User:Peter lowe/Graphic display systems
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[edit] Graphic Display Systems
(Also known as exhibition equipment, display stands, modular display systems) form an integral part of the trade show, display and advertising industry and are used to promote a company, a given product, a service or as part of directional aids within a wide variety of different arenas. There is a massive range of systems available within a set style and each are chosen by printer (publisher), media advertising companies and public relations firms depending on the space needed for advertising a product/theme. The main type of systems are produced in many formats, designs and shapes, either as stand alone features or as part of a larger display set up.
Such display systems are prevalent in normal life; in shop windows and shopping malls, petrol/gas stations, libraries and schools and are used as tools to show or publicise a topic.
Graphic display systems are used by companies to showcase themselves and their products at various events including exhibitions and other marketing arenas. Modern display systems are designed so that graphics can be interchanged regularly with clever ideas such as attaching graphics using velcro (or hook and loop), rolling banner mechanisms, adhesive/tapes or magnets. Graphics are mostly printed using materials such as paper, cardboard, foamtex, pvc, fabric or Aluminium foil/metal based materials.
[edit] History of Graphic Display Systems
Throughout history man has used graphic display systems to describe and outline all manner of scenarios and to relay messages. Graphic display systems date back to mans earliest drawings in caves with various tools used such as dyes, charcoal and engraving onto stone or woods. They depicted important daily rituals like hunting, movement of the tribe and their beliefs. The Egyptians and other more early advanced civilisations used hieroglyphics as a display system in a similar but more advanced mode of graphic display with engravings inside their pyramids/tombs, on their jewellery and also etching onto papyrus scrolls. Curses, laws and ritualistic beliefs were highlighted and remain for us still to see to this day.
Art (including graphic display systems) has always been and will always be an integral part of mans way of life. From Roman mosaics inside their dwellings to paintings in mediaeavil churches, graphic display systems and the presentation tools to display art have played highly important roles from early religious practises and to a lesser decree the promotion of news, laws and business matters.
Early graphic display systems can be seen in most museums
[edit] Graphic Display Systems: The Industry
The graphic display system business is huge and a foremost economic entity for all countries with manufacturers and re-sellers taking a share of a multi-million dollar market with new designs and features pouring in from countries such as; Peoples Republic of China, Turkey and other less known lands as well as more established players from United States of America, the E.U and the rest of the world.
Figures taken from various governmental trade and industry sources show that there has been noticable increases in manufacturing output, export/import sales and rentals of graphic display systems.
Country by country figures
[edit] Static and Roller Banner Stands
Static Banner Stands are graphic display banners that are highly portable and easy to set up. They do not usually require any special tools but they differ from Roller Banner Stands in one way; they are modular and require some assembly. This can involve the attachment of the graphic panel to the unit or the assembly of the unit itself. The display graphic can be attached to Static Banner Stands in a variety of ways; magnetically, by a gripper rail or by hooking on to the assembled frame.
The term ‘static’ refers to how the banner is constructed. Roller Banner Stands allow the graphic to be pulled out of the base unit giving them an element of movement (rolling) in the assembly process. There are many mechanisms used to provide the "roll up" facility on a roller banner, including; **** Static Banner Stands are essentially modular and this is the principal difference.
The graphic area and end result is very similar whether Static Banner Stands or Roller Banner Stands are used and it is down to personal preference or the exhibiting area size as to which system is best suited. Static Banner Stands are ideal for situations where one must not assemble them several times in a short period because of the modular assembly. Roller Banner Stands are compact and quick to put up and take down so are ideal when set up times are restricted or instant impact is required.
[edit] Outdoor Banner Stands
Outdoor Banner Stands are durable and robust as they are specifically designed for outdoor use. There are a wide variety of Outdoor Banner Stands on the market but many have certain features. Most units use a lightweight plastic base which can be filled with sand or water to give the unit stability in all weather conditions.
In some situations it is possible to peg or anchor the unit to the ground, for example, on grassed areas. It is always advisable to consider where the Outdoor Banner Stands are to be sited and how sheltered it is likely to be.
Most Outdoor Banner Stands are modular in construction and can be assembled quickly and easily. They are manufactured from hard wearing and non-ferrous metals or hard plastics. They offer a large visual area and are a high impact sales tool for retail parks, outdoor events and sporting venues.
