The sum of the parts

The old adage that a directory is out of date the moment it’s published also holds true for displays and signage. Whether it is a graphic display, directory, wayfinding solution or an exhibition stand, sooner or later information will need updating, graphics will need a fresh look, and other new elements will need to be added.

Scrapping existing installations and starting with a clean slate is simply not an option in the current economic climate. Nor is it an option when we are increasingly looking to be sustainable and reduce wastage.

Modular products, therefore, provide the ideal solution, as it is easy to replace, add or change individual elements as required. Moreover, they represent cost-effective options for creating a clear message and image that is in keeping with the organisation or location where they are displayed.

Customised standards

Not only are customers looking for adaptable products, many are also looking for systems that they can easily install, customise and adapt for themselves.

With this in mind, Hampshire-based Fairfield Displays and Lighting has re-designed its suspended rod system to make it easier to specify directory signage that can be hung from the ceiling, fixed to the wall or suspended between floor and ceiling.

The extensive range includes 1.5 and 3mm cable as well as 3mm, 6mm and 10mm rod system, so that components can be selected to meet individual budget and image requirements. Standard fittings are available to hold panels from 1 to 12.7mm and panel clamps are available in single and doubled versions. Different sizes and widths of panels can also be accommodated and panels can be fixed either between the rods or overhanging. As well as standard directory and information panels, LED light pockets and digital screens—where information can be easily and quickly updated—can be displayed, making it a very versatile system.

“Customers are always looking for innovative signage and this is where Fairfield can help, with a range of standard components which can be delivered quickly,” explains marketing director Janice Fairfield.

To complement the suspended signage, Fairfield’s new range of ‘wayfinding’ directory stands, the Info Post system, has been designed to hold custom made signs of different shapes and sizes, which can easily be attached to the vertical upright. The central post comes in a two, three or four-way profile and a flexible range of fixings, so that signage, or displays such as LED light pockets and leaflet holders, can be fitted in a variety of combinations.

New twists

Other manufacturers find that long-established, tried and tested products remain popular and viable choices. However, they can be given a whole new lease of life with a little innovation and the addition of some new twists.

For Surrey-based award-winning sign manufacturer Signbox its benchmark system remains the HB modular sign system, an internal signage system, designed and developed by the company’s in-house team of sign design and manufacturing experts.

A strong, yet lightweight system, it comprises a simple assembly of extruded, interchangeable aluminium profiles that are stove enamelled to an exacting paint finish that can be accurately matched to any RAL, BS, NCS or Pantone reference. At just 6mm thick, the system also offers a flexible solution to meet a wide range of requirements and budgets. It has been selected extensively by specifiers for use in corporate and government headquarters, educational institutions, sport and leisure facilities, healthcare and public sector environments.

“The HB system continues to be a popular choice and is supplied in various guises,” says Signbox managing director, Mark Bartlett.

For example, different finished effects can now be created, such as a ‘suede’ finish, using specialist paints that were developed originally for top of the range Hi-Fi manufacturers.

Bartlett comments: “It makes the system look a million dollars and screen prints very well.”

Introduction of the new paint finishes has been driven by Signbox’s desire to remain competitive, offer something different and provide cost-effective alternatives.

“A paint finish can dramatically change the look of a sign, whereas developing a new signage system is very costly,” says Bartlett, adding: “We are also driven by the desire to be sustainable to meet customer demand; a lot of architects are now asking for recyclable and sustainable options.”

Signbox is also currently developing options that incorporate near field communication (NFC) technology to communicate via smartphones, thereby changing static signs into interactive signs. For example, NFC used on a wayfinding signs might link to a plan of a building, instructions, a contact number, or website link. 

“This is the way forward and will be included in future signage,” Bartlett believes, going on to say: “The implementation of digital signage is costly in terms of development and management, so we still see huge potential in static signage, but the introduction of new technology will give the benefit of providing extra information.

Signbox’s Smart Stickers, which incorporate an NFC chip, are about the size of a beer mat. Manufactured from a durable polyester film onto which any message, graphic or image can be printed, they will adhere to the reverse of a glass or acrylic panel and can be read through 8mm thick glazing.

Making a show

On the exhibition and event front, anyone who has ever had to transport and erect a stand will know the sheer effort involved. Often the weight of the stand is enough alone to bring on a severe bout of exhaustion before the real work even begins. So, anything that makes the task easier is bound to be welcomed with open arms, especially if it can be carried easily.

The new T3 Lite system from Ultima Displays is therefore certain to be worthy of attention. An easy-to-build, compact and flexible modular framework system, T3 Lite is manufactured in the UK under licence by Northamptonshire-based Ultima Displays UK.

The company is part of one of the largest manufacturing, distribution and service groups in the display, exhibition and event market, and a major player in portable display hardware and exhibition stand solutions.

T3 Lite, described by Ultima as ‘maximum impact for minimum effort’, is available in a range of six standard configurations with varying sizes, and a choice of accessories to help put those finishing touches to a stand. All the designs are very simple to assemble using a straightforward twist and lock mechanism that requires no tools. Optional accessories include TV brackets, counters, shelving, cupboards with tabletops, lighting and graphics, plus bags and cases to enable stands and graphics to be transported safely. There is also a full parts back-up service if extra parts are needed.

Attaching graphics is very simple procedure, as they fit smoothly and easily onto the frames using steel and magnetic tape, so that stands can be customised to customers’ requirements.

“We have been developing our own standard designs and accessories for the new T3 Lite display system for several months and we are now happy and confident that customers will be pleased with the results,” says Andrew Burdett, managing director of Ultima Displays, who adds: “Once you use T3 Lite, you’ll never look back. With the straight forward twist and lock mechanism building your stand couldn’t be easier.

“We are always looking for the next ‘big thing’ and we are confident that T3 is the way forward for when you want a simple stand without high expenditure or the need for specialist teams to build it for you at your exhibition venue. We welcome customers to come and see for themselves, and have created a brand new custom modular suite in our showroom where T3 Lite plus Vector and Linear stands are available to touch and feel.”

This is just a brief overview of some of the options currently available in modular displays and signage, but it clearly demonstrates that manufacturers are very much in tune with the mood of the current market, and are more than prepared to apply innovative and creative thinking to developing products to ensure that signage remains fresh and modern. At the same time they are mindful of the need to meet a variety of individual image and budget requirements, with options ranging from self-customised systems to bespoke manufacture.