In order to grab extra attention at exhibitions and events, many businesses are turning to illuminated display stands that can provide an extra degree of that all important ‘wow factor’! Here we look at illumiGo, the free-standing portable light box solution from Ultima Displays.

Light boxes have become increasingly popular in recent Years and due to advances in LED technology, they are able to provide lower running costs, higher levels of luminosity and greater reliability than ever before.

The combination of LED lighting and new textile fabric graphics have enabled an entirely new generation of backlit display products to be created that offer an extremely modern, clean appearance with almost frameless appearance.

The problem with most back-lit and illuminated display systems is that they tend to be bulky, heavy or are just generally awkward to transport and assemble. Whilst lack of portability and ease of assembly is not relevant to customers intending on using light box displays in a static retail environment, such concerns are a major drawback for the self-build exhibitor who is looking for a portable solution that can be transported to and from events and exhibitions.

The illumiGo Lightbox has been developed as a solution designed to address these issues. It is targeted primarily at the self-build exhibitor who requires an illuminated display that can be transported conveniently and assembled quickly.

illumiGo is distributed by UK display systems supplier Ultima Displays who sell the product via a network of distributors. The dealer network is large and encompasses small businesses who outsource print production and also larger dealers who produce their own fabric, backlit graphics in house.

As you would expect, dealers with in-house fabric printing facilities tend to have a competitive advantage when it comes to pricing.

The illumiGo lightbox uses a white powder coated metal framework made from small, manageable sections that push-fit together without the need for tools. The pieces of frame pack away into a cardboard carton with a foam insert that features cut-out slots for the frame components to fit into. The packaging is well thought out and the branded design of the carton provides a professional level of finish.

The cardboard carton for the illumiGo lightbox measures approximately 450mm (h) x 1140mm (w) x 180mm (d) which makes it small enough to carry by hand or to transport on the front seat of your car. We have some concerns as to the long-term durability of the cardboard carton but understand that a more durable, padded bag will become available as an optional accessory for this product in the future.

Putting the frame together is a simple process involving matching up numbered sections of frame and pushing them together. This takes 5 minutes or so.

The assembly video below demonstrates the process from start to finish.

The illumigo framework has a small channel that runs-around the perimeter of the frame. The printed graphic panel is designed to push-fit into this channel. This is possible because the printed fabric has a silicone beading sewn around the outside. When fitted to the frame, the print is under tension and this ensures that any creases or wrinkles are pulled-out completely.

Frames that use a channel designed to accept a fabric graphic like this are commonly referred to as ‘SEG’ frames (silicone edged graphic). For the first time user, fitting the graphic into the channel of the frame can prove a little fiddly but nevertheless, the process takes perhaps 5 minutes at most. This time is usually reduced considerably when the technique for fitting the graphic into the frame is practiced and perfected!

You can see how the graphic push-fits into the frame in the image below.

The illumination on the graphic is achieved by a series of LED lights that are positioned internally along the top and bottom horizontal sections of the illumiGo frame. When the graphic is fitted, the LED lights are hidden behind the print causing it to illuminate from the reverse.

The visual effect this type of backlit illumination is excellent but of course is entirely dependent on the quality of the graphic print that is supplied with the frame.

Fabric graphics are commonly printed using either a dye sublimation or a UV printing process. The former process has some advantages since the graphic print can normally be folded up and stored inside the box that the illumiGo frame packs-into. UV printed graphics on the other hand cannot normally be folded since the ink used in this type of print process can crack or bruise.

As such, we would advise checking with your supplier that the graphic material they will supply with the illumiGo frame is suitable for folding so that the print can be packed away and stored in the same box as the frame, otherwise it would need to be rolled up and transported separately.

The LED lights inside the illumiGo lightbox are powered with a 24v transformer than plugs-in to the bottom of the frame. The transformer comes with a 3-pin UK mains plug but will operate with any power supply between 110v and 250v. This means that it can be used in other countries with an appropriate plug adapter).

The LED’s that are mounted to the illumiGo frame are shown below.

Illumination of the graphic is excellent and the LED lights provide a good even spread of light all the way over the framework from top to bottom. Furthermore, it is possible to add a graphic to one or both sides of the illumiGo framework should you wish to create a double sided display.

If using the display single sided, the addition of a light blocking panel on the reverse side will help to improve the brightness of the backlighting from the front whilst preventing light from spilling out of the rear of the frame which otherwise may appear unsightly.

At present the IllumiGo freestanding lightbox is available in one size measuring 1M wide x 2M tall. We understand that additional, larger frame sizes are in development for future release.

illumiGo is certainly a great solution for any business looking for a free standing portable display with a higher level of impact when compared to a product such as a traditional banner stand.

Although this product represents a higher level of investment than a comparable non-illuminated display, it is worth noting that additional printed graphics can normally be purchased at a reasonable cost so that the display can be updated with new content cost effectively in order to provide a good return on investment.

The illumiGo lightbox is available to purchase from www.printdesigns.com or via other Ultima dealers.