With signage, it’s not always the grand, overwhelming, spectacular signs that make the biggest impression. For example, at Pizazz Display Systems Limited, the company follows “Warren Buffet’s observation that ‘price is what you pay, value is what you get,’” says David Pountney, marketing director for Pizazz Display Systems.
标识并不总是大型的、壮观的才能给人留下深刻印象。例如，Pizazz显示系统有限公司市场总监大卫·庞特尼说，他们一直遵循沃伦·巴菲特定理‘你付出的是代价，获得的是价值’。
Here’s another motto that might also apply: Don’t overcomplicate things.
还有另外一个适用的座右铭：不要把事情变复杂。
Sign presentation is important, no doubt, and it can be done in a way that accentuates a display in a professional and tasteful manner. It also doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to do so. This is what standoffs bring to the table—dimension, visibility and cost-savings.
毋庸置疑，标识的外观是很重要的，可以展现一种专业的、高品位的格调，并且也不需要花费太大的成本。这就是说，将广告钉凸显在标识表面上，可以为标识带来多维性、可见性和成本节约性。
In addition, standoff signs are relatively easy to install and can be used as part of a more involved signage scheme.
此外，广告钉标识相对来说比较容易安装，可以作为更复杂的标识方案的一部分。
On the Market
上市
The purpose of a sign standoff is simple, really.
标识广告钉的目的真的很简单。
“A typical sign standoff setup will use four standoffs, one on each corner to mount the sign to a wall. Some of the more unique uses for standoffs we have seen would be to raise coffee table glass and to make multi-level image displays,” says Chris Howard, marketing coordinator, Gyford StandOff Systems.
Gyford广告钉系统公司市场协调员克里斯·霍华德说：“一个普通的广告钉标识会用到四个广告钉，在标识四个角的位置将其固定在墙上。我们还见过一些特别用处的广告钉，它们被用于举高咖啡桌玻璃来创造出多层次的图像显示效果。”
More traditionally, they are used in office buildings, with directories, on ADA signage, donor boards, wayfinding signs, P.O.P. displays and more. They provide many possibilities for a sign to be seen easily by the viewer.
更传统的是，它们还用于带有目录指示的办公大楼、ADA标识、导视标识、P.O.P. 显示等等。它们为标识的可见性提供了多种可能性。
“We provide a complete solution of caps and standoffs in different finishes and sizes for the majority of applications,” Paul Bernstein, vice president, Metomic Corporation. “Standoffs allow the sign company to add a tremendous visual appeal and perceived value to something that they have created for a relatively low additional cost to the customer. The dimensional effect added to the signage only serves to increase its visibility and attractiveness to consumers.”
Metomic公司副总裁保罗·伯恩斯坦说：“我们为大多数应用提供不同尺寸的广告钉解决方案，广告钉使得标识公司为其标识增添了巨大的视觉吸引力和感知价值，并且并不会花费客户太多成本。标识的多维效果只会增加其可见性和吸引力。”
Standoff systems can come with a variety of elements including mounts, spacers, caps and barrels, wires and rods.
广告钉系统可以融合各种各样的元素，包括支架、衬垫、螺帽和压辊、棒线材。
“All our product lines are compatible with each other so the possibilities are endless,” says Howard, asserting that Gyford is the originators of standoff products. “Gyford StandOff Systems also makes wire and rod gallery systems that our standoffs integrate into and a full line of extruded profile materials that may be drilled and tapped to except standoffs or can be used with custom nuts within the extrusion.”
霍华德说：“我们所有的产品线都是互相兼容的，因此可以发挥无限可能性。”他断言Gyford是广告钉产品的创始者。他说：“Gyford广告钉系统公司也制作带有广告钉的棒线材画廊系统和完全挤压型材料，可以在材料上面钻出安装广告钉或定制螺母的孔位。”
Other features can also be included in a standoff system such as LED components.
其他相关元素也可以融进广告钉系统中，例如LED组件。
“LED-enhanced standoffs can also be fitted to light a sign up,” says Jose Flores Jr, project manager, Erie Custom Signs. “It’s all about the look the customer wants.”
