What Are HDU Signs?

HDU signs are signs made from a dense durable foam called high-density urethane (HDU). It is one of the most versatile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly sign material options available. It is highly prized in the sign industry for its carving ability and longevity.

HDU, such as Corafoam by Duna, is a polyurethane substrate which is baked, pressed, and cut into sheets. Those sheets come in a variety of thicknesses and densities and are able to be carved, sanded, and painted with ease.

Why consider an HDU sign?

HDU signs are valued for their quality, physical characteristics, and exceptional strength. HDU can be cut with typical wood working tools or can be carved with a CNC router to create texture to closely resemble wood, stone and other materials.

Are HDU signs better than wood?

Sign shops and customers tend to prefer HDU signs over wood signs for the following reasons:

HDU signs will not warp like wood.
HDU won’t crack or split. Wood signs dry out and crack over time if not maintained regularly.
HDU’s closed cell formula makes it waterproof. Wood can rot over time.
HDU is knot-free, grain-free, strong, and rigid.
HDU is available in a variety of sizes and densities.

Signs can be made entirely out of HDU, or they can be made from multiple layers of various substrates. HDU elements, such as letters & graphics, can be applied to other substrates or surfaces such as wood, plastic, metal, or stucco. It can be used in conjunction with other sculpting mediums as well.