Excellart Sign Products offers several flex-face frame profiles. Some convert an existing rigid-face cabinet to flex face, while others provide the structure for a new flex-face cabinet, accommodate curves, or support heavier-duty construction.
The right profile depends on whether the project is a retrofit or new build, the required cabinet depth, the cabinet’s shape, service-access requirements, and the amount of structural support the application requires.
Flex Retro
Flex Retro is Excellart’s lowest-profile and lightest flex-frame option. It is designed to convert an existing rigid-face or stick-built cabinet to a flex-face system without adding a large profile.
The frame attaches over the existing cabinet structure and pairs with ESP Flex Retro Trim. A complete Flex Retro configuration finishes at approximately 2.75 inches deep.
Flex Retro is best suited to straight runs, square or rectangular cabinets, and simple retrofit projects. If the existing cabinet has curves, radiuses, or a custom perimeter, Flex Standard is generally the more appropriate retrofit profile.
Flex Standard and Flex Hinged
Flex Standard can perform two different roles.
For retrofit projects, its flange overlaps the existing tube structure, allowing the flex-face system to mount over the cabinet. It can also pair with an ESP standard cabinet frame, replacing a rigid-face retainer with a flex-frame and tensioning system.
Unlike Flex Retro, Flex Standard can be kerf-cut for radiuses, circles, and other custom shapes. The allowable radius depends on the specific profile and project configuration.
Flex Hinged is the hinged version used when the flex-face assembly needs to open for access to the cabinet interior. The hinged profile is installed along the top of the cabinet and works with Flex Standard frame pieces on the remaining sides.
Flex Hinged is not suitable for kerf cutting, so it should be used on straight hinged sections rather than curved perimeters.
Flex Integrated and Flex Integrated 2.0
Flex Integrated profiles combine the cabinet’s perimeter tube structure and flex-face retention system into one aluminum extrusion. Unlike retrofit profiles, they can form the primary structure of a single-face flex cabinet without requiring a separate perimeter subframe.
Both profiles include a channel for a backer panel. The fabricator can install the backer and add internal bracing as required by the cabinet’s size, mounting method, and engineering requirements. Double-face configurations can also be constructed by connecting the two frame sections with appropriate structural tubing.
Both profiles can be CNC kerf-cut, but they serve different types of flex-face projects.
- Flex Integrated has a larger tube section that provides greater resistance to twisting. With bleed trim, it produces a finished single-face cabinet approximately 5¼ inches deep. It is a strong choice for large open cabinets, long straight runs, and broad or sweeping curves where perimeter rigidity is the priority.
- Flex Integrated 2.0 uses a deeper but narrower profile. With its bleed trim, it produces a finished cabinet approximately 6 inches deep. Its profile geometry is better suited to tight radiuses, detailed perimeters, and complex custom shapes.
For a closer comparison, see Flex Integrated vs. Flex Integrated 2.0.
Flex Structural
Flex Structural is Excellart’s heaviest-duty integrated flex-face profile.
It uses ¼-inch walls and weighs approximately 3.55 pounds per foot, making it substantially heavier and more robust than the other ESP flex-frame profiles. It is intended for long spans and demanding installations where the project requires a thicker-wall perimeter frame.
Kerf cutting is not recommended for Flex Structural. Its heavy walls make it a better fit for straight runs and large structural builds than for circles, tight radiuses, or custom-shaped cabinets.
Flex Structural should not be selected solely from a general description such as “high-wind” or “coastal.” Wind loads, cabinet size, mounting conditions, internal bracing, and local code requirements should be evaluated for the individual installation.
Find the Right Sign Cabinet for Your Project
Use the Excellart Kit Finder to answer a few project questions and find the right kit configuration. For project-specific questions, or just to chat contact the Excellart team at (800) 627-9044 or hello@excellart.com.