伊利定制标识公司的项目经理小何塞·弗洛雷斯说：“增强LED型广告钉也可以用于照亮标识产品，并且其标识外观都满足客户的需求。”
Getting Started
入门指南
Knowing the customers’ goals and what they want in a standoff sign is critical to the design and install.
对标识设计和安装来说，了解客户对广告钉标识的要求和期望是至关重要的。
“The first thing a sign shop should do is to clearly understand what their customer wants to achieve," Pountney says. "They should then design a solution that achieves the customer’s objectives and has compelling visual impact. This can be done by using materials with different colors and textures and multi-layering or offsetting some of the panels.”
庞特尼说：“标识商铺的首要任务是弄清楚客户想要什么样的标识效果，然后他们要按照客户的需求设计一套视觉冲击性强的解决方案。这些可以通过使用不同颜色和质地的材料，将其做成多层次效果或平板偏移效果来实现。”
Pizazz has completed several projects for customers including one for Denver Water in which it expanded a picture-framing job into one using standoffs to enhance the design and create a visually impactful display.
Pizazz公司已经完成了好几个类似项目，包括为Denver Water公司制作的一个标识项目。这个项目中增加了一个用广告钉固定好的相框，从而增强了整个标识的设计和视觉冲击力。
Sign makers should also keep the intended audience in mind when creating a standoff sign, reminds Howard.
霍华德提醒道，标识制造商在制作广告钉标识时，也要考虑到目标受众。
“We see many sign makers using standoffs to help create an interesting shape that will catch the attention of the target audience,” he says. “For example, a beach theme restaurant could create a sign in the shape of a surfboard and have multi-tiered waves behind it. Using different length standoffs for each level.”
他说：“我们发现很多标识制造商使用广告钉创建有趣的外观来吸引目标受众。例如，海滩主题餐厅可以创建一个背后有多层海浪的冲浪板外形标识，每一层用不同长度的广告钉来固定，这样就可以展现不一样的效果。”
Creating the design and installing the display are two critical steps in a standoff system project. Both require precision and attention to detail.
在广告钉系统项目中，创建设计方案和安装标识是两个关键步骤，对精度和细节有极高的要求。
“Both the designer and the installer should pay careful consideration to both the dimensions and the weight of the sign,” says Bernstein. “Make sure that you are using the proper diameter hardware in relation to the size of the media, and the proper quantity.”
伯恩斯坦说：“设计师和安装人员都应该重视标识的尺寸和重量，确保使用的五金器件直径以及数量匹配标识的尺寸和重量。”
Installation
安装
Specific to the install, users will want to make sure the hardware and display is affixed to the wall properly and securely.
针对安装过程，用户要确保五金器件和显示装置安全正确地贴在墙上。
“As for installation, it depends on how the customer wants to adhere them to the wall,” says Flores. “We offer two options: a traditional mount where the sign will be screwed into the wall, this of course leaves holes in the wall if the sign is ever moved. We also offer a ‘faux’ mount, this is where we attach the standoffs to the sign and we apply tape on the back of the sign for mounting, this gives the customer the option to remove the sign without worrying about holes in their wall.”
弗洛雷斯说：“安装方式主要取决于客户想要以怎样的形式将标识安装在墙上。我们这里有两种方案：一种是用传统的安装方式将标识固定在墙上，如果移动标识，墙上就会留下小洞。另一种是在标识背面贴上胶带，用广告钉来固定标识，这样的话即使移除标识也不用担心会在墙上留下小洞。”
Howard explains that the hardware configuration is intended to be put in place easily and left alone without any worry. He says, “this type of hardware is really meant to set-and-forget. The important thing is to set up the installation correctly from the start, making sure the proper amount of hardware is used for the weight of the material being mounted and the proper finish is used for the installation site.”
霍华德解释说：“所有五金器件的规格都是遵循易于安装和拆卸的原则制作的，因此无需担心这些五金器件的使用，重要的是要从一开始就制定正确的安装方案，确保适当数量的五金器件匹配安装材料的重量，选择适用于安装方案的抛光方式。”
The end result of a successful standoff sign is one that eliminates any concern for the user and shows off an appealing display to viewers.
