By Melissa Donovan
Part 2 of 2
Large-scale fabric structures, 20 feet in width or wider, are ideal for a number of environments whether the more traditional trade show or events like concerts, plays, or musicals. In all scenarios, a heavy-duty frame is necessary to maintain stability, while simultaneously remaining easy to assemble because in most cases the end user is the one installing and deconstructing it.
The first article in this series discussed features to look for in large-scale fabric frames, namely uniqueness, durability, and ease in assembly. Here we share some of the more popular and most recent large-scale fabric frame introductions.
Large-Scale Frames
Expand International offers its InfinitaSystem lightweight fabric frame system in endless configurations and designs in widths of 20 feet. A silicone edge graphic (SEG) system, the fabric is easy to install into the frame and take out if change outs are necessary. Accessories are available including shelves, brochure racks, lights, and monitor mounts.
Expolinc’s Fabric Wall can be configured from eight to 30 feet. It involves a patented spring-loaded frame where a silicone edging strip is sewn onto the upper and lower edge of fabric, then slides into the Fabric Wall profile. The structure can create 90 degree corners as well as curved and straight shapes.
ISOframe Fabric is Mark Bric Display Corp.’s newest grand format fabric system. It is fully modular, so any size can be built depending on the client’s request. A lightweight system, it is strong enough to hold monitors, shelves, doors, and other accessories. Mark Bric’s patented clamping system permits the set up to be five times faster than other systems without the use of tools, per the company.
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group offers several large fabric structures over 20 feet in width. The Formulate line of products includes vertical curve back walls, arches, and hanging structures. Price varies depending on the type of structure purchased. For example, the Fusion Kit 05 includes an 18-foot tall fabric-covered tower centerpiece, three curved architectural support beams, monitor mounts, and a reception counter priced at $47,000 to $55,300 MSRP. Alternatively, a 20-foot Vertical Curve Backwall contains pillowcase fabric graphics with lightweight aluminum tube frames, with the option to add on additional features like monitor mounts and shelves. This structure ranges in price from $3,400 to $6,300 MSRP.
Outwater Plastics Industries, Inc. provides the FOGA Fabric Flex Framing System, which is comprised of clear, anodized, extruded aluminum profiles and accessories that are engineered for use with SEG tensioned fabric. Extrusions are joined together through a connecting device with an Allen key.
Penguin Exhibits’ 20-foot Mural Kit includes the frame, graphics, lights, magnetic connectors, and cases. These multi-frame murals rely on edge magnetic tape to create a seamless final graphic. Each seam requires one magnetic connector kit, which includes a set of straight connector pins and edge magnetic tape to connect two frames.
Stylmark, Inc. announced two new Optima LED StretchLite Backlit Light Boxes in March 2015. In depths of eight and five inches, both accommodate graphics up to 30 feet in length. Models are available as both single- and double-sided options and both accept fabric via a silicone edge gasket channel to create a frameless appearance.
These are just a few of the vendors offering fabric frames in widths of 20 feet or wider. While some employ the newest technique of fabric with silicone edges, others rely on traditional methods like magnets to attach the graphic to the frame. Many options are available for any environment or budget.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Quality and Durability.
Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.
Jan2016, Digital Output DOLSF1601
