Product Overview


Of all the innovations in the exhibition and display industries over the last 20 years, large format graphics have had the greatest impact. T3 Airframe has been designed specifically to fulfil the need for a lightweight framing system capable of carrying many kinds of panels and graphics.

The key components of the system are a tube and a connector which join together with a brilliantly simple patented, twist-lock action. No tools are required.

T3 Airframe also addresses significant areas of cost within the industry. Because the system is so easy and quick to construct, there is no requirement for expensive skilled labour. The simplicity of the system also means that the number of hours spent on design and both on and off site for installation and removal are significantly reduced.

High transport and storage costs usually associated with the traditional stands are also a thing of the past thanks to T3 Airframe. Even large structures and frameworks break down into compact packages thanks to the modular nature of the design. Check out some of our testimonials to see how compact T3 Airframe is in real life.


The Benefits of T3 Airframe:

  • Quick and easy to work with - rigid and flexible panels are easily attached using a number of different methods, such as magnetic tape, velcro® or even screws.
  • Can be cut on site - changes in panel sizes and other installation issues are quickly and easily remedied as T3 Airframe tubes can be cut and re-fitted on site.
  • Load bearing and very stable – T3 Airframe easily supports plasma screens and heavy display items.
  • Create doors and other features - flat, curved or sliding doors are easily created out of T3 Airframe and fitted into the structure.
  • Easy and inexpensive to transport - the system is very compact and will breakdown into a small volume.
  • Immensely versatile - the system can be reconfigured into a vast number of different structures and used over and over again. Ideal for contractors and the rental market.
  • Perfect where budget and floor space are limited - such as overseas events or where labour costs and availability are at a premium, for instance in the USA. Or in countries where it is difficult to produce cost effective/successful stands because of the distances involved and labour constraints, for example in parts of Africa, Asia and South America.
  • The complete "exhibition stand in a box" experience - a full range of accessories is available making it easy to assemble complete kits.

Key Components

T3 Airframe is an elegantly simple system based around a connector and interlocking tube. The 33mm tube is capped with a cross shaped bayonet which fits into the cube connector with a simple twist-lock action requiring no tools. The tube comes in two profiles according to the kind of panel to be attached or the type of structure to be created.



Attaching different types of panels to T3

Using rollable and semi-rigid panels with T3
Rollable panels similar to those used on pop-systems can be attached to both types of T3 tube profile using either magnetic or hook and loop tape.

These types of panels have the advantage of being readily available and can be produced at photographic quality.

T3 Graphic Hangers give additional support for large or heavy panels.

Read more on Rollable Panels


Using rigid panels with T3
Rigid panels can be attached to T3 by a number of methods depending on the size and weight of the panel and the effect required.

T3 Airframe Classic profile allows panels to be surface fixed using magnetic tape or hook and loop. Alternatively, panels can be inset when combined with an ‘L’ angle that is riveted onto the tube.

The new Channel profile has a number of slide-in accessory strips that allow either surface or inset fixing of rigid panels.

Shelves and load bearing panels can also be easily fixed within the T3 framework using one of the ‘L’ angle accessories.

Rigid panels can also be suspended in front of the T3 framework using stand-off connectors fixed into threaded inserts on the aluminium tube or connector.

Read more on Rigid Panels


Using fabric panels with T3
T3 Airframe creates an ideal framework for tensioned fabric structures. The Channel profile has been specially designed to carry large printed fabric panels.

A slotted "comb" strip slides into the T3 tube and the fabric panel is attached by means of a sewn-in silicon or latex band that simply pushes into the slot.

Read more on Tensioned Fabric Panels


Accessories

The T3 Airframe system includes a full range of Accessories including lights, bags, cases, feet etc.


Calculating T3 sizes

T3 Airframe is a modular system that makes it very easy to work out structure and panel sizes. We have found the easiest way to specify T3 is using centre-to-centre (c/c) measurements between connectors. Actual tube lengths and panel sizes are then calculated from the c/c dimension by simply adding or subtracting multiples of 16.5mm which is half the width of a connector.

Calculating panel sizes for straight tube constructions:

Centre to centre (c/c) - the default panel measurement where three or more panels are butted together. A centre to centre panel has a panel each side.

Centre to outside (c/o) - the first and last panel in a series starting and finishing on an outside edge or external corner. 16.5mm (half connector width) is added to the c/c measurement.

Centre to inside (c/i) – for use on internal corners. (Requires ‘L’ angle strip) 16.5mm is subtracted from the c/c measurement. Note: One of the panels meeting at the internal corner will also need to be reduced by the combined thickness of the adjoining panel and its attaching material.

Inside to inside (i/i) – the measurement between two internal corners. (Requires two ‘L’ angle strips) 33mm is subtracted from the c/c measurement.

Outside to outside (o/o) – the measurement of a single panel between two external corners or outside edges. 33mm is added to the c/c measurement.


Calculating panel sizes for curved tube constructions:

Calculating structure and panel sizes for curved tubes follows the same basic conventions (centre to centre, centre to outside etc.) as for straight tube constructions. The main difference is calculating the measurement around the arc of the curve allowing for the method of attachment.


Sales Support

We can provide advice on construction methods, assist with build drawings and in working out quantities and costings.

Email sales@tecnauk.com or call 020 8345 6696.