5 Things to Know About SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)

Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG) are a seriously impressive way for companies and brands to display images, promotions and ads seamlessly in their spaces. This type of custom graphic is known for its sleek, frameless look and vivid colors. At their simplest, SEG units are composed of special tension fabric with a silicone strip sewn into the side, which fits tightly into a thin aluminum frame. The fabric is printed using the dye-sublimation method to create detailed, eye-catching designs. Here are some things you should know if you’re considering using SEG for your business.

1. Assembly is easy

One of the greatest aspects of SEG displays is how simple they are to install, tear down and replace. This is a selling point for many brands that require frequently-changing retail displays or travel for industry-specific events like trade shows and experiential marketing campaigns. Since all you have to do to install the graphic is to stretch the printed fabric across the frame and securely insert the silicone strip into it, it can be done in a matter of minutes. To avoid any bunching, start by inserting the corners first, then work inward. This should result in an impressive, modern centerpiece or background.

2. Storage is a breeze

Once you’ve finished your event or switched over to the next season’s prints, you then have to find a way to store your old prints until it’s time to use them again. Thankfully, with SEG this process is easy because of its lightweight materials and flexibility. The fabric can be easily folded and stored away, as well as washed if need be. You don’t have to worry about it getting damaged during transportation either, since the material is made to be durable for these types of situations. 

3. You have options on how to mount it

Once you design and create a SEG unit for your space, you have to decide how and where to mount it. The good news is that you have options! The most popular ways to mount these units are wall mounting, ceiling suspension and freestanding frames. Each of these options can require their own equipment, including metal feet, bases, brackets, banner rails or suspension cables.

4. Backlighting can transform an otherwise underwhelming display

By using backlighting, you can transform an SEG unit into a show stopping piece that will capture your guests’ attention. Adding a lightbox with LED lights will add an extra element of excitement to your store, office or experiential display. It’s important to know whether or not you want your SEG display to be backlit or not before you have it printed, though, since that will affect the type of fabric you choose to print it on. Backlit SEG will need to be produced on a heavier fabric that controls light distribution a bit better than thinner, knit fabrics, which are preferable for non-backlit SEG. Additionally, backlit SEG requires higher levels of saturation when printing, so that the light does not wash out the image.

5. It uses dye-sublimation printing

In order to achieve the striking and crisp quality that SEG is known for, dye-sublimation printing must be used. This is because only dye-sublimation is able to print photo-quality graphics on fabric so that it rivals the quality of non-fabric signage options. Dye-sublimation is achieved by transferring ink from a transfer paper by quickly heating it to a point where it turns gaseous and merges into the substrate, then dries again. The result is a sturdy, high-quality print that has an incredibly high range of color and detail.

For more tips and information about using SEG units for your promotional needs, reach out to our team at Craftsmen Industries or browse our website for examples of past projects we’ve completed that feature SEG.