Many in the signage industry still use the term 'modular systems' to describe new combined systems. Vista System International feels this term is misleading and should be changed. Here, the company offers a guide to the industry jargon...
Modular Signage
The term “modular signage” is used to describe a signage system that consists of pre designed elementary units. These units can be assembled in various configurations to create a wide selection of signage solutions. Modular signage along with custom made signage and MCFT comprise 100% of the sign industry today.
Benefits of modular signage
* Low production cost - Identical elementary units of the system are manufactured in bulks. The overall cost is low compared to custom made signage.
* Fast assembly – Every elementary unit is designed to be easily and quickly combined with another. No out of the ordinary assembly devices or techniques are required.
* Quick supply – Since the elementary units of the system are manufactured in bulks, out of stocks are rare. The sign is being sent to the customer unassembled, hence taking less shipping space, guaranteeing faster delivery times especially for distant destinations.
Disadvantages of modular signage
* Design limitations – Since modular signage consists of pre designed units, it is not suitable for projects requiring unique or complicated signage solutions. It doesn’t offer any level of customization.
* Standard look – All the signage solutions looks alike. This makes modular signage less effective for projects requiring unique and eye catching design.
Optimal uses for modular signage
Modular signage is suitable especially for large projects that require lots of uniformly designed signs. e.g. hospitals, libraries, parking lots.
Custom made signage
The term “custom made signage” is used to describe all kinds of signs that are built from scratch to suit a specific requirement presented by a client or a specific project. Custom made signage is not a part of a signage system and therefore it doesn’t consist of pre designed elementary catalogues units. Custom made signage along with modular signage and MCFT comprise 100% of the sign industry today.
Benefits of custom made signage
* Unlimited design possibilities – Since custom-made signage is built from scratch, it offers limitless flexibility. Any unique signage configuration can be accomplished for the right price.
* Unique look - Custom made signage, by definition, offers complete freedom with regards to the way it looks. Nothing is too extravagant for this type of signage.
Disadvantages of custom made signage
* High production cost – Custom made signage is relatively expensive since it is built from scratch without the benefits of bulk production.
* Slow production/assembly – This kind of signage requires relatively long production and assembly times since each project is unique and requires an innovative approach. Sometimes special
tools or machinery are required for the assembly of the sign.
* Low updatability – Updating custom-made signage is slow and requires a professional.
* Relatively slow supply time – Each signage solution requires unique resources that are not usually in stock, also, the disassembled sign is usually not space efficient so slower method of
shipping are required.
Optimal uses for custom made signage
Custom made signage is best suited for high budget projects that require a unique configuration or design.
MCFT (Modular Curved Frame Technology)
MCFT is new concept for the sign industry that was developed by sign professionals with the goal of filling a gap between custom-made signage and modular sign systems. MCFT offers the best of both worlds by offering the advantages of a modern modular system with the ability to provide a highly customizable solution that meets the unique requirements for each sign project. MCFT along with modular signage and Custom made signage comprise 100% of the way finding sign industry today.
Overview
There is a very clear distinction between modular and custom-made signage. Modular signage is cheap and fast to assemble and deliver but lacks unique and flexible design. Custom made signage is expensive, cumbersome and slow to assemble and deliver, but excels in design uniqueness and complexity.
Sign professionals developed MCFT as a solution that brings the best of modular and custom-made signage. It combines the strengths of both those methods while minimizes the drawbacks of both as much as possible.
MCFT explained
MCFT is Modular - This is where MCFT utilizes the strength of a modular sign system. Standardized units can be assembled in different ways using both standard and custom accessories and attachments. The modularity of MCFT signage allows the sign pro to add signs in any size, shape or design needed, and at any budget (usually very low budget, since all parts of the system are available in stock.).
MCFT is curved - Curved design is today’s leading trend. It combines the enhanced functionality of a curved shape with the attractiveness of Euro design into a collection of profiles that keep inserted materials firmly in place using its strong tension grip.
MCFT is a frame system - Being a frame system, MCFT accepts many types of sign substrates and inserts including engraving, screen printing, photopolymer, ADA, digital printing, and more. It allows easy and inexpensive updating of the signs that can be done even by a novice in no time. This saves time and the costs associated with using onsite signage professionals. The ease of updated is ideal for any signage project that needs to be updated regularly. MCFT is as flexible as the marketing needs.
MCFT is a Technology - This is where MCFT utilizes the strength of a custom-made signage solution. The term “technology” relates here not to the standard scientific/industrial context, but to a conceptual leap, namely, an identification of drawbacks of existing market and a solution that redefines what is possible in that market. In this case MCFT makes possible what previously was thought as impossible to achieve with a single sign method. MCFT encourages the sign pro to participate in the design and development of new ideas for new products, and to become an integral part of the development process by providing new ideas from the field that mirror the market needs. These demands are supported by the quick fabrication capabilities of custom accessories and attachments that mesh with the system extrusions. Any unique signage solution that is not already covered in the existing catalog will be provided to the sign pro by the MCFT manufacturer. This way the system is ever growing and evolving according to the market’s needs. The result is a system with all the advantages of a modular system plus all the design advantages of a custom made signage. Modular Curved Frame Technology also provides many additional advantages vs. other custom fabricated and modular sign systems. MCFT can be dismantled easily for efficient shipping and in many cases can even be shipped via fast delivery services as UPS, FedEx and additional similar delivery companies overseas.
Sign Frame
A sign frame is a relatively new method in the signage industry. It is basically a frame and can accept many types of sign substrates. The benefits of a sign frame are that the sign graphics can be easily updated without the need to replace the whole sign structure. Sign frames are usually used in modular signage systems and it’s a basic feature of MCFT - Modular Curved Frame Technology.
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