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What is flex face signage?

Men installing a skin of a large flex face sign.
The installation of the skin in NovaComp is achieved by fitting black clips at 150mm centres around the perimeter of the skin.
A large flex face sign using NovaTex profiles, installed above a shop and illuminated with LEDs.
All depths except for the 18mm can be perfectly illuminated with LEDs if required using the NovaTex profiles .
A huge flex face sign using NovaFlex on the side or a large building.
NovaFlex is suitable for boxes of any size and due to its full perimeter tensioning can be fitted in any location with no chance of blowouts.
The frame for installing the Nova Flex, flex face sign
Installation of the back box is no different to fitting an acrylic box faced box; the same principles apply, often just on a bigger scale.

The sales team at Nova hear this question every day from customers often apprehensive about installing it. Lisa Sperring provides an insight into flex face signage incuding materials, finishes and applications.

Quite simply, flex face signage uses a banner substrate material with printed graphics in place of rigid panels when acrylic is not suitable. The flexibility of the substrates allows for a seamless finish with no joins that are inevitable when using rigid face materials. This also means that you are not restricted by size as you are with acrylic and composite panels; it is possible to achieve almost any size when using flexible faced signage.

We often hear from customers that they are apprehensive about installing flex boxes or worried that there will be additional time required for installation.
In reality, the installation of the back box is no different to fitting an acrylic box faced box; the same principles apply, often just on a bigger scale. There are several systems available for flex banners; at Nova we have designed our systems specifically with the installer in mind.

Full perimeter tensioning

NovaFlex is the only full perimeter tensioning system on the market; this means that the banner is tensioned at all points around the perimeter of the box. The skin requires a loop to be welded around the edge, an aluminium rod slides into the pocket created and the puller profile slides over the pocket which is then hooked into the brackets and tensioned using a power drill. This method ensures wrinkle-free skins every time as NovaFlex has the most adjustment when tensioning than any other system.

At 200mm in depth, NovaFlex can be backlit using LEDs giving striking visuals, particularly when using a multi-layer print. NovaFlex is suitable for boxes of any size and due to its full perimeter tensioning can be fitted in any location with no chance of blowouts. When it comes to the back box, there are three supports available depending on the size of the box required: 50mm supports are used on the open end of each section and when over 3000mm in height, 100mm supports are used as standard on the ends of the box and in the centre of each middle section.

For much larger boxes over 4000mm in height the 150mm wide support is used on both ends. These prevent the box from distorting under tension and allow plenty of secure fixing points for the installer. NovaFlex has recently been used to produce boxes 24000 x 7500mm with no horizontal joins. Boxes were delivered to site in 7500mm long sections.

Our fleet of vehicles enable us to make boxes in the best configuration for fitting as we will deliver directly to site when required by the customer.

Working in conjunction with SignComp Europe, we developed NovaComp which is tensioned using black clips and available at both 135mm and 200mm deep backlit with LEDs, it incorporates the same support sections as NovaFlex. The installation of the skin in NovaComp is achieved by fitting black clips at 150mm centres around the perimeter of the skin and then installing them into the box using fitting tools. Nova supplies additional SignComp systems including the 30mm non-illuminated frame.

Which system is best?

Should you use NovaFlex or NovaComp? Once you have determined that both systems are suitable for the application, then it only really comes down to the preference of your fitter. Some will prefer one system over the other and once some have tried the other, you may well find they are converted.

As demand for non-illuminated signage using flexible faced systems increased, Nova designed a system tensioned using the same black clips as NovaComp. At just 75mm deep, the fascia frame is a great alternative to folded sign trays.

With just two extrusions making up the perimeter, it is easy to transport and fit. The body section has two fixing points all around its perimeter to prevent it from bowing under tension. The skin is installed using the same process as other NovaComp systems. Also available made up with supports and a back, the 75mm fascia frame is a budget solution for flexible faced signage. For a shallower option, NovaSkin is just 40mm deep.

Full perimeter fixing is available as standard and supports can be fitted if required. The skin is fitted in place a white plastic extruded clip; also in the range is the NovaSkin Adaptor. This section fits into existing rigid faced lightboxes in place of the bead that retains the acrylic panel. Once fitted, the skin is installed in the same way, transforming your High Street lightbox into a flexface.

Internal advertising is becoming more popular and requires a softer look than external flex signage and has graphics that are likely to be changed regularly.

This is where our NovaTex suite of profiles is the system of choice. Available in depths of 18mm, 40mm, 65mm and 83mm including a double-sided option at 100mm deep, there is a solution for every requirement. All but the 18mm can be perfectly illuminated with LEDs if required.

Screw-free appearance

With its completely screw-free appearance, NovaTex is ideal for any environment from office to retail. The printed skins have a silicone edge stitched to the perimeter, enabling it to be simply pushed into the back box.

Flexible faced systems have become more popular than ever in the past few years and with retailers wanting to regularly

The only full perimeter tensioning system on the market, the banner is tensioned at all points around the perimeter of the box update their image, it is the perfect option. Nova understands the apprehension towards the systems, especially if you are new to them so our knowledgeable sales team with 50 years plus experience between them are always on hand to offer advice or answer questions; even if it’s not about one of our systems, we will do all we can to help and point you in the right direction.To make ordering your flex face systems as easy as possible, we offer a one stop shop.

Working closely with printers that know our systems as well as we do, we can offer fully prepared and printed skins for all our systems so you can be assured you will

have all you need to complete the job. This is just a brief insight into flex face signage; for more information please contact our team who will be delighted to help or visit our website to browse all of the signage systems we have available including acrylic lightboxes, wayfinding and overhead lighting.

Our experience dates back many years, allowing us to continue to bring new and innovative systems and solutions to the market. If you need a particular solution and we don’t currently have it, we will use our expertise to find one.

www.nova-aluminium.com

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