What Are Front-Loading Flex Face Signs?
W&Co has expanded its range of flex face signs with a new front-loading flex face sign system. But what are front-loading flex face signs, and how do they differ from conventional flex face signage?
The key difference is access. The flexible graphic and retaining system can be accessed from the front of the sign, reducing the need for clearance around the sides. This makes it possible to install illuminated flex face signs in locations where space around the sign is limited and, importantly, allows multiple signs to be positioned directly alongside one another.
Our new Front-Loading Flex Face Signs also use a shallow profile of approximately 70mm deep, making them an attractive option for shop fascias, retail parks, builders’ merchants, warehouses and other commercial buildings.
What Is a Front-Loading Flex Face Sign?
A flex face sign uses a printed flexible PVC graphic tensioned across an aluminium frame to create a smooth, seamless sign face. Flex face systems are particularly well suited to large-format outdoor signage because the flexible graphic can cover much larger areas than many conventional rigid sign faces.
With a conventional flex face system, access is normally required around the perimeter of the sign so that the retaining system can be reached when fitting, tensioning or replacing the graphic.
A front-loading flex face sign changes this by allowing the retaining system and graphic to be accessed from the front of the sign.
This gives designers and installers much greater freedom over where flex face signage can be positioned and is particularly useful where access around the sides of the sign is limited.
What Are the Benefits of Front-Loading Flex Face Signs?
The main benefit is greater installation flexibility.
Because the flexible graphic can be accessed from the front, the sign does not require the same working clearance around its sides as a conventional flex face system.
This makes front-loading flex face signs particularly suitable for:
- Multiple illuminated signs positioned directly alongside one another
- Retail parks and shopping centres
- Builders’ merchants and trade centres
- Shop and commercial fascias
- Recessed signage
- Warehouses and industrial units
- Multi-tenant commercial buildings
- Locations where access around the perimeter of the sign is limited
- Large-format exterior branding
Can Flex Face Signs Be Installed Side by Side?
Yes. One of the most important advantages of a front-loading system is the ability to install multiple flex face signs directly alongside one another.
With conventional profiles, sufficient clearance normally needs to be left between neighbouring signs so that installers can access the retaining system around the perimeter of each flex face.
This can create unwanted gaps where several illuminated signs are required across the same building fascia.
Because the new system is accessed from the front, front-loading flex face signs can be butted up alongside one another, producing a much cleaner and more continuous appearance across a building frontage.
This can be particularly beneficial for retail parks, builders’ merchants, supermarkets, trade centres and other commercial buildings where several brands, departments or individual signs need to sit along the same elevation.
How Deep Are Front-Loading Flex Face Signs?
W&Co’s new front-loading flex face system has a profile approximately 70mm deep.
This is considerably shallower than many conventional internally illuminated flex face sign systems and can create a cleaner appearance on modern buildings where a deeper sign box would project further from the fascia.
Despite its shallow construction, the system can be internally illuminated to create bright, even illumination across the printed flex face graphic.
W&Co can specify high-quality SloanLED modules and branded LED drivers for illuminated flex face signage, helping provide reliable and consistent illumination for demanding commercial applications.
What Is the Difference Between Standard and Front-Loading Flex Face Signs?
Front-loading systems provide an additional option rather than replacing conventional flex face signs.
Our Illuminated Flex Face Signs are available using conventional profiles of approximately 135mm, 165mm and 196mm deep.
These remain an excellent and cost-effective solution for large illuminated signs where there is sufficient access around the sign for installation and future graphic replacement.
The most suitable system will depend on the size of the sign, installation location, required illumination, surrounding building structure and access requirements.
Where there is plenty of room around the sign, a conventional flex face system will often remain the most economical solution. Where a shallower profile, front access or side-by-side installation is required, the 70mm front-loading system provides an important alternative.
Why Choose Flex Face Signs for Large Outdoor Signage?
Flex face signage is widely used for large commercial signs because a tensioned flexible graphic provides a smooth, professional appearance without many of the size limitations associated with rigid acrylic or aluminium sign panels.
The relatively lightweight flexible graphic makes very large sign formats practical, while the aluminium framing system provides a robust structure suitable for demanding commercial and exterior applications.
