Top 11 Reasons Why Most Trade Show Signs Are Tensioned Fabric

1) Tensioned fabric signs are light.

The aluminum frames and fabric covers used for tensioned fabric signs are much lighter than signs made with steel or wood. Rigging from exhibit center ceilings often requires extensive engineering analysis if the sign is more than 200 lbs, but lightweight tensioned fabric signs are readily accepted and preferred by rigging and engineering professionals. Using a tensioned fabric sign means fewer headaches and a simpler installation process.

2) Tensioned fabric signs are IFR.

IFR—inherently flame resistant—means that the fibers the fabric is made of are flame resistant, so cleaning and extended use do not adversely impact the flame retardancy of the material. Flame retardant materials, such as fire resistant wood, are typically made by applying a chemical treatment to the material, but IFR fabrics do not need a flame retardant application. IFR fabrics can be cleaned regularly without compromising safety, ensuring that signs stay clean and flame resistant.

All Tectonics trade show signs are made using IFR fabrics, and remain permanently flame resistant.

3) Backlit fabrics and LED lighting are the ideal combination for illuminated signs.

LED is the new standard for trade show lighting, and several new fabrics have been developed with internal illumination in mind. These fabrics are thicker and help to diffuse light, which creates an even glow across the fabric surface. This diffusion helps eliminate hot spots and dark corners. LED lighting fixtures stay much cooler compared to other lighting types, and can be tuned for warm or cool white, or changing colors with RGB fixtures and programmable controllers.

LED lights come in many different fixture types allowing designers to illuminate most any shape sign easily and affordably.

Double Sided LED Lightbox

Double sided LED light box with laminated base and dye sublimated graphics printed on Triple White Fabric.

4) Tensioned fabric signs break down for compact shipping and storage.

The frames for most tensioned fabric signs break down into individual tube sections, and take up minimal space when packed for shipping. Fabric covers can be folded and packed into small protective bags. The savings from reduced shipping costs, because of lighter weight and more compact shipping size, for a fabric sign can be substantial enough to pay for a completely new sign every year. Use these savings for refreshed graphics or to attend more shows!

5) Tensioned fabric signs are safer.

Not only are tensioned fabric signs lighter than wood and steel signs, they are also safer. The weight of a sign is a significant safety factor during installation from the convention center ceiling. Aluminum frames are very strong relative to their weight, and the frame pieces interconnect and are enclosed with a sturdy fabric skin, making them easier and safer to install over a crowded trade show floor.

6) Tensioned fabric signs costs less.

Tensioned fabric signs save exhibitors money at the time of purchase, and again every time they are used. Instead of having to build a heavy solid structure, tensioned fabric signs allow designers to create the illusion of scale without the usual mass. This illusion makes tensioned fabric signs incredibly efficient solutions for creating large surfaces for graphics and marketing messages. Material use is minimized during fabrication, keeping fabrication cost low as well, and the savings from lighter-weight shipping and faster assembly on the show floor keep saving the client money for as long as the sign is being used.

7) Tensioned fabric signs are washable.

Most tensioned fabric signs are made with 100% polyester fabrics that have been printed using dye-sublimation techniques. Unlike printing techniques which apply ink to the surface of the material, dye-sublimation vaporizes the dye and fuses the color to the fabric fibers on the molecular level. The fabric stays soft, can be folded without creasing, and can be washed repeatedly without compromising quality.

8) Tensioned fabric signs are easy to assemble.

Even the largest and most complex signs are a snap to assemble when made using tensioned fabric—frame sections click together, and fabric covers zipper closed or slide into a channel. Frames for tensioned fabric signs are thoroughly labeled at every connection point, so it is clear how the frame is to be assembled. Drawings and online videos guide crews on the show floor through assembling most tensioned fabric signs in minutes.

Shop Standard & Rental Snap Tube Signs

9) Fabric covers can be changed easily.

Whether silicone edge or zipper closure, fabric covers can be switched in minutes, while hard panels are much more cumbersome and can take hours to replace. Professionals know they can quickly change the graphics on their signs with a simple replacement of the fabric cover; it only takes minutes. On the show floor that time saving can translate into hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in savings.

10) A variety of fabrics offer different effects.

Covers are made with a variety of different fabrics. Some are thin and sheer and others are completely opaque and appear solid. Sheer fabrics create a soft and subtle impression for the viewer while heavier opaque fabric give an impression of weight and substance. Designers use the available range of material options to create effects that support their clients’ objectives.

11) Tensioned fabric signs can be produced in just a few days.

Signs made using tensioned fabric can be rapidly fabricated. Frame building and the printing and sewing of fabric covers can be completed in a few days, giving designers and exhibitors the flexibility to meet regulatory and business requirements.

Number one for many reasons.

Improvements in tensioned fabric sign materials and fabrication techniques are ongoing. As frames, fabric covers, and printing and lighting technologies advance, the expectation is that tensioned fabric will continue to find new inroads into the world of trade shows.

Today it is rare to see a trade show sign that is not made from tensioned fabric, and a quick review of the points above makes it clear why tensioned fabric has become the preferred solution for creating quality trade show signs.

Partner with us for solutions.

No other provider in the industry has the same commitment to a single product category, a team of experts including some of the pioneers of snap tube and pillow case graphics products, plus the horsepower of three production locations strategically located across the US.

Request A Quote from us for your next tension fabric project – we’d love to partner with you.