display smart blog

November 21, 2008

DISPLAY INDUSTRY

By Professor Smart

If you ever have the opportunity to visit a manufacturer of
P-O-P advertising displays, you will be impressed at the engineering and manufacturing complexities required to construct these displays that play one of the most powerful roles in the movement of goods around the globe.

The challenge of understanding the manufacturing process of either simple or complicated displays is underscored by the vast array of different designs, production methods, and materials utilized by the P-O-P industry to build eye-catching and effective point-of-purchase advertising displays. This chapter discusses these complexities and presents the challenges faced by both manufacturers and producers of point-of-purchase advertising displays.

The articles in this blog covers two major elements affecting P-O-P advertising design:

· Different processes and materials used in manufacturing displays
· How designers and manufacturers chose the specific process or material to produce each display

While the point-of-purchase advertising industry in not generally regarded as a high-technology industry, it is a “volume-tech” industry. It utilizes an array of different materials and industrial design methods to create P-O-P advertising displays in large quantities that are distributed around the world. P-O-P design and manufacturing teams must know how to apply various technologies and design methods in the manufacturing process to successfully and efficiently produce these displays in large quantities.

For example, it is not necessary to understand the chemical makeup of certain plastics to use them. The plastic manufacturers provide clear guidelines on the best adhesives, or the best temperature to mold plastic, or the type of saw blades to use in processing their materials. The challenge facing point-of-purchase advertising display companies today is to utilize these materials in creative and innovative ways so they can provide P-O-P clients/customers the competitive edge they need in the marketplace.

Information from The Power Of Marketing at Retail Chapter 7 Display Production Methods and Materials - Ed White, President Display Smart, LLC, MaRC Marketing at Retail Certified

888-843-1869 edwhite@display-smart.com

For more information check out our web site at www.display-smart.com for multiple photo examples of our work.

Posted by Ed White at 11:40 AM

January 11, 2007

Bamboo Plywood

Bamboo plywood

Bamboo plywood is made from 100 percent rapidly renewable bamboo, using adhesives that are both strong and emissions free. Bamboo plywood can be cut and sanded using conventional woodworking equipment. It can also be glued or mechanically fastened using the same materials and fasteners commonly used with wood. Bamboo is a low resin, open grained material that takes stains and finishes exceptionally well.

Bamboo plywood comes in both an amber and natural light tone and is laminated to produce two different surface grains, edge and flat. The edge grain appears as 1/4" strips and the flat grain appears as 3/4" strips on the surface of the Bamboo plywood. It is then finish-sanded to a smooth 180 grit. Whether you are planning a small remodel or a national retail expansion, we have the bamboo material to do the job.

Bamboo veneer

Bamboo veneer is manufactured from blocks laminated with water-proof adhesive and bamboo strips. The blocks are first laminated, then conditioned and soaked for two weeks before being sliced into veneer sheets. Bamboo veneer is more difficult to produce than conventional solid wood veneers, due in part to the number of glue joints that reduce yield. Bamboo veneer is backed with either a paper or fleece material to give the product more stability and strength. Producing un-backed veneers is possible, but very fragile and hard to transport. This can result in a lower yield due to damaged material.

Bamboo veneers work well in the manufacturing process, but due to different adhesives and press temperatures at different lamination houses it is best to run a few test samples to be sure everything is working well. Bamboo veneer tends to be more porous and can take more finish – run some test finish applications to get the right feel.

Smith & Fong also provides veneer produced laid up on thin 3-ply plywood. The dimension of this product is 1/8” x 48” x 96” and is available in both colors and grain types (please refer to the BP-1896 series of sheet goods for this product). This product can save both time and expense. We also provide a face grain product in amber and natural in a 2mm x 16” x 72” dimension (please refer to the BHV-1272 series). This product is not a sliced material and does not require a backing.

Bamboo flooring

Beauty & Elegance
Bamboo Strand flooring is Smith & Fong's latest foray into the diverse world of bamboo. Combining beauty and good looks with exceptional durability, Bamboo Strand, made of 100% bamboo, is particularly suited for commercial environments. In an ever-expanding market for high-quality green building products, Smith & Fong has emerged as a leader in Bamboo Strand flooring and plywood.