Flex face signs are commonly used for:
- Retail park signage
- Shop fascias
- Supermarkets
- Builders’ merchants
- Warehouses
- Industrial buildings
- Shopping centres
- Car dealerships
- Large commercial premises
Another significant advantage is that the printed graphic can be replaced independently of the main aluminium structure.
If branding changes or the graphic eventually needs replacing, a new flex face can be produced and fitted without replacing the complete sign system.
How Long Do Flex Face Graphics Last?
W&Co can supply the aluminium sign system together with a professionally printed flex face graphic, providing a complete signage solution from one supplier.
Depending on the print specification, location and environmental conditions, flex face graphics can typically provide an outdoor lifespan of around five years.
Protective varnish options are also available where additional durability is required, potentially extending the expected lifespan to around seven years in suitable conditions.
Graphics can also be prepared and pre-clipped prior to installation where appropriate, helping make the fitting process quicker and more efficient once the sign arrives on site.
Are All Flex Face Signs Illuminated?
No. Flex face signage can be supplied as either an internally illuminated or non-illuminated system.
W&Co also offers Non-Lit Flex Face Signs, providing the benefits of a large tensioned flexible graphic without an internally illuminated light box.
If illumination is required without an internally illuminated sign box, non-lit flex face signs can also be externally illuminated using suitably positioned LED trough lighting.
Can Flex Face Signs Be Made in Different Shapes?
Yes. Flex face signage does not have to be rectangular.
Specialist profiles can be formed to create Flex Face Shapes & Letters, including large individual letters, logos, circular signs and other bespoke forms.
This provides considerably more design freedom than a conventional rectangular sign box and can create distinctive large-format branding for retail, leisure and commercial environments.
Can Large Flex Face Signs Be Installed Nationwide?
Yes. W&Co supplies flex face signage throughout the UK and can provide a nationwide installation service where required.
Large signs can be designed and supplied in sections where appropriate to make transportation and installation more practical and cost-effective.
Access equipment, electrical requirements, installation methods and future maintenance access can all be considered when specifying the most appropriate system for a project.
Whether the requirement is for one large illuminated sign or a complete run of front-loading flex face signs across a commercial building, our team can advise on the most appropriate profile, illumination, graphic specification and installation method.
Front-Loading Flex Face Sign FAQs
What are front-loading flex face signs?
Front-loading flex face signs are tensioned flexible-face signage systems that allow the graphic and retaining system to be accessed from the front rather than requiring the same level of access around the sides of the frame.
What are the main benefits of front-loading flex face signs?
The main benefits include front access, a shallow sign profile, reduced clearance requirements and the ability to install multiple illuminated flex face signs directly alongside one another.
How deep is a front-loading flex face sign?
W&Co’s new front-loading flex face sign system is approximately 70mm deep, making it considerably shallower than conventional illuminated flex face profiles such as 135mm, 165mm and 196mm systems.
Can front-loading flex face signs be illuminated?
Yes. Front-loading flex face signs can be internally LED illuminated to provide bright, even illumination across the printed flex face graphic.
Can flex face signs be installed directly next to each other?
Yes. The front-loading design allows multiple flex face signs to be positioned directly alongside one another because the graphic system is accessed from the front rather than relying on clearance around the sides of each sign.
What is the difference between a standard and front-loading flex face sign?
Standard illuminated flex face signs use deeper conventional profiles and generally require access around the perimeter for fitting and changing the graphic. A front-loading flex face sign uses a shallow 70mm profile and provides access from the front, making it particularly useful where side access is limited or several signs need to sit directly alongside one another.
Can a flex face graphic be replaced?
Yes. One of the main advantages of flex face signage is that the printed flexible graphic can be replaced while retaining the aluminium sign structure, making future rebranding and graphic replacement more cost-effective.
Need a Flex Face Sign?
From conventional illuminated signs and the new Front-Loading Flex Face Signs to non-lit systems and bespoke flex face shapes and letters, W&Co can help specify the right Flex Face Sign for your project.
Contact W&Co Displays & Signs for advice, pricing or a quotation for your next flex face signage project.