Signlink - August / September 2023 - Issue 248

50 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 248 - August / September 2023 unachievable, being able to select the right colour temperature so that the signage can complement or contrast effectively with the colour temperature of current LEDs, and the ability to source high efficacy LED modules to reduce the energy used by the sign without impacting the brightness. Positive Impact Elsewhere and another company that works with LED lighting across a wide range of signage projects is Very Displays. Marketing manager Kirsty Corcoran says portable LED signage in particular offers multiple benefits to sign-makers and customers, from a more contemporary display to their positive environmental impact. “We believe that the main reasons to have these in any range are, firstly, the quality of their display,” Corcoran says, adding: “They illuminate any branding or message, giving it more visibility and stand out in-store or at an event. LED-lit displays tend to offer sharp, strong colours making it a more visual experience. “Secondly, they offer environmentally friendly benefits, with the lower energy consumption of LED lighting one of the main arguments for having them within any range. They offer high brightness and low power consumption that lasts. “Finally, their ease of use; the beauty of portable LED displays like lightboxes is that they are easy to put together and ‘install’ and don’t take up much space in your venue. Plus, they are incredibly easy to transport.” In terms of what sign-makers should be aware of in the market at present, Corcoran says one of the main trends in LED signage in particular is the rising popularity of the In addition, Barrett says advancements in control gear mean sign-makers can set up mobile phone apps so that customers can control how signage is displayed in real time. “The scope for LED signage is enormous in terms of both aesthetics and functionality,” she explains, adding: “We know this because we have produced and shipped thousands of signs to the retail, hospitality, sports and leisure, events and exhibition and commercial workplace sectors.” Looking at how Unibox has responded, and continues to do so, to the changing demands of customers, Barrett says changing costs have played a major role in market evolution. “The cost of materials is still going up and import costs are increasing,” Barrett says, adding: “This means that signage solutions produced for volume are more important than ever. At Unibox, we have invested in machinery and technology to allow us to produce various formats of LED signage quickly and cost effectively. “These formats range from panel box signage with changeable graphics, to individual 3D letters, to neon replicas. This means that we can replicate a brand’s look and feel without restriction.” With this, Barrett offers advice on what sign-makers should be looking for in LED signage solutions. These include considering whether dimming is required and if their product can offer this, as well as whether the light engine is suitable for the function and surroundings. Other considerations include how advancements in LED technology allow for many designs that were previously battery-powered solution. She explains that while LED is already a more environmentally friendly option than halogen, battery is further improving this. “From battery-powered portable lightboxes that last eight hours and other LED battery-powered signage, we are seeing more battery-operated options trickling into the portable display market,” Corcoran comments, adding: “This is an area to keep an eye on for sure.” Glancing at Very Displays’ own range of solutions, Corcoran explains that the company has recently worked on increasing its selection of LED spot lighting. Very now offers a 5w banner light, and 10w, 12w and 24w lights that fit to its traditional pop-up systems and a new smart, slimline 12w light to suit all fabric tube displays. In addition, to add to its larger displays offering that currently consists of two ◄ Unibox says illuminated signs can create extra stand-out in low lighting and in daylight Unlike traditional advertising methods, such as billboards or print ads, LED displays can be designed and configured in almost any shape or size ▼ Very Displays says lower energy use makes LED a more environmentally friendly choice for sign-makers NEED TO KNOW / LED SIGNAGE

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