EL and e-Paper generally look very similar with regards to animations. 

EL is a paper-thin panel which connects to an inverter (approx. 150mm x 92mm x 32mm) and the inverter connects to either a mains power supply, or x8 AA, or x8 D size batteries (for panels up to approx. A2 size).  The battery life of EL using x8 D size batteries can be around 1 day of constant use depending upon the amount of light and animation sequence.   

However, with e-Paper there is no inverter and the batteries are Cell batteries that can be recessed inside a 7mm backing, or x2 external AA batteries in a small battery case behind the panel.   The battery life of e-Paper can be between 6 months-1 year of constant use.   

Therefore, e-Paper is better for sizes up to a maximum size of A2 that need to be battery-powered.  EL is appropriate for mains-powered displays of any size.

Prices for both, are dependent upon size, quantity and % illuminated area.  Therefore, please send your artwork together with details of the size and quantity required and our Creative team will arrange to animate this for you and provide an accurate price based on your spec. 

EL can be used for Outdoor applications but UV light does have an impact on the panels.  The effects on the panels would depend upon the country and the amount of exposure to direct sunlight.  Naturally, after a period of approximately 1-3 months of exposure to UV, the lighter colours such as White and Yellow will start to develop a Blue/ Green tint. 

However, we can place a layer of UV Protection on top of the panel which will prolong this from occurring.  Depending upon the exposure to UV and amount of hours of exposure per day, with UV Protection applied, the colours will degrade after approximately 6-9 months instead.

The largest EL panel in 1 piece is 2.4m x 1.2m but if you would like to exceed this size then we can join panels together to create any size.  Alternatively, for larger areas it may be more cost effective to only produce the illuminated areas using EL, which can be die-cut to any shape and then affixed behind a printed overlay. 

Please send us your design together with the details of the size and quantity required and we will arrange to provide you with an animation and a quotation for the best configuration according to your project. 

The largest e-Paper panel is 60cm x 40cm.  However, we can integrate the e-Paper panel onto to a larger print size, however, the size of the active area will need to remain within 60cm x 40cm. 

Lithographic Printing:

Sizes within 68cm x 48cm are produced using lithographic/ offset printing.  This printing method has a fast production time and is very economical for production of large quantities.  However, for samples there are high set up costs. 

The thickness of this material ranges from 0.3mm to 0.8mm depending on the effect and application.   

The lpi (lines per square inch of the lens) will also vary depending on the effect and application from 50lpi (thicker lens lines) to 200lpi (narrower lens lines). 

Generally, for movement effects the lens is 75lpi and for 3D effects the lens is 100lpi. 

Digital Printing:

Sizes exceeding 68cm x 48cm are produced using digital printing. 

This printing method has a slower production time (as they are produced 1 by 1) and this production method is cheaper for samples. 

There are 2 thicknesses of material available; 3.5mm thickness or 0.8mm thickness. 

Panels with a thickness of 3.5mm are cut out of sheet sizes that are 2.4m x 1.2m and the lenses are between 10lpi to 25lpi depending upon the viewing distance.   

Panels with a thickness of 0.8mm are cut out of sheet sizes that are 1.8m x 1.2m and the lenses are around 40lpi (narrower).     

Conclusion:

Lithographic/ offset printing is cheaper for large quantities and digital printing is cheaper for samples.  However, the right choice will depend upon the panel size, quantity, the effect, the thickness required and how may panels can economically be cut out from the relevant sheet sizes. 

Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) are available with Black, White, Red and Yellow display colours.  The available sizes and technical specs are available on the link below. 

https://www.display-innovations.com/electronic-shelf-labels-technical-specs

ESL technology is able to display and update content wirelessly via an Access Point/ Router using the Management Software provided and the displays are battery-powered using Cell batteries providing a battery life of around 8 years. 

The data displayed on the Electronic Shelf Labels strictly follows the ERP or POS system, so the display will automatically change or update when the data in ERP system changes.  The Labels can also be updated from a PC (Windows/ Mac) with access to internet.

The Mobile App can allow store staff to choose pre-designed templates to associate with the specific Label.  The PC interface has access to more functions, such as creating templates, and setting template changes. 

If you would like a quotation for this product, then please confirm the preferred size, display colours, and the quantity required ‘per location’ and also the total number of separate locations. 

The lead time varies based on the product type, quantity required, and preferred delivery method. Here are the estimated production and delivery times:

• Production Time: 3 weeks

• Air Freight: 1 week

• Sea Freight: 6 weeks

We aim to meet your delivery requirements and will work with you to ensure the timely arrival of your order.