The right direction
One of the most flexible products available in the modern sign market, the easy nature of modular sign systems has made them a huge hit not only with customers, but also with the sign-makers that offer this type of work to their clients.
Suitable for use in a wide range of environments and offering all sorts of opportunities to the user, these types of signs are regarded as among the most cost-effective solutions in sign-making, offering ease of use and interchangeable options in the long run.
Here, we speak with a number of companies involved in this line of work to get an insight into the type of demand in the market and how their latest offerings will add even more flexibility to this popular type of sign.
Pole and plank
Nova Aluminium Systems is one company involved in this area, with sign sales manager Lisa Sperring explaining that the business has picked up on a number of major trends in recent years.
Nova Aluminium says there is steady demand for pole and plank systems
“We often find demand remains consistent for pole and plank systems; they’re regularly used in a variety of settings, including commercial, retail, education, and healthcare,” she says.
We often find demand remains consistent for pole and plank systems; they’re regularly used in a variety of settings, including commercial, retail, education, and healthcare”
“As a trade-only supplier we are often unaware of where our signage systems are being fitted. When we fabricate pole and plank systems, they are supplied powder coated and ready for the sign-maker to apply the graphics and install.”
Sperring says pole and plank are commonly used in any location where a slim and modern look is required for wayfinding, adding that its clever design means it can be manufactured in a range of configurations to fit the location, from flat-faced monolith to a V-shape, and many more.
“They are an attractive way to achieve wayfinding goals and to aid the smooth flow of people around any site,” Sperring says, adding: “All panels and planks accept a unique location pin on each corner. This allows the panel to easily slide into the post without the need for fiddly inserts that are awkward to fit on -site.”
With 78mm and 125mm round posts, a 78mm square, D post and a wall-mounted quadrant that all accept the same infill and planks, there are lots of options available with these types of signs. Panels can be fabricated to any size, Sperring says, and used alongside the standard planks that are available from Nova at 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm deep.
“Further visual options can be achieved using the quad post to make up V-shaped and triangular formations; the V carrier allows for multiple angles to be achieved,” Sperring says, adding: “Box 78 is an extrusion that, when married with the square or D post, enables the panel to be the same depth as the post, perfect for small monolith signs.
“All posts accept a standard steel insert that gives them further strength if more than 3,000mm out of the ground. This makes it ideal for use in particularly windy locations. Similarly, all of the posts accept a reversible infill to fill the space below the panels.
“Our pole and plank systems are finished off with colour-matched aluminium end caps for a seamless look.”
Freedom of choice
Elsewhere, xsign offers a range of signage services including modular signage. Marketing manager Tom Jullings says demand for modular signage is growing and the company is in a strong position to capitalise on this increasing interest.
“We have been keen to demonstrate to our clients the benefits of modular signage,” Jullings says, adding: “Modular signage can offer all of the aesthetics that make signage an important part of a design scheme whilst performing the necessary function that signage needs to perform in modern built environments.
“That is why the company has invested a lot of energy in developing our patented range of modular signage products, so that we are in a stronger position to specify signage schemes that give architects, designers, and building managers more freedom of choice.”
In terms of the areas that are seeing the most demand, Jullings explains that xsign works closely with a number of higher education institutions and student residential developers. He adds that as the UK continues to grow in popularity as a world-class education provider, investment in facilities, and as such products like modular signage, will continue over the next five to ten years.
Demand for modular signs at educational sites is expected to grow
For the immediate future, Jullings believes that modular signage will continue to be an important part of modern built environments, picking up on the sustainable qualities associated with this type of signage as one of its most important and stand-out selling points.
“Where other signage systems will need to be continually replaced as the use of the building evolves, modular signage allows for smaller changes to specific elements of the signage, rather than needing to replace the entire scheme, helping to reduce costs and waste,” Jullings explains.
“We are also seeing a continued focus on the environmental impact of building design. Xsign is using planet-friendly inks and printing methods, plus adopting ISO 14001 protocol to ensure we are operating in line with the commitments of our customers.”
Looking to the most popular modular sign products available from xign, Jullings has little hesitation in pointing to its Jigsaw solution, saying that this is a perfect example of an engineered directory modular signage system that allows for the easy changing of panels should information about the building change.
xsign says its Jigsaw product allows for the easy changing of panels
“Whilst the initial concept of Jigsaw was created in 2000 by company chief executive and British architect Mark Shaw-Smith, the product has seen continual development such that the system can be combined with a greater variety of print methods,” Jullings says.
O Factoid: The initial concept of xsign’s Jigsaw solution was created in 2000 by chief executive and British architect Mark Shaw-Smith O
“Architects and designers aren’t limited by a small suite of material finishes, as the Jigsaw system can be used in conjunction with thousands of material finishes, paints, architectural foils, and print techniques.
Returning demand
When discussing modular signs, it is only fair to extend the conversation to modular stand builds in the events and exhibitions sectors, both of which have enjoyed a huge resurgence in the aftermath of the pandemic. Very Displays is heavily involved with this sort of work, designing and supplying indoor and outdoor display solutions across a range of areas.
Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager at Very Displays, says when inquiries for modular sign systems come in, minds at the company immediately go to modular exhibition systems, ranging from traditional shell schemes to bespoke built walling for exhibitors at trade shows or events. With the return of events and exhibitions over the past year or so, demand for these systems has rocketed.
“We are finding demand for a more portable and easier to use system that still gives the same stylish and impactful stand without the big stand build,” Corcoran explains, adding: “The market is seeing other options becoming available from SEG application AMP walls to SEG Fabric Pop Ups.
“Plus, what we’re currently seeing a rise in demand for is our Fabric Tube Display offering. All allowing customers to be just as creative but with a more cost-effective and easier to assemble option.”
So, what is new at Very Displays? As well as offering its standalone Tube Fabric Display backwalls for exhibitions, ranging from 1m to 6m, customers are now able to maximise space by joining multiple Fabric Tube Display walls together.
Modular signage is a popular choice for exhibition stands as the events sector continues to boom post-pandemic
“Simply select from our range of simple Tube Fabric Display feet and connectors and the size of walls you need and you have created your own modular space,” Corcoran says, adding: “The flexibility of being able to connect walls and make different configurations means this modular solution can fill multiple spaces and the customer can be as creative as they like.”
Corcoran goes on to say that the core benefits of this option to customers include that fact that it will be reconfigurable for multiple event spaces, presents them with a portable display solution that can be used time and time again and the ability to utilise all sizes of event space.
Due to the nature of the stand, it only requires minimal build with push fit frames and pullover fabric graphics, without the need to use any tools, which in turn means it is also fast to disassemble. In addition, all of the featured hardware can be reused again and again, with the user only required to replace the graphics if necessary.
“We truly believe that it is the go-to, hassle-free, cost-effective portable modular display solution,” Corcoran says.
“Whilst our primary focus is supplying our trade customers with cost-effective portable display hardware, we offer
large- format printing to help our trade customers when their production is at full capacity, or for those that don’t have the textile printing capabilities. By offering this extra service we expand our trade customer’s capability, allowing them to say yes to all their customers’ needs and requests.”
Simply put, modular signage offers customers a simple and hassle-free way of installing signs without having to invest in a whole new signage every time it needs updating. In a market where clients are seeking the best return on their investment, these clever signs are a savvy way of securing long-term work with valuable customers across a whole range of markets.
If you then add in modular exhibition and event stands, which are very much built on the same concept of modular sign systems – ease of use and cost effective – then it is easy to see why demand for these types of systems and solutions will likely rise over the coming months and years.
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