Retractable Banner Mechanisms

A retractable banner mechanism is a self-contained display that protects printed graphics during transportation and provides a fast method of setup and takedown. They are available in a variety of widths, heights, front and back options and replaceable cassettes. Let’s discuss the mechanisms first:

A standard mechanism holds one printed graphic. The popular sizes are approximately 34”, 36”, 40” and 48”. There are limited choices for 24”, 31" and 60” wide models. The height is generally adjustable from approximately 68” to 92” tall. Some models have a fixed height increment due to the sectional pole design . Most mechanisms are available with a padded carrying bag and either a 1 year or lifetime warranty. The warranty covers just the roller mechanism, not the outside case. Gently raising and lowering the graphic is the best way to keep your unit from needing service or replacement parts. Bases are generally plain aluminum in color; although black is sometimes an option.

The quality of mechanisms: If your needs are daily or weekly usage and/or your unit travels frequently to out-of-area trade shows the Expand line of mechanisms is your best solution. These are top quality units. If your display needs are more local, light duty, or economical; we have many other models from which to select.

Once you determine the mechanism quality, you’ll need to determine whether you need a one sided display or a two sided display. One sided displays are very popular for travelling trade shows, booths and in-store demonstrations with a singular traffic flow. Two sided displays are good for locations with multi-directional traffic, whereby your audience can view both sides of the display. (you need two printed graphics for a two sided display, the material is not two-sided).

For wide image needs, some mechanisms have a very narrow end-to-graphic measurement. When placed end-to-end the image appears as one wide unit. Thus your graphic solution uses two easy to handle mechanisms (rather than one big clumsy mechanism).

The other determining factor when considering a mechanism is graphical change outs. Do you need to change your message frequently or perhaps on-site during a trade show? Some models have user-replaceable cartridges which allow you to rotate several different messages during the course of a business trip or trade show. This reduces your mechanism costs, your travel costs and baggage handling.

The media: There are two types of printable media generally available for retractables. Standard vinyl or trade show quality. Standard vinyl is inexpensive, but has some reverse show through and it curls on the vertical edges. I prefer the blockout type of trade show material. Light from the reverse side is prevented; this allows you to better control the graphical appearance of your message. Blockout material is generally smoother and the edges are more resistant to curling. Some units have a user replaceable graphic; while others need the skill and service area of a shop to install a new graphic onto the roller mechanism. Graphic size templates are available for the mechanisms. Latex or eco-solvent large format machines are the best type to use for outputting retractable banner graphics. UV inks are too hard, the images will crack during the raising and lowering of a retractable mechanism.

All about Blvd Banners (street/pole banners).

Have you seen those colorful banners that hang on public or private light poles? Ever wonder what is involved to buy and install one? What is the best way to manufacture them for durability?

Quality banners are printed on a single side of vinyl, folded in half and sealed on the long edges. This forms a two sided “dual ply” banner. The top seam of the banner is left open (pocket) for a horizontal arm. A bottom pocket is formed for the bottom horizontal arm. Two grommets are normally installed. The grommets are used in conjunction with plastic ties to keep the banner from sliding off the arm. A plastic tie goes through each grommet and is secured around the street pole.

The hardware that attaches the banner to the pole consists of a metal base, stainless steel strapping to attach the base to the pole and a horizontal flex arm over which the banner slides.

Proper banners utilize heat sealed edges to form strength, whereas sewn edges can reduce a banner's life expectancy in windy areas. Sewing is only used at the pocket area inconjunction with heat sealing, it creates a straighter pocket. Banners can be lefts, rights or twins (banner on each side of the pole). Available banner widths are determined by the width of each hardware arm (standard widths: 18", 24" 30" and 36")

Things to consider when you require a Blvd. banner quote:

* If this is public property, only non-profit organizations can receive city approval for installation. The non-profit organization must apply to the city for a permit. The installation crew will need a copy of the permit during the installation process. If the installation is on private property, please be aware of city regulations about visable signage from public areas.

* Is there an existing banner and will our installation crew be required to remove it? Or will they be installing a new banner using existing hardware on an empty flex arm? For what duration was the installation approved and do we need to include and schedule a removal crew upon expiration of the permit? We recommend a quarterly inspection that includes reviewing how the banner is holding up and whether it needs additional adjustments.

* Hardware will need to be included if it’s not existing. Will the hardware portion of the transaction be on a rental basis or will the hardware be purchased and installed? Long stainless steel hose clamps are inexpensive for 2 to 3 month installations. Long stainless steel banding mounted using a special tool (Band-It) is used for longer term installations. If the hardware is existing and a new banner is hung, at least one set of banding hardware will need to be adjusted or replaced to properly hang the banner for long term reliability.

* Pole strength and durability is a consideration for private installations (Public installations should already be surveyed and approved by the issuing city.) There are quite a few cheap aluminum poles that are top-overweighted and include out-dated inefficient lighting fixtures. Any questions about pole durability should be answered inconjunction with a qualified facilities engineer.

* The size of the banner. The width (available arm width?) and the length of the banner determines the size. The length can be adjusted by moving the brackets up or down.

* Materials can be standard banner material (fiber re-inforced) or a bio-degradable material that decomposes once in a landfill. Expect your banner to be fade resistant for 3 years.

* In order to quote an installation, we’ll need to know the installation addresses to calculate the mileage for the installers. We’ll also need to consider city traffic requirements and congestion. For a safe installation, our bucket trucks will need orange safety cones that might impede or block traffic lanes. Are there multiple versions of the banners and is a "version map" available that indicates which version goes where?

These questions are required to accurately plan and smoothly install your banners.

Let us know how we can help you best present your brand.