Why Has the Snapframe Been Around for Over 100 Years?
The history of the Snapframe, or Grip Frame, Click Frame or Clip Frame as it is sometimes known, is an interesting one, and much older than most of us would think. In 1917 a patent was filed in the USA for a bill-posting device with the ‘aim to provide a board or base to which may be removably secured suitable advertising matter, such as posters, bulletins and the like. The primary object of the invention is to provide a device of this character in which all of the edges of the sheet are securely clamped to the board and protected, thereby preventing such edges from becoming torn or mutilated by the wind or from other reasons. The invention also aims to provide spring actuated clamps constructed so as to protect the actuating parts from the elements, the clamping member forming a housing for such parts. The invention further includes means whereby each of the spring actuated clamps may be held from engagement with the board to facilitate the insertion of the poster matter there beneath.’
This perfectly describes the mechanism and function of the aluminium Snapframe today, more than 100 years later. What started out as a device for displaying wall-paper samples evolved into one of the most widely used formats for displaying paper advertising signs and promotional posters across a wide range of commercial signage environments. Snapframes are now commonly used for notices, menus, certificates, artwork and back-lit transparencies.
It is the value for money, ease of use, functional simplicity and built-in security of the modern Snapframe that has maintained its universal and enduring appeal. The positive snap-open/snap-shut operation of the frame sides without the need for tools makes poster change fast and dependable, whilst the clamping action of the frame around the edges of the poster and clear plastic cover sheet provides a reassuring degree of poster security and protection, all for a surprisingly small capital outlay.
At Signwaves we can’t take any credit for the basic design of the modern aluminium Snapframe, which was developed in the USA in the 1970’s. But, as significant developers and manufacturers of the product since laying down our first frame profile extrusion die in 1990, we have been instrumental in bringing refinement, value engineering and supplementary patented innovation to the market, as well as offering some of the sharpest prices, widest range and largest stocks in Europe. As an established sign trade supplier, we support trade customers with consistent product quality and dependable availability.
Is There Really a Difference Between Budget and Premium Snapframes?
The competitive confidence we have in our offer, endorsed by a ‘price match promise’, does not come at the cost of quality. Our far east factories for high volume lines manufacture to our strict specification and to the same quality control standards we operate in our own factory. As leading adopters of anti-glare poster cover sheets to improve message visibility, particularly under bright in-store lighting and sunlight, our cover sheets are also UV treated for fade resistance as standard across the range. We regularly see competitor products in the field where cover sheets are turning brown within weeks as a result of UV light degradation. Even at the commodity end of the market not all snapframes are the same.
What Snapframe Sizes, Styles and Colours Are Available?
The extensive range of sizes and styles, some with specialist functionality and unique to Signwaves, further underpins our leading position in the UK Snapframe market. As does having our own manufacturing facility here in Norfolk where bespoke sizes and a choice of 12 stock colours are available to order as part of an ‘express make to order service’ with no minimum order quantity.
Outer frame profiles range in width from 14mm to 50mm. There is also a choice of square (mitred) or round corners, off-the-shelf and make-to-order colours and special finishes, versions for free-standing and suspending, and enhanced security options requiring a simple lever tool or Allen key to open the frame sides. All are available in a wide range of common international and imperial poster sizes and in most cases custom sizes can be manufactured to order within a matter of days. Our Snapframes are generally supplied individually packed with instruction sheet, four screws and wall plugs, with customers or their installers having the option to use double-sided, adhesive Velcro or magnetic tape to mount depending on the application.
Our 15mm and 25mm profile frames with mitred corners are the most popular, with silver anodised and satin black stock finishes selling in their 000’s every month. These narrower frame profiles are proportionally more suited to smaller poster inserts and perfect for indoor use. Huge stocks across the popular (A5 to A0) poster size range means even the largest of customer enquiries can be offered a next day delivery service if required.
The Counterstand Snapframe with ‘clip-in’ hinged support strut and stylish moulded safety corners is also a popular indoor product, for tables, bars, counters and window displays. In silver, matt black and wood-grain finishes in A6, A5 and A4 stock sizes the innovative design allows the support strut to function in portrait or landscape formats, or folded away allowing the frame to be used as a standard wall mounted snapframe.
Can Snapframes Be Used Outdoors?
Whilst all Signwaves Snapframes can be used outdoors, because the materials are weather and UV resistant, certain styles and frame sizes are better suited than others. Wider frame profiles generally provide a stronger grip, and clamp a wider poster cover edge, helping them perform more effectively as outdoor signage in exposed environments. This makes them a practical option where a weatherproof outdoor sign is required, particularly in areas subject to changing conditions. The vortex action of the wind, more than the wind strength itself, can affect performance, usually when the wind blows horizontally across the face of the frame or particularly when it is able to blow at 90 degrees past the frame from the rear.
How Do You Stop a Snapframe From Being Tampered With?
Our recommended Snapframe for outdoor use in exposed situations is the Security Snapframe available in 25mm profile for smaller poster sizes and 42mm for larger. Designed as a vandal resistant frame with a profile shape that is virtually impossible to open by hand, it is the extra springs to increase clamping strength that provides superior wind resistance and poster security. Sometimes referred to as a ‘tamper-proof’ or ‘tamper-resistant’ snapframe a simple lever tool is available to aid opening.
For optimum ‘anti-tamper’ the 32mm Lockable Snapframe with sequentially closing sides is the answer. A simple but effective design feature stops the first closed side from opening once the adjacent opposing sides are closed, and these opposing sides cannot be opened once the forth side is closed. The fourth side is then locked courtesy of a single Allen-key screw providing a useful deterrent to unwanted access. Reverse sequence is applied when opening the frame to change the poster and for initial installation.
Snapframe innovation from Signwaves is evident at opposite ends of the price spectrum:
• Frameworkz is unlike any other poster frame available in that the 50mm wide outer profile can be digitally printed to virtually any design, opening up wonderful new possibilities in frame finishing capable of complementing any décor, promotion or brand identity. Whether a repeated logo or full-colour artwork, or perhaps mimicking a wood grain, stone or rusted metal finish, the opportunities are as exciting as they are endless.
• Minimus, in silver finish and four stock sizes, is an example of sustainable design principles at their best. With continuous pressure on price at the commodity end of the Snapframe market we set about designing the lowest cost Snapframe in the World. The patented design solution challenged the need for a back panel and rear aluminium profile for a frame mounted to a wall or rigid flat surface, precisely where the high percentage of poster frames are used. Although lightweight in construction, once fixed to a wall it looks and performs just like any other 25mm standard profile Snapframe. For larger volume projects cost savings can be significant.
When a custom colour or sizing isn’t enough, for orders typically no less than 500 pieces, pad printing can be a cost effective way to fully personalise a standard Snapframe. A logo or branding in one or more positions on the surface of the frame endorses ownership and works well for the likes of media advertisers selling space in public areas.
For your snapframe quote get in touch with our team today
