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Selecting Individual Components.

Suspended displays are fundamentally constructed using three ingredients:

The structure (either cable, rod or free standing)

Choose which you think is better for you or ask for advice from our technical sales team.

The 1.5mm Cable is the most popular.  Each cable can withstand up to 200Kgs of force.

The 3.0mm Cable, not as popular and good for the "contemporary" look.

The 6.0mm Rod.  For a more classic look.

The 10.0mm Rod. For heavier displays such as lightboxes.

Click on the category of your choice on the left hand selection.

The supports (also known as connectors)

In each category you will find all types of supports.  For the most popular poster holder supports through to picture frame and shelving supports.

The Media  (Poster holders, signs or light boxes)

Finally select a sign holder, or poster holder to suit your display.  The most popular is obviously A4 portrait poster holders. 

Even if you choose not to purchase your displays from Xtracs, here are a few handy tips.

At Xtracs we know it is difficult when planning your window display. Too much will look "busy", too little will look empty.  Sometimes it may be worth leaving the window empty and relying on internal presence to entice the potential customer.

A few tips from Xtracs.

1 Sourcing your Cable/Rod Systems

• The cable and rod systems are flexible.  Only suspend enough poster holders for the media you have.  Nothing looks worse than an empty display. Remember poster holders can always be added at a later date.

• If you are looking for something different, look toward the media sizes and the frame types. The cable and rod systems are a proven system.

• Only purchase cable systems from manufacturers and authorised distributors. There are many poor quality systems available and usually at higher prices than the manufacturers are selling them for.  Ask for details on cable strength (a rough guidance should be around 200 Kgs tensile strength) and material finishes.  Cables should be stainless steel to avoid corrosion.  Fixtures should always be a non-corrosive material. If your supplier can not give you an answer, the likelihood is that it is a product they do not often sell.

• Ask about warranties.  Remember Xtracs products have a life time guarantee on all fittings.

• Ask for installation instructions with all cables or Rods.  If your supplier is reputable, installation instructions should be available.

• Most installations are straight forward.  If it is a small requirement, think about arranging the installation of the system yourself.

• Don't be fooled by prices.  If the prices are too good to be true, they usually are.  Check to see whether there are any hidden costs.  Some suppliers add huge delivery costs.

• If you are thinking about changing poster sizes, a track system is always preferable.

• DDA compliancy.  If you are looking to install signage, think about your obligations.  

• Always ask for advice.  Many customers order components and inevitably leave something out.

• If you are buying a "kit" from a supplier, ask for a breakdown of component prices.  In many instances you will find the individual components work out a lot less than buying a kit.

• Ask for a catalogue.  The quality of a catalogue tell you a lot about the supplier.

• Finally, if you are still not convinced, ask for locations of installations close to you.  Try to avoid new installations.
   

2 Poster Holders

• Xtracs poster holders are manufactured from 3mm UV stable Acrylic.  Many suppliers will provide 2mm acrylic.  This is very flexible and aesthetically, does not look as good.

• The poster holders over an A4 size should be supplied with a clamping method.  Xtracs uses a 401 poster holder clamp.  After a while the poster holder may lever outward without such a clamp.  

3 Sign Supports

• Ask how many sign supports are required. Your sign may only need 2.  Many suppliers will only sell them in packs of 4.

• Ensure that tools such as allen screws are provided if required.

• Although a side clamp is more expensive than a through fixing, the sign will be less expensive. 

4 Lighting

• Care should be taken when ordering lights.  Some lights have absolutely no impact, and are not integrated with the cables.  This could mean that electrical wiring will be shown.

• Check the person installing your lighting system is registered to the new electrical standards which were issued in 2004.

5 Free Standing Displays

• Check any displays are DDA compliant.  There is no point ordering displays if you have to change them in a short while.  The bases should be low enough for a wheel chair to pass over.

• If you are ordering a free standing system which holds poster holders and suspended cables, check the poster holders you have ordered fit into the display!

• Check how the display will be delivered.  All Xtracs displays are supplied in KIT form. Tools for assembly are supplied.

6 Acrylic Care

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