Brochure stands, Display systems
Metal stand or fabric wall: a comparison of structures
Comparing metal stands and fabric walls will help you choose a display based on your priorities: weight, stability, looks and how the graphic is changed. Below you'll find practical tips and examples from the Maxi Expo range.
Weight and ease of carrying
Weight determines mobility and ease of handling. Metal stands weigh from 2.2 kg (A4 Puladi info stand) to 10.5 kg (black Montana A3 brochure stand in a case). Atlantis TUBE fabric walls weigh from 6 kg (Atlantis Curved 250 × 230 cm) to 15 kg (Atlantis U 300 × 230 cm and Atlantis Straight 590 × 230 cm). Their weight increases with format and depends on the shape. MEGA SEG™ walls are the lightest: from 2.1 kg (100 × 200 cm) to 3.2 kg (150 × 200 cm).
- Examples of light metal models: the A3 Puladi info/menu stand (3.3 kg) and the A4 Puladi info stand (2.2 kg)
- Heavier metal variants: Montana brochure stands, from 4.8 kg (A4 in a case, silver) to 10.5 kg (A3 in a case, black)
- Fabric walls weigh according to size and shape, e.g. the Atlantis U 300 × 230 cm weighs 15 kg and the Atlantis Straight 250 × 230 cm 7 kg
- Compare the product weight on each model's page before buying
Stability and structural resistance
Stability depends on how it is supported and the materials used. Puladi and Classic info/menu stands sit on a round steel base (Ø 27 cm for A4, Ø 33 cm for A3), and the Boston A4 brochure stand has a steel frame and a 28 × 39 cm base. Fabric walls rest on aluminium profiles over which the fabric is pulled. With large formats the graphic is supported across its full width, not at a single point.
- A round Ø 33 cm base (Puladi A3, Classic A3) gives point support
- The Montana A3 has a 46.5 × 37 cm base and the silver Montana A4 25 × 35 cm, so the A3 version is steadier
- Atlantis TUBE walls use a Ø 32 mm aluminium profile
- A heavier wall may resist tilting better
Looks and display aesthetics
The look depends on what you want to show. Metal stands present materials in a frame or on shelves. The Puladi has an acrylic frame, the Montana clear acrylic shelf bottoms, and the Columbia acrylic pockets and a chrome base. This works well in receptions and points of sale. Fabric walls such as the Atlantis Straight or Atlantis S create a uniform surface from a graphic pulled on like a cover, giving a consistent backdrop at events and trade shows.
- Montana stands are available in silver and black finishes
- The clear acrylic pockets in the Columbia stand don't hide the leaflets
- The graphic covers the whole Atlantis wall; the Straight, Curved and S models are double-sided, the U single-sided
- The choice depends on whether detail or the display backdrop matters more
Changing graphics and personalising the display
Graphics are changed in different ways. In info/menu stands the print slides into the frame, and with brochure stands you just top up the materials on the shelves or in the pockets. In fabric walls the graphic is pulled over an aluminium profile, which means removing and re-tensioning the fabric, but gives a smooth surface with no visible frames.
- The snap frame wings on Classic stands make changing paper graphics easy
- In Puladi stands the print slides into an acrylic frame
- In fabric walls the graphic is pulled on like a sock
- In MEGA SEG™ the graphic is fixed with silicone edging (suggested size 10 × 3 mm)
Storage, transport and preparation
Storage and transport also matter when choosing. Montana brochure stands unfold without tools and, when folded, fit in the bag or case included. Atlantis TUBE walls come with a Canvas transport bag, so a large graphic area is easy to carry, but the fabric has to be pulled on when setting up.
- Montana models are available with a bag or a case
- The ZED-UP Lite A4 brochure stand is available with a transport bag or case
- The Atlantis Straight 300 × 230 cm fits in a 30 × 21 × 74 cm package, and the Atlantis U 300 × 230 cm in a 118 × 12 × 47 cm package
- Ease of set-up varies between systems and shapes
Frequently asked questions
Which stand should you choose when low weight matters most?
Check the weight given on the product page. Light metal models include the A3 Puladi info/menu stand (3.3 kg) and the A3 Classic info/menu stand (3.5 kg). Their A4 versions weigh 2.2 kg (Puladi) and 2.4 kg (Classic). It's worth comparing specific variants and designs in terms of material and dimensions.
Does a fabric wall allow quick graphic changes?
Yes. In Atlantis (TUBE) walls the graphic is pulled over an aluminium profile like a cover, so it's easy to take off and fit a new one. In the MEGA SEG™ system the graphic is fixed with silicone edging, suggested size 10 × 3 mm. Both solutions let you refresh the display efficiently.
Which solution is more stable in an event space?
Stability depends on the structure and base. Metal stands with a large base, e.g. the A3 Classic info/menu stand with a Ø 33 cm base or the Montana A3 brochure stand with a 46.5 × 37 cm base, stand firmly. Atlantis fabric walls with a Ø 32 mm profile and greater weight also give a solid stand backdrop.