Technical Information

Display panels and signs

The role of any display panel or sign, whatever its size, is to attract the eye and encourage custom. It may be required to convey information, create an impression and compliment the establishment it represents or the merchandise on sale. There is an increasing awareness of the need to promote products in a manner that is more than just interesting. The message must be swift, powerful and enduring - and, in an ideal world, appropriate. Nothing catches and holds the attention like movement, and no form of animated sign or display has more immediate impact, interest or flexibility to depict an image, create an aura or convey information than those using effectively configured fibre optics. We use only the highest quality materials to provide the widest possible range of applications for all internal and external requirements. The immense flexibility that fibre optics afford enables any degree of impact, brightness or subtlety to be readily achieved.

Allied to this are the all-important considerations of total safety and high durability.

In the point of sale and Exhibition markets, we now offer the new Styline System, providing the unique attraction of moving coloured light panels within an overall depth of a mere 3 inches. This system is exclusive to Focus International, and is now fully developed to provide for the maximum possible flexibility.

For general guidelines, we would draw your attention to the following facilities that we offer with all our fibre optic products:

• Any colour or range of colours can be used to suit any corporate identity or decor. They can be bright, contrasting colours, or tranquil related shades. The entire colour range can be changed to order within a matter of minutes, to reflect changing wishes or fashions.
• Movement of coloured light or animation can be at any speed; either fast and dramatic, or changing languidly. It can even be controlled to change speed or direction.
• Movement can be directional, to wash coloured lights sequentially across or around an area, and can as such be used as an enticement towards a specific space.
• It is possible to control various display sequences within a single fascia through a combination of fibre optic animation and electronic systems. Precise timing down to 1/25th second can be attained - hence full "animation" of fibre optic images is also possible.
• Various diffusion techniques can be used to soften the light output into a gentle wash of colour or transform it into mysterious shapes and effects.
• Running and maintenance costs are minimal and operation simplicity itself - just plug in and switch on.

Decor features

The role of fibre optics in the decor field can be equally varied - quite apart from the scope that is now developing for lighting systems. Their two vitally important properties - safety and durability - make them ideal for all forms of decorative features and special effects.

Specially terminated glass fibre - "starfibre" - provides for all-round visibility of the miniature points of light. They can be incorporated in ceiling and wall panels, and even floors, either to a given design or as a randomised star-scape effect. The use of mirrors and diffusion systems brings even greater scope for added dimension and illuminated effects.

The absence of electricity in fibre optics make them safe for use in water for interior or exterior applications - such as swimming pools, water gardens, fountains and the like. Equally, the absence of heat allows for the decorative illumination of plants and other heat sensitive objects.

"Cascade" fibre is a new form of this decorative medium, whereby the whole strand glows along its length. The flexibility of the fibre allows it to be moulded into shapes, or just hang free in the air or water as a cascading curtain of light.

The variety of display possibilities is vast. Focus International work closely with designers and architects to assist in the effective realisation of their design concepts. Where appropriate, a combination of fibre optics with other techniques, such as polarised light or flow neon, provides for even more striking and unusual display installations.