Crafting the “SHIP” Large Metal Letters: A Bold New Addition to Shippensburg University

In the world of custom fabrication, few projects are as rewarding as creating large-scale metal letters that are not only visually striking but also serve as a symbol of pride for a community.  The latest project by WhiteClouds, a series of four custom 3D metal letters spelling “SHIP,” is set to become a landmark on the campus of Shippensburg University.  Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall and 14 inches deep, these letters will be crafted with precision, durability, and aesthetic appeal in mind.  This blog will dive deep into the journey of designing, fabricating, and installing these monumental letters, from concept to completion, showcasing how craftsmanship, design, and collaboration come together to create a lasting symbol for the university.

The Vision for the SHIP Letters: A Campus Landmark for Generations

Shippensburg University, known for its rich history and spirited community, sought a bold new addition to its campus—something that would represent the pride and enthusiasm of past, present, and future Raiders.  The idea of large metal letters spelling out “SHIP” not only reflects the university’s nickname but also provides a perfect photo opportunity for students, alumni, and visitors.  These letters will act as both a visual centerpiece and a point of connection, representing the strong sense of community that defines Shippensburg University.

WhiteClouds has been entrusted with the task of bringing this vision to life, creating four custom 3D letters that will serve as a symbol of school spirit for years to come.  The project aims to combine practicality with artistic flair, ensuring that the letters are not just aesthetically impressive but also durable enough to withstand the test of time and the elements.

Designing the Perfect Letters: Collaboration and Customization

One of the key aspects of this project is the close collaboration between WhiteClouds and Shippensburg University.  The university played an active role in shaping the final design of the letters, providing input on everything from font choice to color selection.  This collaborative process ensures that the final product will meet the university’s vision and become a true representation of their brand.

The font chosen for the SHIP letters is Avenir Next Heavy, a bold and modern typeface that complements the strong, forward-looking identity of Shippensburg University.  The font’s thick, blocky design gives the letters a solid, imposing presence that will make them stand out on campus, while also providing the structural integrity needed for a large outdoor installation.

The university also selected specific Pantone PMS colors for the letters:  RED 185 for the front and back faces and WHITE for the sides.  These colors reflect the school’s official branding and will ensure that the letters are immediately recognizable as a symbol of Shippensburg.  The bold red front and back faces will create a striking contrast with the clean white sides, giving the letters a polished, professional look that will catch the eye of anyone walking by.

Before any fabrication begins, WhiteClouds will provide the university with detailed digital proofs and 3D renderings of the letters.  This step is crucial in ensuring that the final product meets the exact specifications of the university, from the dimensions of the letters to the precise placement of the colors.  Only after the university has approved all shop drawings and renderings will the fabrication process begin.

The Fabrication Process: Precision and Durability in Every Step

Fabricating large metal letters requires a high level of precision and craftsmanship.  For the SHIP letters, WhiteClouds will use 12-gauge steel—a material known for its strength and durability.  The steel will be cut and shaped using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, which allow for incredibly precise cuts and ensure that each letter is formed exactly according to the approved design.

Each letter will stand 6 feet tall and be 14 inches deep, creating a bold and impressive 3D effect.  The depth of the letters not only enhances their visual impact but also provides structural stability, ensuring that they will remain upright and secure even in windy conditions.  The use of 12-gauge steel ensures that the letters will be strong enough to withstand the elements, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, while maintaining their sleek appearance.

To ensure the longevity of the letters, WhiteClouds offers an optional Polyurea spray-on hard coating.  This coating adds an additional layer of protection to the steel, helping to prevent rust and corrosion while also increasing the letters’ resistance to wear and tear.  Polyurea is a highly durable material that is often used in industrial applications for its strength and resistance to environmental factors.  While this coating is optional, it is highly recommended for outdoor installations like the SHIP letters, as it will help ensure that the letters remain in pristine condition for years to come.

The fabrication process also includes the installation of L-brackets, which will be welded to the bottom of each letter.  These brackets will make it easy to install the letters on a concrete slab, ensuring that they are securely anchored in place.  The L-brackets will provide additional stability, preventing the letters from shifting or tipping over, even in adverse weather conditions.

Painting and Finishing: Bringing the Letters to Life with Bold Colors

Once the letters have been fabricated and assembled, the next step is painting and finishing.  The chosen colors—RED 185 for the front and back faces and WHITE for the sides—will be applied using a high-quality outdoor paint that is designed to withstand UV exposure, rain, and other environmental factors.  This ensures that the vibrant colors will remain bright and bold for many years, without fading or chipping.

The painting process involves multiple layers of paint, followed by a clear protective coat that seals in the colors and adds an extra layer of durability.  The paint is applied evenly to create a smooth, polished finish that enhances the overall appearance of the letters.  The result is a set of letters that not only look impressive but are also built to last.

In addition to painting, the letters will undergo a final quality check to ensure that every detail is perfect before they are shipped to Shippensburg University.  This includes checking the alignment of the letters, ensuring that the paint is evenly applied, and making any final adjustments to the brackets or other components.  Only once the letters have passed this rigorous quality control process will they be prepared for shipping.

Installation: Turning the Vision into Reality

The final step in the creation of the SHIP letters is installation.  WhiteClouds will ship the completed letters to Shippensburg University on specially built wood pallets, ensuring that they arrive in perfect condition.  The pallets will be designed to protect the letters during transport, preventing any damage or scratches.

Once the letters arrive on campus, the installation process can begin.  The L-brackets welded to the bottom of each letter will make it easy to secure the letters to the concrete slab.  The installation team will use these brackets to anchor the letters in place, ensuring that they are level, aligned, and securely fastened.

The installation process is straightforward, but it requires precision to ensure that the letters are properly positioned.  Once installed, the letters will stand as a bold, permanent fixture on the Shippensburg University campus, ready to be admired by students, staff, and visitors.

The Impact of the SHIP Letters: A Lasting Symbol of Raider Pride

The SHIP letters will have an immediate and lasting impact on the Shippensburg University campus.  As a highly visible landmark, they will serve as a point of pride for the entire university community.  Whether students are celebrating graduation, taking photos with friends, or simply passing by on their way to class, the SHIP letters will become a symbol of school spirit and Raider pride.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the letters will serve a practical function as well.  Their large size and bold colors make them an effective wayfinding tool, helping visitors and new students navigate the campus.  The letters will also create an ideal photo backdrop, offering students and alumni the perfect opportunity to capture memories of their time at Shippensburg University.

For Shippensburg University, the SHIP letters represent a lasting investment in the campus experience.  By creating a bold, permanent installation that reflects the university’s values and identity, the letters will help to build a stronger sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni.

Conclusion: Crafting a Lasting Legacy for Shippensburg University

The creation of the SHIP large metal letters is a confirmation to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and design.  From the initial concept to the final installation, every step of the process has been carefully planned and executed to ensure that the letters will not only meet the university’s expectations but exceed them.

By using high-quality materials like 12-gauge steel and offering optional Polyurea coating, WhiteClouds has ensured that the letters will stand the test of time, remaining a bold and vibrant symbol of Shippensburg University for generations to come.  The careful selection of font, colors, and design details reflects the university’s identity, creating a landmark that will inspire school spirit and pride for years to come.

As students, alumni, and visitors gather around the SHIP letters for photos and celebrations, they will be reminded of the strong sense of community that defines Shippensburg University.  The letters will become a permanent fixture on campus, representing the school’s commitment to excellence, tradition, and the Raider spirit.