commanding presence that gives your home a sense of prestige and presence that other metals cannot offer. With the options of an antique aged look or a brilliant shiny finish, brass also offers versatility depending on what image you want to put forth.
Bronze: There is a reason there is an entire historical age devoted to bronze – it is long-lasting and offers a sense of stability and permanence to any structure. Especially popular with corporate clients and professionals, bronze can lend itself well to any office building or the sophisticated home. The variety available in bronze is very large and diverse depending on your preference for the typeface (font) or how you want to finish your lettering.

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]]>The post What Are the Metals Used in Casting appeared first on Behrends Group.
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As one of the most frequently used metals for casting, especially in industrial settings, grey iron’s unique strength and density makes it extremely versatile. This metal can be modified during the casting process to be softer for machine applications, or stronger for uses in vibration control, or other situations where more tensile strength is required. Not only is grey iron one of the most versatile materials used for industrial metal casting, it is also one of the most cost effective metals on the market when purchased in high volumes.
White iron is more expensive compared to grey iron, but it is also far more durable over time, and can be used for more applications. White iron is far better suited when it comes to machinability as well as welding, making it ideal for more specialized industrial or artistic projects. Even though is costs more to use white iron in metal casting compared to grey iron, white iron is still a lot more cost effective compared to other metals used in more specialized metal casting projects.
The strongest and most versatile iron used in metal casting is known as ductile iron. This metal is ideally suited to applications which require high levels of strength and durability combined with reduced weight and shrinkage after the metal casting process. Ductile describes the metal’s ability to be stretched thin without compromising it’s toughness and pliability. This makes this type of iron ideal for a wide range of uses in multiple settings from industrial to aesthetic.
Unlike the metals described above, steel is made using a combination of metals mixed during the metal casting process. This mixture allows the steel to become stain resistant, even when exposed to water or outdoor elements. It also enhances the heat resistance and overall durability against corrosion. Mixtures of steel and other metals such as chromium or nickel are fairly common, and can be used in a number of different environments where corrosion and oxidization are an issue.
On its own copper is the ideal metal for use as a conductive material in electrical applications. Its superior malleability and ductility make it an excellent option for creating wire and other thin conductive material. When combined with other metals like silicon, tin, nickel and silver, copper becomes even more durable and less susceptible to cracking over time.
Thanks to its low melting point of 425 degrees Celsius, zinc metal casting is ideally suited for die-cast materials. Because it can melt and cool in a short period of time it is one of the easiest metals to cast into complex shapes that feature both precision and durability.
One of the most universally capable metals when it comes to casting happens to be aluminum. Thanks to its wide range of features such as superior conductivity, corrosion resistance, malleability and durability, aluminum metal casting can be effective for a huge number of applications. These include things like sand casting, die casting, permanent mold casting and much more. For its adaptability and relative cost effectiveness compared to other metals mentioned above, aluminum is one of the best options for metal casting of any kind.
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]]>The post Helping to highlight health, dignity, and community in Edmonton, Alberta appeared first on Behrends Group.
]]>Krawford Construction brought Behrends Group onboard to consult, design, manufacture, and install the signage for the upgrade. We worked directly with the architect, Workun Garrick from Workun Garrick Partnership Architecture and Interior Design, to formulate the most effective design build.
The Behrends Design Team completed the pylon sign design internally, looking at the logistical requirements as well as taking into account the cultural and branding elements of the project. The design reflects the purpose and aim of the Health Services Centre while remaining consistent with the heart of Enoch Cree Nation’s cultural identity.
Once the design was approved, Behrends worked with Krawford to manufacture the final product. This pylon sign includes a digital screen component, an 8mm LED RGB which displays colour text and images. This will better enable the Enoch Cree Nation’s Health Services to offer important service information to the community in an easily accessible format.
The Enoch Cree Nation pylon sign stands 11ft high and 15ft wide with a lightbox of 7ft x 5ft and face-lit letters to ensure it is visible in all weather conditions and times of day.
Behrends Group is an active proponent of First Nation community initiatives, and we view our work in this project as part of a larger collective effort to bring communities together in dignity, strength, and good health. This includes larger roleplayers such as government health departments and NGOs, as well as companies like Behrends, whose contribution is subtle and long term.
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]]>The post The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal Recipient – Gen Russo appeared first on Behrends Group.
]]>The Platinum Jubilee Medal honours those who have reflected that same dedication of service to family, community and country. They are typically awarded to recognize contributions made by Canadians from a broad spectrum of society. In Alberta, it is awarded to 7,000 individuals for making a significant contribution to the province.
The Medal recognizes outstanding service from Albertans who have dedicated themselves to family, community and country.
Congratulations to our President and CEO Generoso Russo on being one of the recipients of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
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