The 8 Questions Display Designers Need to Ask

Creating a compelling retail display involves more than a stunning design. The material you choose plays a critical role in the outcome.
It is critical to consider durability, machinability, print quality, structural integrity, ease of assembly, cost, and other attributes. As you plan your next display, consider these eight questions to ensure you choose the right material to bring your vision to life.

Can I Make this Display Three-Dimensional?

Three-dimensional displays can significantly enhance the visual impact. If your display needs to be multidimensional, the material you choose must be versatile enough to support various shapes and structures.
PALBOARD Co-Extruded PVC substrate excels in this regard and offers excellent formability for complex 3D designs. Its high flexibility allows unique shapes without compromising structural integrity.
V-groove compatibility is a major PALBOARD advantage. It lets you plan intricate polygons, implement strap or tongue-and-groove locks, and convert a 2-dimensional substrate into a 3D model.

Does Ease-of-Assembly Matter?

Retail environments often demand quick setup and breakdown times, making ease of assembly critical. This is why many designers and fabricators prefer to develop models without adhesives or mechanical fasteners.
One of the main advantages of PALBOARD is how simple it is to create fastener-free locking edges. PALBOARD can be routed using accurate CNC machining to produce a variety of functional fastening elements.

Can the Display be Disassembled and Reassembled?

If your display needs to be transported or frequently reconfigured, the ability to easily disassemble and reassemble is key. This requires a material that can withstand multiple cycles of setup and breakdown without failure.
Cardboard and foam board are usually used for temporary, one-time displays, as they wear down and lose their shape.
Despite their durability, wood and aluminium composite panels (ACM) may not be the best choice for frequent reassembly. This is due to their heavy weight and long assembly time.
PALBOARD shines in this area. It’s flexible and durable enough to route V-groove sections that can withstand repeated use. Assembling, disassembling, and flat packing/storage of PALBOARD structures is easy.

What Print Factors Should I Consider?

Digital printing results are vital for retail display media.
Consider the following 3 factors when choosing a digital printing material:

• Ink adhesion: Chemical or mechanical adhesion of pigments to printing media.
• Colour retention: The ability of prints to retain colour over time.
• White point: A set of colour values defining ‘white’.

Some substrates lack proper adhesion and colour retention. Foam boards, or even cardboard (if laminated with a suitable material), may provide high print quality, but their surface will not last over time.
PALBOARD offers an exceptional surface for high-quality printing. The smooth finish of extruded, solid PVC ensures vibrant colours and sharp details, making your designs pop.

What is the Size of this Display?

Size can play a significant role in exhibition displays, especially when you’re aiming to create a standout piece. When constructing large 3D display models, the material needs to support itself without warping, buckling, or becoming structurally unsound.
Aluminium composite panels are well-suited to larger displays, but their heavy weight is a disadvantage. Lightweight options such as foam board and cardboard are limited in their ability to support larger structures, particularly in environments where durability and stability are critical.
PALBOARD, due to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, is a smart option, ideal for large 3D displays without compromising stability.

Is Edge Precision and Aesthetics Significant?

Precision cutting and finishing are essential for a clean, professional look.
Rough edges can significantly impact your display’s appearance.
Lightweight foam or cardboard alternatives are less ideal for edge precision, and ACP offers clean edges, but they tend to be too sharp.
The solid surfaces and foam core of PALBOARD form a substrate with a perfect balance: It is quick to route, easy to cut with a utility knife, and delivers precise, clean, smooth, and fine edges.

PALBOARD can also be die-cut and die-pressed.
Due to its multilayer structure, PALBOARD absorbs die-press stress without cracking. This is not only a cost-efficient mass-production process, but it lets you create surface texture effects with original patterns.

How Durable Will the Display Unit Be?

Durability is a key concern, especially for displays that need to withstand frequent cleaning, handling, or long-term use. Material resistance to impact, wear, and environmental exposure determines display lifespan.
PALBOARD stands out for its excellent durability. It resists impact, is waterproof, resistant to chemicals, and is easy to clean. It even stands up to UV exposure, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays.
Keep away from materials that can easily be damaged during storage and transportation, or that are difficult to handle and maintain.

What is the Environmental Impact of the Material?

Alternatives like ACM have a high carbon footprint and are difficult to recycle. PALBOARD stands out as a responsible environmental choice. Made with up to 30% recycled plastic, and 100% recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Furthermore, Palram offers PALBOARD Terra, an innovative carbon-negative substrate. Every metric ton of PALBOARD Terra prevents the emission of 270 kilograms of CO2. It is a groundbreaking option for eco-conscious designers.
Choosing PALBOARD or PALBOARD Terra helps designers and printers achieve sustainability goals.

Bringing it All Together

Choosing the right material for your retail display is critical to meeting aesthetic and functional requirements.
PALBOARD is a versatile and durable option that excels in all the key areas: design flexibility, ease of assembly, printability, durability, and sustainability.
Whether you’re creating a large, eye-catching display or a smaller, intricate piece, PALBOARD is equipped to bring your retail displays to life, delivering results that look great and stand the test of time.