Outdoor Banner Stands are usually available as single or double sided systems with the graphic area usually made from fabric or textile or mesh material. Mesh material is particularly useful outside as it acts less like a sail in high winds than normal textiles.
Most Outdoor Banner Stands are supplied in carry bags, usually one for the large bases and a second for the poles and graphics. This makes them a lot easier to transport despite their large size when assembled.
[edit] Rigid Panel Holders, Information points and Sandwich boards
Rigid Panel Holders are designed to hold rigid substrates such as dry wipe panels, pinnable panels and wire mesh panels for the use of point of sale or advertising. The Rigid Panel Holders base are usually manufactured from metals including extruded aluminium or folded steel which can be seen in various different sizes depending on the system used.
The two part base sandwiches the rigid substrate to create a free standing advertisment which is frequently used in retail environments, hotels, schools, corporate reception areas, libraries and other public areas.
Sandwich boards are seen outside shops and businesses, in town centres and restaurants/cafeterias advertising wares and services. They are a cheaper and more common form of graphic display systems and are manufactured in woods and metals (mainly aluminium profiles). They have been in use for centuries and are simple hinged boards which fit together to coprise a triangular shaped, double sided advertitising graphic display system. One can either attach graphics to them or print/draw directly on the boards.
[edit] Modular Display Systems
Framed Modular Display Systems offer innovative and contemporary display structures. A modern alternative to Pop Up Graphic Display Systems and Folding Panel Kits, these semi-permanent units are usually eye catching yet simplistic in their design. Most units feature anodised aluminium or steel extruded profiles and magnetically mounted panels which enable quick change of visual graphic areas.
Modular Display Systems are ideally suited for Point of Sale, Retail and exhibition/trade show display environments where easy assembly and seamless graphic appearance are important. One often sees their use in banks and post offices.
These sturdy units can come with a wide range of accessories such as Spotlights, carry bags, literature dispensers and monitor holders for TFT or LCD monitor presentation screens and are usually designed and built so that the original system can be added to at a later date depending on the advertising/exhibition/trade show need.
There are a wide range of system configurations available on the market including straight, curved or crossed framed Modular Display Systems.
[edit] Pop Up Transit Cases
Usually made from rotationally moulded Polypropylene, these types of transportation cases are mainly used for the protection of Pop Up Graphic Display Systems, Modular Display Systems and sometimes Roller Banner Stands. They can also be used as an integral part of an exhibition/trade show system as there are conversion kits available on the general market to transform the case into a table top counter or another similar focal point of a display stand.
[edit] Graphic Display Lighting
Lighting for graphic Display systems is usually configured from Floodlights or Spotlights depending on the size and application of the system involved. Lights can be fixed to individual stands to illuminate the main unit or can be assembled as one unit for shell schemes when used in conjunction with a gantry track systems. Lighting and electrical certification standards are always important to determine quality and reliability of the Spotlight/Floodlight. Good examples of such standards include the CE, GS and ROHS accreditations.
[edit] Poster Snap Frames
Poster Frames, also sometimes known as Gripframes or Snap Frames, are a simple and effective way of communicating an advertising message or to give directional aid in any environment. Most frames are available in sizes from format A5 to A0 as well as some larger imperial sizes. They are used in situations where the quick and easy change of posters or promotional material is required. Once the frame is attached to the wall it does not need to be removed in order to change the poster or graphic inside. The frames flip open on the hinge all the way round the Poster Frame, a transparent cover lies over the printed graphic to act as protection or the Graphic can itself be laminated.
Poster Frames are manufactured in smooth satin anodised aluminium or different types of plastics and sometimes the frame is powder coated in different colours to suit corporate business colours or a particular theme. The frame can come in a variety of widths, typically from 20-35mm. They are usually produced with mitred corners but moulded round plastic corners are also used.
You will often see Poster Frames in retail environments, motorway/freeway service stations, exhibition halls, leisure centres, bus stations and many other public buildings because the graphics are so easy to change.
For additional security and to stop tampering with display material there are secure and lockable Poster Frames. Secure Poster Frames usually require a special opening tool and lockable versions use an Allen key or similar tool to lock the frame. These make the unauthorised removal of the display material more difficult.
