Industry News | Flexible Signs

A customer with a wave shaped trade show display seeks a unique solution for flexible, conformable signage. This article describes a unique sign solution well suited to trade shows.

To capture the attention of trade show attendees, a software vendor wanted to display a wide sign in their display booth. Without a flat surface to mount to, the wave shaped display booth presented a unique challenge. The sign must be removable, durable, portable and conform to the shape of the booth. For this reason, we chose a sign made of polycarbonate sheet, commonly referred to as Lexan.

Lexan is a polycarbonate thermoplastic resin, a gooey substance that once hardened, can not be destroyed or broken. Invented in 1953, this this remarkably tough material was used by NASA in the 1960s for astronaut helmet assemblies and visors which became known as bubble helmets. It has also been used in sports helmets, windows, signs, greenhouses, and when laminated in sheets up to 1.25″ thick, a material tough enough to stop bullets has been created.

Available in a variety of thicknesses, thinner sheets can be rolled for portability – a perfect solution for trade show displays that must be transported. For this customer, .015 Lexan was chosen that has a smooth surface on one side, and a frosted or matte surface on the other.

Targeting a 12″ high by 55″ wide sign, a full-color digital print was made of the customer’s art. Adhesive PVC media can be used to mount to the face of the Lexan, though this would leave the print exposed. For this type of signage, mounting the print second surface, behind the Lexan would be a better solution.

Optically clear mount adhesive was used to mount the print to the smooth side of the Lexan such that the print is viewed through, and protected by the substrate. The matte surface mutes colors somewhat, but also eliminates glare – a desirable feature for this type of display where overhead lighting may otherwise render portions of the sign illegible in glare.

The trade show booth is covered in fabric that is receptive to Velcro. To facilitate mounting of the Lexan sign, 3/4″ wide adhesive Velcro hook was applied to the perimeter. When not in use, the sign can be removed and rolled up for easy transport. Signs can be changed out as needed when the message or promotion changes. The end result is a sign that addresses the customer’s needs perfectly.

When you have unique signage needs, your sign company’s familiarity with products and fabrication methods can help design a solution that meets your requirements.

For more information, contact:

Spectrum Signs
23382 Madero Suite L
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 297-3800

Spectrum Signs