Strand Process
Mixing strands of bamboo with a low-VOC adhesive, Plyboo® Strand™ is manufactured using high levels of compression. With all strips oriented in the same direction, the shredded bamboo mass is thrashed and then, under extreme pressure, compressed by 75 percent to yield high-density planks. After a kiln-drying and milling process the planks are sanded and finished, giving them their trademark Plyboo® Strand™ look.

Using Strand
At 3000 psi twice as hard as red oak, strand flooring is the hardest bamboo flooring on the market today. Plyboo® Strand™ is particularly suited for commercial use but is also popular among homeowners for its warm and natural aesthetic. Available in flooring planks as well as plywood, Plyboo® Strand™ can be cut and laminated using conventional equipment and adhesives, and will sand and finish like other hardwood flooring and sheet good products.

Bamboo paneling

Our tambour paneling is constructed of bamboo strips that are precision milled and applied to a thin fabric backing with a non-toxic white glue. These panels come both as a “raw” surface and as a sanded surface.

The raw surface comes in 3 colors, a natural green/yellow, a warm amber and a black tone. The raw tambour retains the outside skin of the bamboo with its rough surface and raised nodes. The amber color is derived through a heat treatment process and the black from a dying process that simulates the natural dark color in some varieties of bamboo. The raw series is unfinished with the exception of the black which receives a thin coat of sealer to set the dye.

Our sanded series comes in both an amber and a natural light tone with the option of unfinished or prefinished. All these strips are beveled on the edge and all our panels, raw or sanded, come in a 4 x 8 dimension.

Use and application
Tambour is a flexible material and can be applied to concave or convex surfaces as well as flat walls and ceilings, round or square columns. It installs easily and lends an exciting look to living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens or commercial environments.

Our tambour paneling is constructed of bamboo strips that are precision milled and applied to a thin fabric backing with a non-toxic white glue. These panels come both as a “raw” surface and as a sanded surface.

The raw surface comes in 3 colors, a natural green/yellow, a warm amber and a black tone. The raw tambour retains the outside skin of the bamboo with its rough surface and raised nodes. The amber color is derived through a heat treatment process and the black from a dying process that simulates the natural dark color in some varieties of bamboo. The raw series is unfinished with the exception of the black which receives a thin coat of sealer to set the dye.

Our sanded series comes in both an amber and a natural light tone with the option of unfinished or prefinished. All these strips are beveled on the edge and all our panels, raw or sanded, come in a 4 x 8 dimension.

Use and application
Tambour is a flexible material and can be applied to concave or convex surfaces as well as flat walls and ceilings, round or square columns. It installs easily and lends an exciting look to living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens or commercial environments.

Information from www.plyboo.com Smith & Fong Company 375 Oyster Pint Blvd. #3 South San Francisco, CA 94080

650-872-1184 phone 866-835-9859 Toll Free e-mail sales@plyboo.com

Posted by Ed White at 01:57 AM

October 24, 2005

Sunflower Board- Green Sustainable Product

What happens when we take natural fibers from an abundant renewable resource—Sun Flower seed hulls, and turn them into a strong and attractive panel board with bio-resins made from Soy Beans?

1. A fresh and attractive new material lends itself to durable product displays.
2. A strong and durable sheet material creates a new look for store fixtures.
3. Using new materials, like Dakota Burl™, creates visual interest, fosters environmental responsibility, and encourages curiosity.

Dakota Burl™ is a unique bio-based decorative composite material, made from an abundant agricultural resource. It exhibits the beauty and elegance of traditional burled woods. The natural burled texture and pattern along with its panel properties allow for a variety of applications.

Dakota Burl™ can be used naturally or stained with conventional wood stains to achieve a wide range of color options. It comes in 4’x 8’ sheets to be used in any interior application replacing plywood, particle board or MDF. Available in ½”, ¾” and 1” thicknesses, Dakota Burl™ is dense, durable and emits no toxic gasses.

Dakota Burl™ work surfaces and table tops

Examples of displays made from Dakota Burl™: Sproutz from Jonti Craft

Environ is the creator of Dakota Burl™

What Is Dakota Burl™?
• A unique composite material that utilizes a bio-based technology and exhibits the beauty and elegance of traditional burled woods.

How Does Dakota Burl™ Benefit Our Environment?
• Manufactured from a rapidly renewable agricultural fiber product.
• No out-gassing solvents are added during the manufacturing process, thus the material emits no VOCs into the atmosphere.