[edit] Panel & Pole and Folding Panel Kits
Folding panel kits and Panel Systems are made from lightweight but durable cardboard panels covered in fabric/textile and edged with tough PVC frames. The Folding Panel Kits are assembled in three easy stages; unfold the lower panels outwards, attach the upper panels and add any header boards required. There is a wide choice of kit configurations on the market and these kits can often be reassembled to make other shapes or to be added to other similar systems.
Panel sizes can vary in size but typically they are from 900-1000mm high by 600-700mm wide. The panels are usually covered in a Velcro compatible material which is available in a range of colours or in PVC finishes where graphics can be attached using double sided tape. The material will not usually match a specific Pantone colour but there is usually enough choice to select something very similar to any corporate colours required.
Folding Panel Kits are used to attach posters and graphics onto them directly and are often seen in public buildings such as schools and libraries due to their versatility and durability. Some complicated configurations can be achieved (see Shell schemes) as well as simple table top or floor systems.
[edit] Pop Up Graphic Display Systems
Pop Up Graphic Display Systems give users the opportunity to create a wall of graphics very quickly and easily. The lightweight aluminium frame expands and locks into place with magnetic or hook locking arms. Magnetic bars are attached to the frame at the nodes and graphic display panels are hung and magnetically attached. This creates a large but lightweight display graphic which only takes up a small footprint on the floor.
Pop Up Graphic Display Systems are found in a variety of height options and configurations. They can be seen in straight, curved or even wave options all at different heights. Pop Up Graphic Display Systems are dressed in a mix of graphic panels and textile panels to create a graphic display. Most fabric panels are hook and loop fastener compatible so posters, point of sale literature and leaflets can be easily attached. The most well known brand of hook and loop fastener in Europe is Velcro.
Many Pop Up Graphic Display Systems have integral light fittings at the top of the frame and offer a range of attachable Spotlights including 50w Spotlights, low volt Spotlights and 150w halogen flood lights. The general concensus is that it is important not to cut back on lights as it is important to show off the graphic panels as well as possible (especially having gone to the trouble of designing and printing them). Well lit displays always provide the best impact as they are very eye-catching to the audience.
One of the principal advantages of Pop Up Graphic Display Systems is that they expand and collapse very easily. They can be transported in Pop Up Transit Cases along with the magnetic bars and graphic panels. There are a large number of Pop Up Transit Cases available on the general market, ranging from a wheeled lockable case to a semi-rigid carry drum. One of the most popular in Europe is the wheeled case with removable lid which can be used as a step when dressing the Pop Up Graphic Display Systems.
These types of Pop Up Transit Cases are often rotationally moulded and are very robust and strong. They offer an easy way to keep all the pop up system component parts together and protect the graphic panels. These type of cases are often dressed with a graphic or textile wrap and a table top which is used to make a useful Display Plinth or Counter Unit at a show. There are also space saver Cases which fit into the boot of most cars and carry drums and Frame Bags are used with most modern systems as well. All transit and storage cases are designed to keep the Pop Up Graphic Display Systems protected and compact.
[edit] Notes
[edit] References including Source material
- International Craft Trade Fairs: a practical guide by UNESCO
- Display Presentation: exhibitions, window and outdoor display by Beverly Pick
- Careers in Art and Graphic Design By Ronald A. Reis
- How to Get the Most Out of Trade Shows by Steve A. Miller
- Trade Show Management: Planning, Implementing And Controlling Of... by Manfred Kirchgeorg
[edit] Further reading
- Sign-Link magazine. A guide for the sign, screen and digital print market.
- Screen Process and Digital Imaging magazine. Providing updates, latest information and stories from the screen printing and graphic display systems industry.
- Exhibiting magazine. Exhibition analysis for the marketing industry.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- [[1]] Euro fairs statistics.
- [[2]] Signmakers resource centre website.
- [[3]] Association of digital and screen printers.
- [[4]] International website dedicated to the exhibition and display industry.
- [[5]] Manufacturers and designers of graphic display systems.
- [[6]] Online trade show and sign/display resources.
- [[7]] British Exhibition Contractors Association
- [[8]] Association of event organisers. Providing industry related information, training and trends analysis.
