design board HDU

[Big-Tex]

Ok I would like to know if anyone is using it and how it compares to sing foam or precision.

I would love to use duna but due to lack of local distribution oh well.

[cartar929]

I have used the third generation of design board on several signs. The sign foam is the best I have used but way too expensive. I wasn't impressed with precision board. I think that the third generation of design board in 18lb density has done pretty well for me and the price that is offered.

[joewino]

We had to use some Design Board recently when it was the only brand that our supplier offered. We normally prefer Corafoam from Duna, USA.

It was very porous and more difficult to finish than either SignFoam 3 or Precision Board.

It produced a lot of dust rather than chips like Corafoam. Also it dented easily and did not hold detail very well. It was 15#, which was the only density that the supplier carried.

I don't remember the cost, but whatever it was. it didn't save us any money because of the extra time spent in trying to get a nice finish.

I'll stick with Corafoam....but it is almost impossible to get anymore, unless you buy a whole pallet full from the manufacturer in Baytown, Texas.

[Big-Tex]

Rayman maybe we need to consider doing group buy.

[joewino]

Years ago when they were trying to break into the sign industry, another signman and I bought a large number of sheets and they delivered it free to me and him (we live in different states).

Their main customers are not sign folks, so we make up a small portion of their revenue. Also, since that time the rep that we worked with is no longer with the company.

One time another local signman drove to Baytown and picked up several sheets for him and some other local folks, but that was expensive since the trip takes up a long day, plus gas and other expenses.

Shipping is very expensive unless you buy a considerable amount...which is not likely in today's economy.

We have considered stocking some here at our place for other folks, but then there is the cost of keeping a large supply on hand, plus the distance others would have to travel to get here, making the cost per sheet rather high.

At the present, we are just not in a position to be able to lay out several thousands of dollars to get the free shipping from Baytown to here.

At one time, Laird Plastics (Austin, Texas) was a distributor for Corafoam, but the last time I bought from them they said that they were not going to continue to stock that item.

It is my understanding that Duna, USA is not an easy company to deal with and the small amounts used by the sign industry is not very profitable for them. I have not had any contact with the present national rep for them, so I'm not sure what the present situation may be.

I'll try to follow up and see what can be worked out.

[garyb]

Ray & Thomas
I do bulk buys of Duna 3 or 4 times a year. I always put a note here and on a number of other forums.
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2000

It will be next month for the next order and you may have to cross into Oklahoma (Pauls Valley) to pick up if I have no trip to TX scheduled, that is if you want to get in on this bulk buy.

Gary

[joewino]

Sounds great Gary. Now, if you could just deliver me a few sheets down from Pauls Valley I wouldn't charge you anything for the privilege of visiting my studio. I may even let you buy me lunch. What a deal!

We go through Pauls Valley every year on our way to Fred Self's Sign Shop in OKC. Been going in March for about 22 years, but this year's trip was the last since he is not hosting his Letterhead gathering any more.

I think Baytown is actually closer from us, so that will probably be our plan...or trying to get a bulk order together.

Thanks for the offer.

[garyb]

Your welcome Ray :)

[zeykr]

What industry does Duna Foam serve?

[billp]

Ken,
Years ago a bunch of us tracked them down when they were primarily making insulation for oil field equipment. You could buy a "bun"of HDU that was something like 6 ft, by 6 ft by 8 ft and carve it out so that it protected valves, etc. from the elements. A few of us told someone that we were buying similar products for $200 per 1 inch thick slab, and before long they had a new 'line" of products. A couple of Shopbotters were among the first distributors for the new line, but they have never really gotten a toe hold in the industry because of their limited range of distributors...It's a very good product, and I would hope to see it make the jump to the next level...

[joewino]

One of the early problems with getting their product ready for the sign industry was slicing the "buns" into flat sheets. It was a slow process and not all that accurate (at least for some particular people).

At one time they had planned a new facility that would make the slicing process more economical and accurate. I'm not sure that ever happened.

The parent company is in Italy with the manufacturing plant in Texas.

Also, they don't take credit cards.

It's a superior product, in my opinion, but just not all that easy to get.

If I'm not mistaken, it will burn if exposed to a flame. Other HDU's will melt, but not flame up. I've not conducted experiments on all the other products, but I do know that Corafoam will burn.

[joe]

HDU isn't easy to purchase now days. Many sign supply companies can no longer afford to stock such an expensive product. Not to mention there isn't much opportunity for a mark-up. The company "Sign Foam" originally required a large inventory for their vendors which reached in the thousands. It didn't take long for competition to enter the market selling like products at discount prices. The net effect was a spiral down in quality and availability. At this time I'm having to special order all my HDU.

My next door neighbors (Synopsis) purchases low density HDU in buns and slice it up. It looks easy enough if you have a large enough Band Saw. I'll send a photo if anyone is interested.

Each HDU manufacturer has their own formula. No one I've talked to can figure out why Duna is so much better, but it is. Their 15lb. is comparable to most other manufacturers 20lb. Their 18lb is my favorite. Some of the other manufacturers products are extremely gritty. Precision board's products stick to the operators hands like glue. Others aren't gritty but granular and hard to prime and can't carry much detail. Like Raymond stated it takes too much time to get them ready to paint. In my opinion the "Sign Foam" brand is the second best. I can live with it although it's pricey. I use some Jasper board and it takes a distant third.

Precision Board made by Costal Enterprises is off limits in our shop. Their 15lb. won't hold much detail and is way too gritty. You'll loose plenty of time trying to make something of their 15lb.

We presently have a 3' eagle to carve. That will just about polish off our Duna so we better get ready for a new order.

Joe
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com/)

[joe]

Duna is international and prouduces a host of products. In this way they are different from the other HDU suppliers. Thought someone would like to see the corporate listing.

http://www.dunagroup.com/eng/polyurethane.asp

[cartar929]

Duna board sounds awesome is it carried by a big time supplier? Harbor and N.Glantz deliver to our shop and I don't believe that they carry the product.

[blackhawk]

You guys perked my interest in Duna, so I called and found an East Coast distributor close to me. Robbins Sign Supply is in Lenoir, NC which is near Hickory. They stock Duna in different densities and thicknesses. They also sell SignFoam brand, so I asked for a price on both in 15 lb density and 1" thickness.

Duna was $196
SignFoam was $219

Carter - Duna doesn't have any distributors in Virginia, but I didn't ask about Maryland, since I am much closer to NC.

[joe]

Woopee for you.

Please let us know your opinion.

Joe C

[garyb]

For Maryland
Pioneer Supply, Linthicum MD (866) 880-5531
Martin Suppy, Baltimore MD (410) 366-1696

my suppliers list needs updating so there maybe more around your area, give these a try or you can call Duna
Gary

[Big-Tex]

I just bought some sign foam due to lack of duna for $196

[powerlsc]

Raymond,
If you get a bulk order of Duna together please let me know. I'll start saving my pennies.

I also have a large horse trailer to make a possible trip to Baytown and then distribute from here (Brenham, Texas).

Whatever works.