Most sign cabinet frames use an external retainer. The retainer sits on the front of the cabinet and fastens around the perimeter.
Excellart Sign Product’s IDS frame system uses an internal retainer instead. The retainer is concealed inside the cabinet, holding the face material from the inside instead of the front. That gives the sign cabinet a clean appearance with no external fasteners showing.
IDS frames are also stackable, which makes them useful when one cabinet needs to sit squarely on top of another. They also work well with piano hinges, so the sign face can hinge open.
What Makes the IDS Frame System Different
The main difference is where the face is retained. A standard sign cabinet frame uses an external retainer. IDS uses an internal retainer. That internal retainer creates a cleaner cabinet face because the fasteners are not visible from the front. It also gives shops a stackable frame profile and hinge compatibility when the project calls for a face that can open.
That makes IDS a good fit for cabinets where the front appearance matters, cabinets that need to stack, or sign faces that need to hinge open.
IDS 8 and IDS 12 Frame Sizes
ESP IDS frame systems are available in two cabinet depths: IDS 8 for an 8-inch deep sign cabinet and IDS 12 for a 12-inch deep sign cabinet.
Both IDS frame options are available with a variety of retainer styles. If the project needs more face coverage around the perimeter, ESP can provide a taller retainer.
How the IDS Sign Cabinet Retainer Works
An IDS frame kit includes four pieces of retainer.
During assembly, three retainer pieces are fixed together. One side is left removable so the face material can slide into the retainer channel.
The process is straightforward:
- Fix three retainer pieces together, typically with self-drilling screws.
- Leave one retainer side removable.
- Slide the face material into the retainer channel.
- Put the removable retainer piece back in place.
- Refasten the screws.
- Fit the assembled frame into the cabinet.
Once assembled, the retainer is concealed inside the cabinet. From the front, the sign cabinet keeps a clean appearance without visible perimeter fasteners.
When to Use an IDS Frame System
Use an IDS frame system when the project needs a cleaner sign cabinet face, no visible external fasteners, stacked cabinets, or a hinged sign face using a piano hinge.
It is available for 8-inch and 12-inch deep cabinets and works with multiple retainer styles, making it a practical option when the project calls for an internal retainer system.
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.