What Does Dakota Burl™ Look Like?
• The defined black outlining complements the natural yellow and brown tones of the fibers creating a distinctive pattern.
• Natural or stained, the material resembles authentic burled woods, giving a wide range of color options.
• The burled pattern and natural appearance run throughout the thickness of the material.

How Does Dakota Burl™ Work?
• The material cuts, sands and routes with standard woodworking tools.
• Traditional wood staining and finishing techniques can be used on the material to create a wide range of appearances.
• Four foot by eight foot panels are manufactured in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" thicknesses.

How Can I Use Dakota Burl™?
• Superior panel properties allow for a variety of applications.
• Table Surfaces, Horizontal and Vertical Surfaces (transaction surfaces and interior decorative wall applications), Cabinetry, Furniture and Architectural Applications are all excellent uses for Dakota Burl™. Please note that this material is intended for commercial and residential interior applications only.

NOTE: Not recommended for kitchen and/or bath countertop applications.

Posted by Glen at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)

October 18, 2005

Acrylite Corrugated Acrylic Sheet

Looking for a cool looking accent for a fixture or display? CYRO Industries has a pre-formed wavy sheet that might do the trick. The material has an iridescent coating that gives matt pearlescent type of look on one side and sheen on the other side.

A standard sheet size is 41” W x 98”L in .118-inch thick (3 mm). Special lengths can be obtained up to 275 inches long (22.9 ft). The flutes are approximately ¾” of an inch high and about 3 inches apart from arc to arc. (See the drawing below for more details)

Acrylite corrugated sheet is extruded from impact-modified acrylic to be more break-resistant than sheet made from conventional acrylic. The material has an infrared reflecting surface coating and is resistant to aging. It does not become yellow or brittle The corrugated sheet was initially designed for patio roofs and is tough enough to withstand hail.

The material can be cut with a high-speed hand held circular saw and drilled. It can be fabricated mechanically, solvent or sonic welded.

Designers have shown interest in using the corrugated acrylic sheet because of its versatility and attractive appearance. It has been used for building horizontal shelves of wine racks, the fronts of cabinet doors and for segments for a trade show booth.

Design ideas:
Store Fixtures
Decorative front on a cash wrap
Divider panels
End Cap backdrop panel
Sign panel

In-Store Marketing – P-O-P
Base for a cosmetic display
Shoe Platform for Shoe Display
Wrap-around backdrop
Display Column

To learn more how we could include this material in your fixture or display project please call us toll free at 888-843-1870.

Posted by Glen at 07:19 AM | Comments (0)

October 04, 2005

Revolutionizing the Retail Space

There's a great article about the changing face of retail spaces over at RetailTrafficMag.com.

What makes a retail space special? Striking design, of course; great products, too. But to maintain an edge over competitors, retailers are finding they have to give shoppers other reasons for visiting their stores.

A Dick's Sporting Goods prototype store, for example, lets you practice your golf swing while, say, your daughter is perfecting her archery technique. Geoffrey, the new megastore chain from the Toys ‘R’ Us family, has children's hair stylists and photographers for family snapshots. Mazda provides espresso and PlayStations.

That's entertainment — retail style.

In the age of easy Internet purchasing and one-stop buying, retailers are doing everything they can to attract shoppers and their families — and keep them in the store for hours. With this in mind, designers are revolutionizing interior spaces by targeting the shoppers' imagination through texture, sound, color and movement.

“You have to always remember that you're creating an exciting moment for the customer,” says Russ Sway, president of the Institute of Store Planners. “When they walk into a store, you want them to say ‘wow’ to the products that have already existed.”

For most retailers remodeling is routine, often done every five to seven years to freshen the look and attract new shoppers. “It's important to redesign so that the new store down the street won't seem more appealing because it has a fresher coat of paint and trendier graphics,” says Robert Mooney, a former retailer who is now senior designer at Carter & Burgess in Texas. “They want to make sure that they keep up with the Joneses.”

On the following pages, we present some elegant designs and some practical ones that opened in the past year. These uncommon spaces have more to set them off than just attractive fixtures...

Continue reading Uncommon SPACES

Posted by Glen at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)

Light Bulbs Burning Out Of Industry

The light bulb will soon become obsolete in all industries due to the adoption of the LED. The display industry has already started using LED's in displays, and the trend has branched outward according to an article at eBuild.com.

