Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is SEG?

SEG stands for Silicone Edge Graphics. A printed fabric graphic is finished with a thin silicone strip sewn around its edge, and that strip presses into a channel in an aluminum frame. The result is a smooth, tensioned graphic surface with no visible hardware on the face.

What is an SEG lightbox, and how does it work?

An SEG lightbox combines an aluminum frame, LED illumination, and a backlit fabric graphic with a silicone edge. The LEDs light the fabric evenly from behind, and the silicone edge holds the graphic tight in the frame channel. When it's time for new messaging, you swap the graphic and keep the frame.

Why choose SEG over a traditional sign or backlit graphic?

SEG gives you a clean, high-impact presentation, and the graphic can be changed without replacing the display. That makes it a strong fit for anyone who regularly updates promotions, campaigns, branding, or event messaging. Fabric graphics are also lighter and easier to ship and store than rigid substrates.

Who uses SEG frames and lightboxes?

Matrix Frame works with wide-format printers, sign companies, exhibit houses, retail brands and fixture companies, environmental graphics firms, architects, designers, and experiential agencies. Our systems are installed in retail stores, trade show booths, corporate interiors, airports, arenas, museums, hospitality spaces, showrooms, and higher education. They work in permanent installations and in portable or temporary applications.

What types of SEG lightboxes does Matrix Frame make?

We build single-sided and double-sided SEG lightboxes in wall-mounted, freestanding, and suspended configurations. Every frame and lightbox is made to order, so the size and shape are built around your project. For portable applications, our Mobile Light Box line packs into wheeled transport bags.

What's the best way to create a large illuminated graphic wall?

An SEG lightbox is a practical way to build a large illuminated surface with a clean architectural look. Lightboxes can be joined with splice connectors to span larger walls, and the fabric graphic stays under even tension across the face. When the campaign changes, the graphic comes out and the frame stays in place.

Can illuminated graphics be built into an interior or architectural design?

Yes. SEG frames and lightboxes are regularly built into branded interiors, retail spaces, corporate environments, museums, and built-in fixtures. Flat, curved, and custom-shaped options give designers more to work with than a standard rectangular sign.

What should designers consider when specifying a custom SEG lightbox?

Key details include overall dimensions, profile depth, mounting method, illumination, viewing distance, frame finish, access for graphic changes, electrical requirements, and how the display integrates with the surrounding architecture. When the lightbox is an architectural feature rather than a sign, custom shape and fabrication capabilities matter too. Our team can help you work through specifications early in the design process.

What's the difference between an SEG frame and an SEG lightbox?

An SEG frame is a non-illuminated aluminum framing system that holds a fabric graphic under tension. An SEG lightbox adds LED illumination and uses a backlit fabric. Both come in single-sided and double-sided versions and can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or suspended.

What types of SEG graphics do you print?

We produce non-lit fabrics for SEG frames, backlit fabrics for lightboxes, and blockout options, including printable blockout for double-sided displays. Every graphic is sized and finished to fit the frame precisely for a tight, wrinkle-free face and accurate color.

Can I buy a frame or lightbox from Matrix Frame and print the graphic myself?

Yes. We can supply hardware only, so wide-format printers and sign shops can print and finish their own SEG graphics. We can also supply graphics only for customers with existing hardware.

Can you print graphics for SEG frames I already own?

Yes. If the frames came from another manufacturer, we'll need precise measurements of the existing system to make sure the graphic fits correctly. Our team will walk you through what to measure.

Can I get an SEG frame or lightbox in a custom size?

Yes. Every Matrix Frame frame and lightbox is made to order in the size your project requires. Rather than forcing a design into standard dimensions, we build the solution around the space. (Our portable Mobile Lightbox is the exception; it comes in set sizes.)

Can you build curved or unusual shapes?

Yes. We produce flat, curved, and custom-shaped frames and lightboxes, and we can build configurations that incorporate movement. If you have a creative concept that goes beyond a rectangle, bring it to us early, and we'll help you work out how to build it.

What aluminum profiles are available?

We offer a wide range of aluminum profiles in different depths and styles, each designed for multiple applications. Profiles can be adapted to fit most spaces, fixtures, and unusual walls. Our frames are built from industry-standard 6063-T6 aluminum.

Can the frame color match our brand or interior?

Yes. Standard finishes are clear anodized silver and textured black. Frames can also be powder-coated in custom colors so the display blends into a branded or architectural environment.

