FAQs
What is the Ackland Media Frame?
The Ackland Media Frame (AMF) is a 2-piece aluminum attachment system for displaying non-adhesive vinyl on any semi-flat surface. (Primarily Walls & Trucks.)
How Does it Work?
The unique 2-piece design forms a “Positive-Lock” which:
A) Clamps down to hold vinyl securely in place, and
B) Stretches vinyl media to form a smooth, seamless, wrinkle-free display.
How Does the Frame Attach to the Wall/Substrate behind it?
Each type of substrate may require unique anchoring, however, screws and rivets are most common. As a convenience, we send fasteners out with each order, however the customer must determine the exact fastener to be used, depending on the individual job/suface.
Note: For certain applications, we also make available n incredible bonding system whereby
NO MECHANICAL FASTENERS are necessary. (Call for details.)
How Does the Vinyl Attach to the Frame?
AMF’s unique design utilizes advanced adhesion to hold vinyl tight during the installation process. When the top cap is installed, the bonding area is no longer relied upon.
What Kind of Vinyl does the Ackland Framing System require?
Regular flex-face or “Banner” vinyl. (Recommend 13 oz minimum)
With Ackland Frames, does the vinyl need special fabrication?
(Beading, cables, hems, grommets, etc?)
No, absolutely no finishing is required. Just the vinyl with the raw edge, straight off the roll, works perfectly.
What Makes the Vinyl Tight?
(With no moving parts or special tool requirements, how is the vinyl “stretched”?)
The vinyl is made tight during the installation process. Vinyl is hung in place by hand, and then the 2 frame layers interlock - clamping and stretching simultaneously - so that when the final anchors are set, the vinyl is tight.
Can I reuse the Frame System in order to change out the graphics?
Yes, as many times as you like. Our system makes changing graphics easy and affordable. Our bonding system maintains 75% of its adhesion for life.
Multiple changes are no problem.
Can the Vinyl be Re-Used?
Yes. As often as you like. Some advertising messages may be stored and reused on rotation with other seasonal or time sensitive ads.
Can the Frames be Re-Used?
Yes. Frames can be reused. If screws are used to secure top cap, care should be taken when reusing the same holes. Drill/screwgun must be on “gentle” setting so as not to strip the holes. (Screws are steel. Frames are aluminum, and therefor softer.) Some opt for using slightly large screw diameter after a certain number of change-outs. Rivets work well, but must be drilled out to remove top cap, then replaced with new rivets. No danger of stripping holes this way.
Are there any special tool requirements?
No special tools are needed. There are no moving parts.
A basic drill or screwgun will do the job.
Do I need to hire “Certified” Installation Crews, or can we do it ourselves?
That’s the beauty of our system. A handyman with a screwgun (and preferably a helper) can handle it easily. Our system is simple.
What Sizes do the Ackland Frames come in?
Width is 3". AMF are sold in standard 8ft and 12 ft lengths. Custom lengths may be available for larger orders. Ackland can custom-cut standard lengths down, and/or miter corners for a nominal service fee, or customers may cut them using a chop saw w/blade for cutting aluminum.
What Colors do Ackland Media Frames come in?
Standard color is a silver-grey anodized finish. Powder-Coating is available in virtually any color. Powder-coating prices vary based on quantity and color.
Are the Frames for Indoor or Outdoor display?
Ackland Media Frames look and perform extremely well - indoor or out. Our anodized finish helps protect against corrosion and weather. (Powder coating preserves frames even better, as the coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin", which is harder and more abrasion-resistant than regular paint.)
Can Ackland Media Frames be Installed on
Rough, Corrugated or Curved surfaces?
Yes. The AMF is extremely versatile. Some surfaces may require special treatment or additional prep materials, but we have helped clients install our Frames on corrugated metal, rough face brick, and even stadiums walls which form a radius (curved!) Call us – we’ll help walk you through the different applications.
If used for Truckside Advertising, will constant vibration cause the screws
to loosen, or vinyl to slide off?
No. The thinking behind our design is “Safety First”. If installed properly, you can rest easy. Other frame systems rely on the strength of heat-welds, hems, and the vinyl fabric itself. Ackland Media Frames form a virtual “metal clamp” along the entire edge of the vinyl perimeter.
