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Exhibition Material Selection Guide: Balance of Appearance, Cost and Compliance

JAN 20, 20251,892 views

Choosing the right materials ensures stable construction, good visuals, and budget savings. Here's guidance based on material characteristics, cost ranges, and compliance requirements.

Exhibition Material Guide

01 Woodwork (Plywood/Blockboard)

  • Pros: Design freedom, premium texture, strong load-bearing capacity.
  • Cons: High labor and time costs, low reusability.
  • Use Cases: Custom cabinets, curved shapes, stable countertops.

02 System Profiles (Aluminum + Panels)

  • Pros: Modular, quick assembly, reusable, easy transport.
  • Cons: Requires quality edge finishing/corner pieces, or appears overly standardized.
  • Use Cases: Small-to-medium booths, frequent exhibitions, budget-conscious projects.

03 Lightbox Fabric/Tension Fabric

  • Pros: Excellent cost-performance for large graphics, lightweight, even light diffusion.
  • Cons: Requires frame and power management; prevent creases during transport.
  • Use Cases: Key visual backdrops, ceiling fabric systems.

04 Acrylic/PC Panels, PVC, Foam Board

  • Acrylic/PC: High transparency/gloss; ideal for illuminated letters/decorative facades.
  • PVC/Foam Board: Lightweight, affordable, easy to process; suitable for signage, price tags.
  • Note: Thickness and fire rating must comply with venue standards.

05 Flooring (Carpet/Vinyl/Raised Platform)

  • Carpet: Affordable, easy to replace; check fire rating and anti-static properties.
  • Vinyl: Durable, easy to clean; better color consistency.
  • Raised Platform: Allows level changes and cable hiding, but requires more complex load and safety reviews.

Material Selection Guide (Examples)

RequirementRecommended MaterialNotes
Quick Build/ReusableAluminum system + PanelsShort cycle, frequent exhibitions
Large Graphics + LightweightLightbox/Tension fabricWith aluminum frame/stretch ceiling
Premium FeelWoodwork + Acrylic accentsBalance edging and lighting
Budget-ConsciousPVC/Foam board signageControl quantity, avoid cheap look
Load-BearingWood countertop/Steel structureSubmit load calculations first

Compliance Essentials (Summary)

  • China: B1 grade (flame-retardant) or higher; International: check DIN 4102, NFPA 701, ASTM E84 standards.
  • Document Preparation: Material list, test reports, drawings, electrical specifications.
  • Communicate with organizers/venue early to avoid on-site material changes and delays.

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between lightbox fabric and printed graphics?

A: Lightbox fabric is translucent for backlit displays; printed graphics are for non-illuminated large visuals.

Q: How to achieve "premium feel on a budget"?

A: Use aluminum system for main structure, woodwork for key facade/cabinets + selective acrylic accents, plus comprehensive lighting to elevate overall quality.

Q: How far in advance should fire safety reports be prepared?

A: At least 2–4 weeks in advance for domestic shows, 8–12 weeks for international exhibitions.

This article is published by StarRise Global. Copyright belongs to the original author.