Thomas Alva Edison, the wizard of Menlo Park, was born Feb. 11, 1847, and died Oct. 18, 1931, in West Orange, N.J.

He's about to die again.

In what technologists are calling the death of Edison, advances in electronics will render his signature invention - a bright, long- lasting light bulb - obsolete.

By decade's end, or as soon as 2008, the world's general illumination market will to begin a gradual transition from the incandescent light bulb, barely changed since the days of Edison, to light-emitting diodes.

Why chuck the venerable light bulb?

Around 2009, an equivalent LED still will be about five times more expensive than the 75-cent-to-$1 100-watt bulb at the hardware store, says Jagdish Rebello, an analyst at researcher iSuppli.

But consider the operating savings, he adds. They will last about 10 times longer and consume only one-tenth of the power...

Continue reading Experts: LEDs Will Render Light Bulbs Obsolete

Posted by Glen at 10:25 PM | Comments (0)

Recessed Lighting In Merchandise Cases

Energy-efficient, high-impact and unobtrusive lighting can bolster sales by effectively displaying the color and beauty of merchandise. Amerlux Lighting Solutions' SVA lighting fixtures combine a high-performance optical system engineered around the ED17 ceramic metal halide lamp with a linear spread distribution designed for display-case illumination. The right amount of light, not overpowering but focused, is delivered to the case merchandise with minimal glare, making it look as though it were illuminated from within the case.

The SVA luminaire also offers significant energy savings. Spaced up to 4 ft. o.c., these luminaires can replace 100-watt incandescent lamps at 18 in. o.c., reducing energy consumption by more than half and installation costs by 33%. The SVA uses the ED17 ceramic metal halide lamp, which has a longer rated life than standard PAR MH or incandescent lamps; this allows re-lamping cycles to be extended. Having only one lamp to inventory also saves time and money. And the recessed in the ceiling design help lower HVAC costs, as heat dissipates above the ceiling...

Continue reading Amerlux SVA Recessed Luminaire Focuses Light on Merchandise in Cases

Posted by Glen at 10:17 PM | Comments (0)

October 03, 2005

Using Scents makes $ and Cent$ at Retail

Olfactory/Fragrance/Scent

The use of olfactory marketing at the point of sale creates an effect of surprise and is an important differentiation factor. Not only does it generate a better memory of the commercial message and the brand name with which it is associated but it intensifies the message and strengthens the positioning of products. Customers tend to browse longer and do more impulse buying when pleasurable scents are detected.

Fragrances are encapsulated in basic materials such as paper, card stock, adhesive labels, fabric, plastic and metal. Most fragrances can be used quite successfully in these materials with long lasting effects - some up to years. Handling breaks down the fragrance capsules not storing of finished products. In addition, many companies will customize fragrances to your specifications.

There are two basic ways to use fragrance: 1) diffusers and 2) incorporation into substrates.

Diffusers
Diffusers vary in size and shape. They are incorporated into a display or store fixture and are directly adaptable to your advertisement elements thanks to their maneuverability and their small size, which can be adjusted to the area of use. Their very low consumption of fluid prevents a frequent change of the fragrances and thus enables the installation in places difficult to access.

Many diffusers are also equipped with a programming system which enables the device to operate autonomously. The system has several features including the possibility to adapt the power of the fragrance to the area and a timer option to regulate the periods of diffusion.

Substrates
One option is to have the fragrance incorporated directly into the printing process. Any printer can accommodate a fragrance. Usually about 2 kg will cover 4000 A4 sheets. It will not affect the finished printed image. You can customize for a small part of the display or fixture or cover the entire surface area.

Some companies, such as Polyvel Inc., incorporate the power of fragrance into the production process of plastics. They specialize in additives to plastic and understand the chemical nature of fragrances to preserve their integrity and optimum performance in high temperature plastics processing environments. Whether the process is blown film, cast sheet, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, foam extrusion, heat seal materials, or spun bond non-woven fiber, they have developed scents that can easily be incorporated into a processing environment. Using three levels of concentrate (low, medium, high), fragrances can be used in varying intensities depending on display or fixture placement and size.

Sources and Further Information:

http://www.prolitec.com
http://www.aromaco.co.uk
http://www.polyvel.com/polyscent7.html

Posted by Glen at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)