The travelling billboard

The latest developments in printing techniques are opening up immense creative possibilities in the world of transport graphics.

Paul Reeve, Managing Director at Structure-flex, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of products manufactured from flexible thermoplastic coated fabrics, explains.

It is impossible for logistics managers today to deny the role that commercial vehicles play in the promotion of the corporate brand and colourful trailer curtains that proudly sport the latest advertising campaign are now becoming the norm, operating as a travelling ‘billboards’.

Over our 45 year history we have seen an increase in complexity of graphics used on trailer curtains and it is possible to create many stunning effects. To really do brand designs justice, manufacturers need to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds in the latest digital technology so that graphics can be reproduced at the highest possible dpi.

For example, at Structure-flex, which has a history of embracing innovative technology, we have recently invested an additional £450,000 in the latest large format printing equipment to further enhance our capabilities.

Advancements in large format printing techniques now make it possible to reproduce images with exceptionally high clarity on fabrics up to 5m wide, allowing creative and effective marketing strategies to be developed on curtain trailers of all sizes.

With the manufacture of trailer curtains being a bespoke process, full scale digital print graphics can cover the length and height of the curtain from Pocket Style, Bolt Direct, Step Deck and Smoothside, and can still easily include Insulated and Antivandal systems.

For many designs the colours are crucial and the livery can be incorporated with any base colour fabric for the curtains, alongside the traditional white ordinarily used for full coverage liveries. Commercial fleet graphics, vehicle wraps and decals can also be used to complement trailer curtains perfectly on lorry cabs and trailer rear doors, in fact any area of the vehicle that is particularly prominent and visible enough to carry a marketing message.

For short term promotions, the personalisation of a vehicle is possible through the application of vehicle wraps, vinyl lettering, reflective vinyls, window films and even magnetic vinyls providing an excellent temporary solution where the graphics need to be removed or changed quickly.

No other advertising media is as mobile or cost effective as transport advertising at delivering the corporate message to tens of thousands of people every day in such a consistent way.

Every curtain is custom built so the construction, design and graphics of every one is different and we offer a consultation service so that customers can receive the correct advice.

Structure-flex has a long-established reputation for the supply of stunning graphic products and more information about the company and its services can be found at: www.structure-flex.co.uk.

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www.structure-flex.co.uk