Modular Curved Frame Technology (MCFT) is a modular manufactured sign system that utilizes pre-manufactured curved frames to connect a variety of graphic and material components parts utilizing tension as a locking mechanism. Sign professionals developed MCFT as part of the evolution in modular signs to minimize waste

Waste

Waste is unwanted or useless materials. In biology, waste is any of the many unwanted substances or toxins that are expelled from living organisms, metabolic waste; such as urea, sweat or feces. Litter is waste which has been disposed of improperly...

 and maximize custom design approaches.

The Components of MCFT

Modularity

MCFT utilizes a modular sign system. Standardized units can be assembled in different ways using both standard and custom accessories and attachments.

Curved

MCFT is based on curved aluminum sign frames that keep inserted materials in place using a tension grip to minimizes the use of adhesives or screw fasteners.

Frame System

MCFT is a frame system that accepts different types of sign substrates & inserts including engraving

Engraving

Engraving is the practice of incising a design on to a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing...

, screen printing, photopolymer

Photopolymer

A photopolymer is a polymer that changes its properties when exposed to light, often in the ultraviolet spectrum. These polymers are useful in dentistry for fillings and in rapid prototyping in the stereolithography and 3D printing processes. This material is also used in the creation of ADA...

, ADA and digital printing

Digital printing

Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large format and/or high volume laser or inkjet printers...

.

Technology

MCFT combines modular components with custom approaches. Designers are meant to utilize various combinations of frames, surface materials, printed materials and substrates when developing wayfinding

Wayfinding

Wayfinding encompasses all of the ways in which people and animals orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place.-Historical:...

 programs.

MCFT is one approach to modular signage, or using prefabricated sign elements in multiple combinations. The Society for Environmental Graphic Design and International Sign Association

International Sign Association

The International Sign Association is a 2,600 member organization of manufacturers, users and suppliers of on-premise signs and sign products from all 50 U.S. states and an additional 54 countries. ISA exists to support, promote and improve the sign industry, which sustains the nation’s retail...

include MCFT as a category of modular signage.