Sample boards can be manufactured in dozens of combinations of substrates, graphics, shapes sizes and surface finishes. Following is a brief guide to understanding most of the common variables. It is a starting point for the specification process, which must take into account your merchandising objectives, timetable and budget.
Board size:
- Measured from outside edge to outside edge of board.
- Pasted chipboard. Economical but least durable material.
- MDF. High quality, high internal bond. Most common spec.
- Tempered hardboard. Smooth two sides recommended. Bull nose edges are desirable to avoid cuts. Less economical, size flexibility.
- Solid plastic. Resists dents, warping and damage, but quite expensive.
- Solid wood. Excellent and expensive.
- Bull nosed. Our diamondized rounded edges are standard and create the finest boards.
- Straight (i.e. square). Not recommended because of their lower-quality look and possible safety hazard (cut hands) around the handle hole.
- Round. Strongly recommended for looks and safety.
- Square. Can be less expensive but only recommended when boards are fixed in a display rack.
Handle Hole:
- Size. Standard is 1”x 4”
- Shape. Race track flat oval shape is recommended, but any shape (kidney, oval) is possible at no extra cost.
- Position. Typically 1/2” to 1” down from the top middle of the board, but it can also be on the side.
Merchandizing and display options:
- Printed sheets mounted on front and back. Strongly recommended for merchandising opportunities and resistance to warping.
- Printed sheet front, plain paper back.
- Printed sheet front only, painted back (some dander of warping).
- Printed sheet front only, plain back (danger of warping).
- Painted two sides (good for two-sided rack displays).
- Painted one side, plain back.
- Plain both sides (impractical—need painted surface for product labels).
Note: there may be other possible combinations of printing and surface treatments, including partial labels over paint, full labels over pre-machined boards, screen printing over painted boards and so on. Each must be considered in light of merchandising objectives.
Special Shapes:
- Quoted on a case-by-case basis. However it is often possible to create a special shape such as an integral handle or hook for little expense.
Printing:
-
Lithography (offset printing). Most common, highest quality for room scenes. Multi colors are typical. Various surface coatings available, including plastic film and clear coats with matte or glossy finishes.
- Screen. Mostly used over painted surfaces. Excellent for golds, silvers, fluorescents.
- Digital. Useful for very short runs, one-out samples, proofs. Expensive
Quantity:
- Typically 200 minimum per design
Special finishing:
- Grommets
- Rack holes
- Case wrapping
- Foils (other unusual surface treatments are possible—quoted on a case-by-case basis)
Prepared for NS Converters, as a service to its customers.