By Melissa Donovan
Part 1 of 2
Depending on where a graphic is set to make its final appearance, it is important to consider the appropriate finishing. If mounted, there is the question of whether the tools used should be invisible to the viewer or remain part of the finished piece. Maybe the graphic needs to be framed; a number of options range from plastic to hardwood to complement the intended look and feel.
Print service providers (PSPs) add additional revenue to their shop by offering mounting and framing systems. This two-part series looks at some of the newest options in the wide format space. Here, we discuss mounting systems that provide a final, polished look to graphics. Traditional mounting systems are featured, as well as clips that hold graphics.
Alpina Manufacturing LLC recently introduced Graphic Clips that hold graphics such as narrow banners and retail ads. They are available in silver and black with end caps and cut to any length required. Popular environments for use include grocery, convenience, and retail stores; elevated displays; street pole banners; or an at-home banner collector. Like all of Alpina’s products, Graphic Clips are made with over 30 percent recycled content.
E.L. Hatton Sales Co. offers PowerClips, which provide quick and easy install of graphics by eliminating the need to cut holes for grommets. Available in several different dimensions, PowerClips grip harder when the graphic is pulled tauter. These accessories are in stock in white and black, however clear and other colors can be custom ordered.
Gyford Standoff Systems’ StandOffs product line includes caps, barrels, edge grips, four-way hubs, fixed hinges, and various grippers manufactured from aluminum or stainless steel. The standoffs hold signs, architectural panels, glass panels, banners, photographs, artwork, and other materials vertically or horizontally.
Pizazz Display Systems is known for its mono•mounts and multi•mounts mounting systems. It recently announced the optional d•parts accessory, which is used to extend the standoff distance of a graphic and/or hold more panels. d•parts are made from a variety of materials and are available in a range of sizes, finishes, and colors. The four main lines are aluminum, in a natural finish; brass, electroplated in satin chrome, bright chrome, satin black, satin gold, and bright gold; hybrid, in gloss clear resin; and resin, in a variety of colors and finishes.
Similarities Abound
While each vendor shares differentiating factors that make their products standout from the competition, a commonality is found throughout—the goal of user friendliness. Each of these mounting systems allow a PSP to show the customer how to install the graphic on their own, without tying up extra time applying the graphic. Also, many of these accessories are durable enough to be used again, meaning graphics can be switched out easily. This morphs the customer into a second time buyer, providing repeat business for the PSP.
In the second part of this series we look at framing systems used in finishing wide format graphics.
Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.
Mar2015, Digital Output DOMF1503
