Shell Scheme Graphics
Exhibition shell schemes refer to the pre-constructed booths that are commonly used at trade shows, exhibitions, and other events. Shell schemes provide a way of dividing the area inside the event hall into smaller areas within which exhibitors can showcase their products, services, and branding. Shell schemes are typically made from a modular metal frame that can be easily assembled by the contractor in advance of the event. The frame is typically made up of interconnecting panels, allowing for flexibility in configuring the booth space.
Shell scheme graphics can take the form of rollable panels, fabric graphics or rigid panels. These shell scheme graphics can be printed with the exhibitor's branding, imagery, and messaging, creating a customized visual presence.
How Are Shell Scheme Constructed
Before we talk about the various options we have for shell scheme graphics, it is helpful to understand how a typical exhibition shell scheme is constructed.
Most shell schemes are made from a metal frame consisting of a series of vertical posts, separated by horizontal cross beams at the top and bottom. In between each pair of vertical posts is a flat panel called an 'infill panel'.
Exhibition shell schemes typically come in standard sizes, such as 3x2 metres, 3x3 metres, 3x4 metres and so on, allowing exhibitors to choose a size of booth that best suits their needs.
The Basic Parts Of An Exhibition Shell Scheme
This diagram shows the construction of a typical metal exhibition shell scheme. In this example, the stand has a back wall plus two side walls (so the stand is open only at the front). The shell scheme also has a facia board that runs along the front of the stand. If a facia board is provided, it is normally pre-printed by the stand contractor with your company information and stand number.
When booking a shell scheme, the show organiser or stand contractor should be able to provide you with stand-plan and technical information about the shell scheme they are providing. It is important to gather this information because it will show the number of walls your stand has along with the size of the panels. This will allow you to order scheme graphics that will fit correctly.
Shell Scheme Graphics - What Are The Options
Choosing the right supplier for your shell scheme graphics is an important decision given that the quality and appearance of your shell scheme graphics will significantly impact the overall look and feel of your display. We have been producing high-quality graphics for exhibition shell schemes for over 20 years and offer several different solutions that cater for most requirements and budgets.
Assuming that your shell scheme is made from a metal construction as we have been describing so far, one of the first key decisions to make is whether you require shell scheme graphics that cover the walls of the stand and hide the vertical posts of the stand or whether you are happy with shell scheme graphic panels that will be produced in vertical sections and be separated by the vertical posts of the stand.
Individual Shell Scheme Graphics
Using individually printed shell scheme panels to cover the pre-existing infill panels of your exhibition shell scheme is the cheapest and easiest way of applying graphics to the walls of your exhibition stand.
Individual shell scheme panels can be printed onto different materials including rollable products like PVC and polyester film or they can be printed onto rigid board-based materials like foamex and card. We also offer graphics printed onto fabric that can be folded up so they are incredibly compact for transport.
The vertical posts on an exhibition shell scheme are usually 40-45mm in diameter so when designing your artwork, you should bear in mind that the printed panels are going to be separated by this amount. Most people choose to design their artwork in such a way that the panels are completely separate, not having any text or content that flows between them, however, there is nothing to prevent you from running images and even large text from panel to panel. Just bear in mind that the panels will be separated and as such you need to consider that when designing the artwork.
The most common way of attaching indiividual graphic panels to the wall of a shell scheme is to use velcro tape. You will need both the hook and loop type of velcro so you can stick one side to the infill panel of the shell scheme and the other type to the back of the shell scheme graphic. When the event finishes, you can remove your panels from the wall and retain them for use again in the future.
Mural Style Shell Scheme Graphics
Continuous mural effect graphics can offer a greater impact than individual panels because the vertical metal posts of the shell scheme are hidden. You can use large images to cover the back of each wall on the stand and you don't have to consider that text and other critical information could be separated.
Mural shell scheme graphics cost considerably more than individual shell scheme graphics because special fixings are required to hang the graphics and the graphics themselves need to be made from a material that is suitable for use with the fittings. This unfortunately rules out the use of some of the cheaper materials that we can use for the production of individual shell scheme graphics.
We have two methods of creating continuous mural-style shell scheme graphics.
One solution called Shell Clad uses plastic adapters that snap onto the vertical shell scheme posts. The printed graphic panels are made to specific widths dependent on the type of shell scheme so they stick to the Shell Clad adapters and butt up to one another.
The second solution uses a graphic printed in one piece onto fabric which is then hung onto the horizontal cross beams of the shell scheme via hanging clips. With this solution, there are no visible panel joins on each wall of the stand because the graphic is printed for each wall in one piece.
Planning And Designing Your Shell Scheme Graphics
Although the vast majority of exhibition shell schemes are similar in terms of their construction, the system that is used can vary from one event to another. As such, before planning and designing your shell scheme graphics, it is important to ascertain exactly what type of shell scheme is going to be provided.
If you have booked a stand, you should be able to request a 'shell scheme specification sheet' from the show organiser or stand contractor of the event. A shell scheme specification sheet generally states what type of system is being used to construct the booth and it will provide technical information about the size of the printed panels needed to fit it.
Shell Scheme Specifications
A shell scheme specification sheet usually looks something like this. It shows how the booth is constructed and provides useful information about the size of the shell scheme graphic panels that are required to cover the infill panels.
The specification sheet also normally provides more technical information about the profile of the metal post used on the shell scheme. This is important if you are considering using mural-type shell scheme graphics that will be attached to the posts of the stand with adapter clips.
Help With Planning Shell Scheme Graphics
We have over 20 years of experience in the production of shell scheme graphics and are familiar with most types of commonly used shell scheme booths.
We understand that interpreting technical information provided by show organisers and contractors can be daunting which is why we are happy to provide free help and support if you need it so you can be assured that you are ordering graphics or the correct type and size. Feel free to forward the information about your stand to us via email and we can review the information and assist you.
