Just how large can you make an Edgelit Lightbox, 10 meters or more?

A Basic Guide to Edge-Lit Lightboxes: Sizes, Modularity, and Portability

Edge-lit lightboxes are an eye catching and vibrant solution for Product, Brand and Event promotion. Whether used for advertising, retail environments, or exhibitions, Edglit lightboxes offer an excellent solution for an illuminated display wall. Smart aluminium profiles and clean lined slim base plates complete an efficient design. However, there are considerations when it comes to size limitations, modular capabilities, and portability. Let’s explore these factors in detail.

Size Restrictions for Even Light Coverage

One of the key factors in designing an edge-lit lightbox is ensuring even light distribution across the entire surface. Since LED lighting is usually placed along the longest edges, the maximum single-length and height restrictions are typically dictated by the efficiency of the Led modules diffusion ability and most often a reflective backing sheet. If a lightbox is too large, the illumination may appear uneven, with brighter edges and dimmer central areas. To combat this, we do not advise making an edgelit lightbox over 2.5 meters as its shortest dimension. To clarify this, a lightbox at 2.5m x 2.5m will be evenly lit but a lightbox at say 3m x 3m will have a dim unevenly lit central band. To date the largest Edglit Lightbox we have made is 10m x 2.5m high, larger or longer displays would be possible with our modular component approach but you really should consider the fitting of such a huge fabric graphic to larger displays.

If you are looking for a 3m x 3m light box the solution is a frame with a ACM solid backing board, these are not really modular or portable in any sense, these are for permanent installations. Ideal for Retail environments, Showrooms and Receptions area's.

Modular Components for Expandability

A significant advantage with our 120mm aluminium profile edge-lit lightboxes is their modularity. Businesses or exhibitors who initially purchase a smaller unit can later expand their display by adding additional sections. This modularity ensures that an investment in a smaller lightbox does not go to waste when scaling up is necessary as your brand grows. The components connect seamlessly, allowing for an expanded display without compromising on lighting uniformity.

Portability Through Compact Sections

For those who need mobility, edge-lit lightboxes are designed with portability in mind. Since the components typically come in sections of around 1 meter in length, they are easy to transport and store. This makes them ideal for trade shows, pop-up shops, and traveling exhibits where quick assembly and disassembly are essential. Despite their portability, these lightboxes maintain their durability and professional appearance.

Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Lightboxes

Edge-lit lightboxes come in two main configurations:

• Single-sided: These feature a reflective backing sheet that directs all the light forward, maximizing brightness and efficiency.

• Double-sided: These allow light to shine through both the front and back, making them ideal for displays that need to be visible from multiple directions.

The choice between these depends on the intended application. Double-sided versions are great for freestanding or hanging applications, while single-sided options are often placed back against a wall or used where only one viewing angle is ever needed.

Production Times and Customization

Standard-sized edge-lit lightboxes are typically produced within a week, making them a fast and effective solution for branding and display needs. Custom sizes are also possible, allowing businesses to create unique signage tailored to their specific space requirements. While custom orders may take slightly longer, always aiming to deliver high-quality products within reasonable timeframes.

Aluminium profile or PVC ?

As always there are plus’s and minus’s but I aim to be fair and then you can decide which is your preference. We offer both as each has an application they are suited too.

Aluminium profiles will last literally for ever. Resilient to those everyday knocks, strong and made for constant set up and take down which comes with Exhibitions and Events. Aluminium profile comes in a number of sizes for light boxes from 45mm to 120mm which is used for larger lightbox applications. If you are looking for a lightbox with some really long meterage then it is the only choice. A better choice for the Eco minded and with the ability to produce custom sizes. Transport cases are in the design of a true Flight case and again solid made to last.

The PVC Lightbox has its place, lighter and quicker to set up. PVC profile is only available in 120mm and is a push fit system only, no internal brace bars or internal corner cleats to strengthen the structure to keep horizontal and vertical lines straight. This is why PVC lightboxes are not usually very long and are often banked up being pushed together giving a very visual broken image line. PVC units are just nowhere near as strong or resilient, you will need to take much greater care when setting up and taking them down. PVC frame lightboxes will come in a transport case, it is not a flight case, treat it as the trolly it is. If you are looking to promote an ECO image then really PVC says the opposite, particularly as the souce of PVC profiles is China.

In closing I hope this better explains the price points of an Aluminium framed light box to a PVC profile one.