The Ackland Media Frame (AMF) is a 2-piece aluminum attachment system for displaying non-adhesive vinyl on any semi-flat surface. (Primarily Walls & Trucks.)
How Does it Work?
The unique 2-piece design forms a “Positive-Lock” which:
A) Clamps down to hold vinyl securely in place, and
B) Stretches vinyl media to form a smooth, seamless, wrinkle-free display.
How Does the Frame Attach to the Wall/Substrate behind it?
Each type of substrate may require unique anchoring, however, screws and rivets are most common. As a convenience, we send fasteners out with each order, however the customer must determine the exact fastener to be used, depending on the individual job/suface.
Note: For certain applications, we also make available n incredible bonding system whereby
NO MECHANICAL FASTENERS are necessary. (Call for details.)
How Does the Vinyl Attach to the Frame?
AMF’s unique design utilizes advanced adhesion to hold vinyl tight during the installation process. When the top cap is installed, the bonding area is no longer relied upon.
What Kind of Vinyl does the Ackland Framing System require?
Regular flex-face or “Banner” vinyl. (Recommend 13 oz minimum)
With Ackland Frames, does the vinyl need special fabrication?
(Beading, cables, hems, grommets, etc?)
No, absolutely no finishing is required. Just the vinyl with the raw edge, straight off the roll, works perfectly.
What Makes the Vinyl Tight?
(With no moving parts or special tool requirements, how is the vinyl “stretched”?)
The vinyl is made tight during the installation process. Vinyl is hung in place by hand, and then the 2 frame layers interlock - clamping and stretching simultaneously - so that when the final anchors are set, the vinyl is tight.
Can I reuse the Frame System in order to change out the graphics?
Yes, as many times as you like. Our system makes changing graphics easy and affordable. Our bonding system maintains 75% of its adhesion for life.
Multiple changes are no problem.
Can the Vinyl be Re-Used?
Yes. As often as you like. Some advertising messages may be stored and reused on rotation with other seasonal or time sensitive ads.
Can the Frames be Re-Used?
Yes. Frames can be reused. If screws are used to secure top cap, care should be taken when reusing the same holes. Drill/screwgun must be on “gentle” setting so as not to strip the holes. (Screws are steel. Frames are aluminum, and therefor softer.) Some opt for using slightly large screw diameter after a certain number of change-outs. Rivets work well, but must be drilled out to remove top cap, then replaced with new rivets. No danger of stripping holes this way.
Are there any special tool requirements?
No special tools are needed. There are no moving parts.
A basic drill or screwgun will do the job.
Do I need to hire “Certified” Installation Crews, or can we do it ourselves?
That’s the beauty of our system. A handyman with a screwgun (and preferably a helper) can handle it easily. Our system is simple.
What Sizes do the Ackland Frames come in?
Width is 3". AMF are sold in standard 8ft and 12 ft lengths. Custom lengths may be available for larger orders. Ackland can custom-cut standard lengths down, and/or miter corners for a nominal service fee, or customers may cut them using a chop saw w/blade for cutting aluminum.
What Colors do Ackland Media Frames come in?
Standard color is a silver-grey anodized finish. Powder-Coating is available in virtually any color. Powder-coating prices vary based on quantity and color.
Are the Frames for Indoor or Outdoor display?
Ackland Media Frames look and perform extremely well - indoor or out. Our anodized finish helps protect against corrosion and weather. (Powder coating preserves frames even better, as the coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin", which is harder and more abrasion-resistant than regular paint.)
Can Ackland Media Frames be Installed on
Rough, Corrugated or Curved surfaces?
Yes. The AMF is extremely versatile. Some surfaces may require special treatment or additional prep materials, but we have helped clients install our Frames on corrugated metal, rough face brick, and even stadiums walls which form a radius (curved!) Call us – we’ll help walk you through the different applications.
If used for Truckside Advertising, will constant vibration cause the screws
to loosen, or vinyl to slide off?
No. The thinking behind our design is “Safety First”. If installed properly, you can rest easy. Other frame systems rely on the strength of heat-welds, hems, and the vinyl fabric itself. Ackland Media Frames form a virtual “metal clamp” along the entire edge of the vinyl perimeter.