一个成功的广告钉标识能够实现的目标就是消除用户的任何忧虑，向观众展示一个有吸引力的外观。
Adding the Elements
添加元素
The materials that are included in a standoff system can vary based on the nature of the project. For example, Pizazz offers standoffs in aluminum, brass and resin.
标识项目的性质不同，广告钉系统中使用的材料也是不同的。例如，Pizazz公司供应的广告钉材料分为铝型材、黄铜和树脂。
“All parts can be mixed and matched, because their thread dimensions and specifications are consistent,” says Pountney, adding that it’s important “to ensure that the standoffs used have the enduring quality required for at least the life of the display.”
庞特尼说：“所有广告钉都可以混合匹配，因为它们的螺纹尺寸和规格都是一致的。确保广告钉的耐用性至少和显示装置的使用寿命一样长是很重要的。”
Often the selection of materials is based on what is aesthetically pleasing with the theme of the display; matching the color of the hardware and caps, or using stainless steel for a sleek, modern appearance. In other situations, the environment will dictate which elements should be used.
通常情况下，材料的选择是由显示主题的美学角度、五金器件的颜色匹配度或光滑的不锈钢现代外观决定的。在其他情况下，周围环境会影响使用的材料类型。
“Our most common standoffs are aluminum or stainless steel,” says Howard. “Installers like stainless steel for outdoor uses, however we also can powder coat the aluminum versions to help protect them from the elements (because) if aluminum standoffs are installed in direct sunlight, over time the anodization will start to discolor.”
霍华德说：“我们供应的大多数普通广告钉都是铝型材或不锈钢材质，安装人员习惯将不锈钢广告钉用于户外，然而铝型材广告钉却不适用于户外环境中，因为它们在阳光直射下，随着时间的推移会变色。我们可以将其进行粉末喷涂，这样就可以用于户外了。”
Pountney warns against using specific materials outdoors. He says, “Many customers assume that stainless steel standoffs can be used outdoors. What they do not understand is that stainless steel is made in a variety of grades and the low-end grades, which are easiest to machine, have very poor resistance to rust. Customers need to make sure—if they are using stainless steel standoffs in outdoor applications—that they are up for the task.” He recommends using standoffs made from marine grade (316) stainless steel.
庞特尼警告大家不要在户外使用特定材料。他说：“很多客户认为不锈钢广告钉可以用于户外环境。他们不知道的是，不锈钢分为各种不同的质量等级，低等级的不锈钢用机器制造起来最容易，并且它们的抗锈性能非常低。客户需要确定的是，如果他们决定在户外环境中使用不锈钢广告钉，就要准备好承担后果了。”他推荐使用由海洋级（316）制作而成的不锈钢广告钉。
Another popular option is acrylics when it comes to standoff installation.
另外一种比较受欢迎的广告钉安装方案是采用亚克力材料。
“We use a lot of acrylics and some aluminum,” Flores says. “We do some with an aluminum backer and an acrylic face, the standoffs are standard aluminum. For ADA we typically use frosted acrylic to ensure ADA compliance. Also for hotels and busy traffic areas we recommend thicker material for the face that will standoff to help prevent cracking.”
弗洛雷斯说：“我们采用大量亚克力材料和少量铝型材来制作标识，用铝型材做标识背面、亚克力做标识正面，广告钉都采用标准铝型材。对于ADA标识，我们通常采用磨砂亚克力材料以保证ADA标识的依从性。对于酒店和拥挤的交通区域，我们推荐标识的表面使用较厚的材料，广告钉可以防止其表面开裂。”
Caring for the System
关注系统
Once a standoff system is designed, fabricated and installed, it’s important that the user keep it current and in good working order. This is especially important when the user wants to make a change or add other sign elements.
广告钉系统的设计、制作、安装过程完成之后，最重要的是要确保其适应当前应用，并且处于良好的工作状态。
“Our system is easily modified and re-usable through careful installation and just as careful dismantling,” says Bernstein. “The caps are easily removed for a change in media.”