Are SEG lightboxes a good choice for trade show booths?

Yes. SEG lightboxes combine illuminated fabric graphics with a clean presentation, and the graphics can be swapped between shows. We can work from your booth layout to help plan the lightboxes and frames around the space. For displays that travel often, our Mobile Light Box was designed specifically for trade shows and traveling presentations.

Matrix Frame also offers beMatrix, a sustainable modular framing system for temporary structures such as exhibition stands, congress walls, indoor and outdoor events, and pop-ups.

Can I reuse SEG lightboxes for multiple shows?

Yes. The frame is reused while the SEG graphics change for different events, brands, or messages. Graphics that are handled and stored properly can also be used for multiple shows. The key is disassembling carefully and keeping each unit's parts together.

What is the Mobile Light Box?

The Mobile Light Box is Matrix Frame's portable SEG lightbox system. It pairs aluminum frames with foldable SEG fabric graphics and heavy-duty canvas transport bags with handles and wheels. The system slides and snaps together without tools and can be assembled in minutes, which makes it a fit for trade shows, traveling sales presentations, showrooms, and POP displays.

How long does it take to assemble an SEG lightbox?

It depends on the system and the size of the build. Our frames and lightboxes ship broken down with the lights already attached, so assembly is mostly connecting corners and splice connectors. A single lightbox typically takes about 30 minutes; a full booth with multiple units may take around six hours. The Mobile Light Box uses tool-free assembly.

Can you build custom lightboxes for an exhibit instead of standard sizes?

Yes. Outside the Mobile Light Box line, every frame and lightbox is made to order, including curved and custom-shaped units. That gives exhibit designers room to build illuminated SEG elements into more distinctive booth concepts.

How do lightboxes ship for an event?

We can ship in cardboard boxes, skid packs, one-way shippers, or multi-use shippers, depending on how the display will travel. The Mobile Light Box ships in its own wheeled transport bags. We can also coordinate advance warehouse deliveries for shows.

Can I rent my Matrix Frame lightboxes to clients or reuse them across projects?

Once you own the units, how you use them is up to you, including reusing them for different clients or renting them out. Matrix Frame does not offer rentals directly.

Can Matrix Frame support a multi-location retail rollout?

Yes. We regularly produce frames, lightboxes, and SEG graphics for programs that outfit stores nationwide. Based on your distribution list, we tailor the production timeline, finishing, kitting, and fulfillment schedule to meet each in-store date.

How do retailers change graphics across many locations?

The printed fabric graphic is separate from the frame, so a campaign change only requires new graphics. We print, kit, and ship the graphics to each location, and store associates typically swap them without outside installers. Some programs we support run more than 15,000 graphic reprints per campaign change.

Can you handle repeat and refresh orders for an ongoing program?

Yes. SEG systems are built for displays that change over time. We handle campaign refreshes and residual graphic orders, and because we keep records of past jobs, reordering doesn't mean starting over.

How long does it take to make an SEG frame or lightbox?

Most jobs ship in 3–5 business days. Printed SEG graphics take 3–5 business days from final artwork approval. Custom jobs that require outside vendors typically take 7–10 business days. Exact timing depends on dimensions, profile, quantity, finishing, lighting, graphics, and level of customization.

Can Matrix Frame meet a tight trade show or opening deadline?

In most cases, yes. Standard builds fit within our 3–5 business day production window, and we can schedule advance warehouse deliveries for shows. Share your deadline when you request a quote so we can confirm the timeline up front.

What information do I need to request a quote?

Send us as much of the following as you have:
• Dimensions and quantity
• Application (retail, trade show, interior, etc.)
• Wall-mounted, freestanding, or suspended
• Single- or double-sided
• Lit or non-lit, and whether you need graphics
• Shape or configuration, and frame finish
• Project timeline or in-hand date

We respond to quote requests within two hours during business hours.

How is pricing structured?

Frames, lightboxes, and SEG graphics are one-time purchases priced per order. Volume orders qualify for quantity price breaks. Hardware and graphics can be quoted together or separately.

Do you work with businesses of every size?

Yes. Orders range from a single frame to rollouts of thousands of units, and many of our customers order one to five pieces at a time. Our customers include independent sign shops, regional printers, exhibit houses, and national retail programs.

Where does Matrix Frame ship?

We manufacture in Charlotte, North Carolina, and ship nationwide. Contact us for shipping options to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, or international destinations.