The Most Commonly Used Materials On Retail Displays -1

Metal is often used for the structural elements of store fixtures because of its strength and cost effectiveness. The most commonly used types of metal are tube (round, square or rectangular), wire, and sheet metal. Although it is lighter weight and better for shipping, aluminum is used less often since it is often double the cost of steel and can’t be welded to metal since aluminum and steel have different melting points. Developing a basic understanding of material economics is essential to making wise material choices. For example, a sheet metal shelf is likely to cost 45%-50% more than a wire shelf, and shipping will be more expensive since it is likely to weigh about 30% more. Similarly, perforated sheet metal has aesthetic appeal but generally costs more than regular sheet metal since it requires an extra step in the manufacturing process. In the recent years, metal mesh(stretched) is used more and more to create aesthetics with lower cost, lighter weight.