伯恩斯坦说：“通过细致的安装和拆卸过程，可以改进或重复使用我们的系统。如果要更换标识时，广告钉系统的螺帽很容易被移除。”
In most cases, manufacturers will offer replacement parts and hardware elements through their customer service departments. Users can easily swap out hardware as needed if parts become damaged or obsolete in a particular signage scheme.
在大多数情况下，制造商会通过客户服务部门提供替换零件和五金器件。如果一个特定的标识项目中部分零件损坏或过时，用户可以根据需要将其更换。
“It’s as simple as unscrewing the standoff caps and removing the sign to have it replaced,” says Flores.
弗洛雷斯说：“移除更换标识就像将广告钉螺帽拧下来一样简单。”
From a maintenance perspective, a standoff system requires attention to ensure that the mounts remain sturdy and the display is clean and visible. Like anything that is on display, standoff systems should be kept pristine and tidy so as not to lose their effectiveness.
从维护的角度来看，广告钉系统需要确保支架稳固、显示装置干净清晰。无论标识显示什么内容，广告钉系统都应该保持整洁，以免失去其有效性。
“It’s important to explain that in busy traffic areas (these displays) crack with people touching or leaning on them and that it’s best to recommend a thicker material to help prevent this,” suggests Flores. “We also offer tamper-proof standoffs to help prevent theft of certain signs. The usual care and maintenance is just cleaning the signs with typical soap and water.”
弗洛雷达建议道：“在拥挤的交通区域，这些标识装置经常被人触摸或依靠，很容易会产生裂纹，因此最好用较厚的材料制作以防止产生裂痕。我们也会供应防篡改广告钉来防止特定标识的盗窃现象。日常的维护和保养方法就是用普通的肥皂水清洁标识。”
Pountney recommends that maintenance be evaluated based on the materials that are used, adding that “Our advice would vary depending on the materials used and location of the display. For example, acrylic panels should be cleaned with a special acrylic cleaner—not a general purpose spray or glass cleaner as they could cause the acrylic to discolor. The standoffs themselves should only require dusting.”
庞特尼建议，维护措施要以采用的材料为基础。他补充道：“我们的维护建议都取决于标识系统使用的材料和安装的位置。例如，亚克力板需要用特殊的亚克力清洁剂来清洗，而不是通用的喷雾或玻璃清洁剂，因为它们会导致亚克力变色。广告钉则只需要除尘就可以了。”
Each manufacturer prides itself on the benefits of its offerings. At Gyford, for example, “the hand finish that we put on the parts will look the same,” says Howard. “We often hear from customers that used a different brand and ultimately had to replace the hardware for their entire install due to the parts not working together or finishing issues even within the same batch of parts.”
每个制造商都以自己产品的优势而自豪。霍华德说：“在Gyford公司，标识上手工处理的部分外观看起来是一样的。我们经常听到客户说，他们使用不同品牌的产品制作标识，但是最终却必须将整个标识都替换掉，因为不一样的元件不能匹配使用。”
Pountney is proud of Pizazz’s all-in-one solution. He points out that “each part of a Pizazz standoff is made as one solid piece and has structural integrity. By comparison some standoff suppliers sell their standoffs in bits. The caps, barrels and lengths of threaded rod are supplied separately and customers have to spend time assembling them. They run the risk of having insecure joints come loose, and the consequences of that.”
庞特尼对Pizazz公司的一体化解决方案非常满意。他指出：“Pizazz广告钉系统的每个部分都是实心的，并且结构非常完整。其他供应商都是单独出售广告钉系统的组成元件，如螺帽、长杆和螺纹杆等，客户需要花时间将其组装起来，并且存在接合处易松动的风险。”
Overall, it’s hard to argue with the value of a quality standoff system. The uncomplicated design and straight-forward installation process allows users to include visually attractive elements to a display at an affordable cost. Consider, also, the fact that standoffs can easily be changed and fit to work with signs in several different applications. This is a powerful addition to many types of displays, and a valuable asset in the signage industry.
总的来说，很难评判一个优质广告钉系统的价值。简单的设计方案和安装过程使得客户能以负担得起的成本做出有吸引力的产品。事实上，广告钉还可以在不同的标识应用中替换使用。这对许多类型的显示装置来说是很有用的组件，在标识行业也是很有价值的。
