Question 1

What is the difference between SignComp’s Flex and other Flex Face Systems?

Accepted Answer

Other systems require springs, hooks, eyelets, rods, clamps or other mechanical fixings where SignComp’s Systems use the famous Black Clips - The Clips simply click into the frame to tension the skin. This subtle difference leads to huge benefits with time and money saved in production, printing and often install too. To learn more about our Black Clips, click here.

Question 2

What is the correct spacing for the Black Clips?

Accepted Answer

We recommend the clips to be spaced at no more than 150mm centres. Make sure the top and bottom of your frame have the same number of clips as well as the left and right sides respectively. If installing a Curved Flex Face with a relatively tight radius, you may need to space the clips closer together for that portion of the frame.

Question 3

How do you remove the Black Clips?

Accepted Answer

Whilst it is effectively impossible to remove the clips by pulling on the vinyl or creating additional tension on the vinyl, they are also extremely easy to remove with a flat-head screwdriver.

Watch our Table Demonstration for more information on Black Clips.

Question 4

Can you reuse the Black Clips?

Accepted Answer

In short, yes. The Black Clips are made from a Delrin-Based Industrial Polycarbonate which makes them extremely durable. To expand on this, there are two nuances to consider.

One being your preference when installing – If you are replacing a skin and want to reuse the clips already in the frame, then you can absolutely do that. That may lead to additional time on site though so most will take a newly clipped skin to make install a breeze and use the removed clips on a future project.

The second consideration is we strongly advise to use our specially designed Tension Tools. By using our Tension Tools, you can rest assured the skin will be tensioned easily without causing any long-term damage to the clips themselves.

Question 5

Why are there different Tension Tools?

Accepted Answer

We have three different Tension Tools which are used for different SignComp Flex Systems.

Our #5135 Tension Tool is used for our Econoflex and Retro Systems.
Our #5137 is used for our new Front Loader Frame and can be used with our Non-Illuminated Frame as well.
Our #5138 is specifically for the Non-Illuminated Frame.

We strongly advise using the official Tension Tools to ensure the longevity of the Black Clips. To find out more, go to our Black Clip page.

Question 6

What are the correct vinyl sizes and bleeds for my print?

Accepted Answer

The correct vinyl sizes and bleeds are different depending on what system you are using. If you head to the individual product pages, the recommendations are covered in the technical documentation.

Question 7

What depths do you have in your portfolio?

Accepted Answer

We have several options for you to choose from. Our Econoflex is available in 196mm, 165mm and 135mm depths as well as a 220mm double-sided option. Our popular Retro Frame comes in at 89mm deep and our new Front Loader is 67mm. Our shallowest frame, the Non-Illuminated Frame, is a very slim 30mm. With all of those options, we are sure to have you covered.

Question 8

When manufacturing, how should I space the Back Supports with the Econoflex System?

Accepted Answer

There are two main rules to follow.

One is to not go beyond a 1 metre between Back Supports. This is both vertically and horizontally. In instances where boxes are more than 3m high, Back Supports should be even closer than 1m. Contact us for more advice.

Secondly, when you build a box in sections, you must ensure a Back Support in installed directly either side of the split. This is important for strength during both install and transport.

For more information, go to our Econoflex page, where you can find our Back Support Spacing document.

Question 9

Can high winds move or distort the vinyl?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, this will depend on the placing and size of the sign. But let’s get into the details…

We recommend you use reinforced vinyl for your external Flex Face signage. This will prevent permanent distortion over years of inclement weather and ensures the tension of your print is maintained.

SignComp systems have been tested to hundreds of mph in wind tunnels so, we are confident our system can handle an array of stormy weather. That being said Flex Face is just that, flexible, and you can see some movement in the vinyl when high winds hit. As a rule of thumb, we would say the following…

For small signs, say up to 2m in height, you should see little to no movement in the vinyl.

For medium signs, say up to 4m in height, you will see some movement in the vinyl.

For larger signs, 4m and above, the vinyl starts to act like a sail and the larger you go, the more movement you may see. For very large application we recommend using wire behind the vinyl to prevent it from bowing in significantly during high winds. For these applications we would recommend you discuss with us or your trade supplier who will be able to give specific recommendations.

Question 10

How big can you go with a SignComp Flex System?

Accepted Answer

How long is a piece of string? There are many aspects to exactly how large a sign can go but there is no doubt that if you want a large and seamless sign, then Flex Face is the best option.

The SignComp Flex System can work at huge scales. We even have examples of our Non-Illuminated at 25x45m.

99% of flex signs do not necessarily need special considerations and a good sign maker and installation team will suffice. For the 1% of extra-large projects, the main considerations revolve around weight and logistics of transport and install. These considerations may need the advice of your signage manufacturer, installer and possibly even structural engineers.

Question 11

Are your profiles available in different colours?

Accepted Answer

We at SignComp only supply Mill Finish material. It is difficult to stock colours given our product is used for dozens of very specific brands. Most sign makers will have access to local powder coating facilities.

Question 12

Do you offer a ready-made service?

Accepted Answer

We do no manufacturing here at SignComp. We are purely distributors of the systems themselves. We do though have a great selection of trade supplying Partners that can manufacture for you – click here to take a look.

Question 13

Can I illuminate the Front Loader?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Its 70 mm depth accommodates illumination for small to medium, high-street-style signs.

Question 14

What if my sign is very large?

Accepted Answer

Use our Frame Support pieces to add peace of mind on larger applications.

Question 15

Will my team need new tools or clips?

Accepted Answer

The Front Loader uses the same Black Clip that’s standard across the SignComp Flex Face range, but you will need a new Tension Tool – the 5137 to be precise.

Question 16

Is installation really possible with zero clearance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That’s the core advantage - install directly against walls or inside recesses without leaving a gap.

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