Apotheken-A doppelseitig: Vom Entwurf bis zum fertigen Leuchtbuchstaben

The red "A" is probably the most recognizable symbol of the German pharmacy landscape. But how exactly is a high-quality, double-sided pharmacy "A" created as an illuminated projecting letter? In this article, you'll follow our entire production process – from the initial graphic design on screen to the finished, ready-to-install illuminated letter. At Spy-Werbetechnik, we carry out all steps ourselves in our workshop in Germany.

Why double-sided? Maximum visibility for your pharmacy.

A double-sided pharmacy sign is mounted perpendicular to the facade as a projecting sign . This ensures your pharmacy is equally visible from both directions of the street – a significant advertising advantage compared to a flat-mounted sign. Both sides are fully illuminated and identical in design.

Specifications at a glance

• >Two fully functional aluminum light fixtures, connected back-to-back >Front made of 3 mm acrylic glass (Plexiglas®) with high-quality Oracal film >24V LED modules with a lifespan of over 50,000 operating hours >Powder-coated steel wall bracket for facade mounting >Weatherproof thanks to IP67 power supply – ideal for outdoor installation

Step 1: Graphic design and data preparation

Before any material is touched, every pharmacy sign begins on the screen. Our graphic designer creates a true-to-scale vector file with the exact A-shape, the classic Rod of Asclepius symbol, and all contour lines. Wall thicknesses, mounting points, and LED positions are already taken into account. Only when the file is 100% correct does it go to the machine.

Step 2: CNC cutting of the contour plates

The vector file is transferred directly to our CNC machining center. We mill the contour parts for the letter from an aluminum composite panel with high precision – perfectly matching the original shape of the classic pharmacy letter "A". Since the letter is double-sided, all parts are produced in duplicate. This precise cutting ensures clean edges in the final product.

Step 3: CNC detail milling and quality control

After the main cutting, we check each edge for dimensional accuracy. If necessary, we mill out details such as mounting holes, cable glands, and connection points. Only after passing quality control do the parts proceed to further processing.

Step 4: Cut the acrylic glass front to size

Parallel to the production of the cabinet body, the visible front panel is cut from 3 mm acrylic glass (Plexiglas®). The material is supplied with protective film on both sides and remains protected throughout the entire process – this prevents scratches and contamination.

Step 5: Applying foil to the acrylic glass front

Now the distinctive look is created: A high-quality red Oracal film is first applied to the acrylic glass without bubbles. Then the white Rod of Asclepius symbol – the official German pharmacy logo – is applied with millimeter precision. This method retains vibrant colors even after years and is significantly more durable than printed alternatives.

Step 6: Assembling the aluminum body

The side panels, made of red-coated aluminum, are built up piece by piece around the contoured panel. Every angle is checked by hand – this is the only way to achieve the clean edge lines that make the pharmacy's "A" so distinctive. Both halves of the body are constructed parallel and perfectly symmetrical.

Step 7: LED assembly with 24V modules

Inside, high-quality 12V LED modules are installed according to a fixed layout plan. The white inner surface acts as a reflector, ensuring perfectly uniform illumination – without any "hot spots" on the front. The LEDs are durable, energy-efficient, and achieve a lifespan of over 50,000 operating hours.

Step 8: Merging both pages – the double-sided principle 

Now comes the crucial step: Both finished light fixtures are joined back-to-back to form a single unit. The wiring runs concealed between them, so no cables are visible. The result is a single, compact letter with two perfectly visible sides – the basis for a professional projecting sign.

Step 9: Mount the wall bracket and support

To allow the A-frame to project perpendicularly from the building facade, we install a powder-coated steel wall bracket. This bracket is structurally designed for permanent outdoor installation and easily withstands wind, rain, and frost. The wall connection plate is pre-drilled and screwed to the facade on site.

Step 10: Functional test and final inspection

Before the pharmacy sign leaves our workshop, it undergoes a complete functional test. We check the light distribution on both sides, the power consumption, all connections, and the mechanical stability.