Custom Forex sign panels

Forex is one of the most widely used materials in professional signage today. Lightweight, waterproof and with a perfectly smooth surface, this rigid expanded PVC board delivers exceptional print quality, both indoors and outdoors. At Otypo, we supply custom-cut Forex boards tailored to all your visual communication needs: signage, information panels, safety signs, point-of-sale displays and much more. If you are still undecided about which material to choose for your signage, discover everything Forex has to offer.

What is Forex? A rigid expanded PVC board with outstanding properties

Forex is a registered trademark of Swiss manufacturer 3A Composites, which has over time become a generic name for rigid expanded PVC boards. Its closed-cell structure gives it unique properties that set it clearly apart from other rigid substrates used in signage.

Unlike solid PVC or aluminium sheet, Forex is made from a polyvinyl chloride foam whose closed cells trap air. It is precisely this structure that accounts for its exceptional lightness, whilst still providing sufficient rigidity to prevent warping over time. A Forex board retains its flatness perfectly, which is essential for a professional, high-quality finish in signage applications.

Its smooth, uniform and slightly matt surface is ideal for receiving high-quality direct printing. White remains the standard reference colour, as it delivers the best results for printed colours. The material is also waterproof, unaffected by moisture and water splashes, making it a versatile substrate suited to a wide range of environments.

Technical specifications of custom-cut Forex boards

Available thicknesses and sizes

Forex is available in a range of thicknesses, typically between 1 mm and 19 mm. For signage and visual communication, the most commonly used thicknesses are 3 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm. The choice of thickness depends directly on the intended application: a 3 mm thickness is perfectly suited to lightweight indoor panels or temporary displays, whilst a 10 mm thickness is preferred for outdoor installations or large-format panels requiring greater structural rigidity.

At Otypo, Forex boards are cut to the exact dimensions of your project. Whether you need a small desk sign or a large display panel, the material is available in large sheet sizes and can be precision-cut to your exact specifications.

Lightweight and easy to install

One of Forex's key advantages over other rigid substrates such as aluminium, Dibond or acrylic is its remarkable lightness. This characteristic considerably simplifies handling and installation, even for large-format panels. Wall fixings require less load-bearing capacity, and installation can often be carried out without heavy tools. For professionals who need to erect and dismantle their signage regularly — at exhibitions or trade shows, for example — this is a particularly valuable benefit.

Weather resistance and UV stability

Expanded PVC is naturally waterproof and resistant to common weathering: rain, moisture and temperature fluctuations. The custom-cut Forex boards supplied by Otypo also benefit from UV resistance, allowing them to retain their appearance and colours over time, even when used outdoors. For optimum performance in exterior applications, a minimum thickness of 10 mm is recommended, ensuring the rigidity needed to withstand mechanical stresses from wind and handling.

Fire reaction and compliance for public buildings

Forex also offers strong fire reaction properties. Rated M1 (difficult to ignite) under French classification standards, it meets the regulatory requirements applicable to public buildings. The custom-cut Forex boards supplied by Otypo comply with these requirements, allowing you to use them with complete confidence in professional premises, retail environments, hospitals, schools and public sector buildings.

Printing and personalisation of your custom-cut Forex boards

Direct UV printing in full colour

Forex is first and foremost a print substrate. Its smooth, matt surface is perfectly suited to direct UV printing in full colour (CMYK), the technique used by Otypo to personalise your boards. This process faithfully reproduces your artwork, logos, text and colours with remarkable precision and chromatic richness. Printing can be carried out single-sided or double-sided depending on your signage requirements. The white surface of Forex ensures optimal colour reproduction, with no distortion or degradation of the image.

Custom cutting and machining

Forex is a particularly easy material to machine. It can be digitally cut (CNC), sawn or routed to match any required shape: rectangular, square, or any bespoke profile to suit your brand identity or installation constraints. Boards can also be drilled to accommodate screws, standoffs or suspension systems, offering great flexibility in fixing methods.

Fixing options

The lightness of Forex opens up a wide range of fixing possibilities. Boards can be mounted using screws and wall standoffs for a neat, professional finish, holding the panel slightly proud of the wall. Double-sided adhesive tape bonding onto a smooth surface is also an option for quick and discreet installations. Panels can equally be suspended on cables or mounted on rail systems, making them particularly well suited to exhibition spaces, showrooms and contemporary interior fit-outs.

Applications of Forex boards in professional signage

Indoor signage

Indoors, custom-cut Forex boards lend themselves to a wide range of applications: directional and wayfinding panels, health and safety notices, information boards in reception areas, corridors, offices, retail spaces and showrooms. Their lightness and ease of installation also make them an excellent substrate for point-of-sale displays: shelf barkers, rigid display stands and aisle panels. They are equally popular for wall graphics and visual displays in professional environments.

Outdoor and event signage

Outdoors, Forex is ideal for medium-term applications. It is commonly used for large-format advertising and display panels, temporary or semi-permanent fascia signage for commercial promotions or events, as well as site hoardings and statutory information boards. Its resistance to water and UV radiation also makes it a substrate of choice for outdoor exhibitions, trade fairs and public events. For marketing agencies and design studios, Forex is also widely used for mock-ups, prototypes and presentation boards.

Why choose custom-cut Forex boards from Otypo?

At Otypo, specialists in signage and custom engraved plaques, we manage the entire production process for your Forex boards in-house: from artwork creation through to direct UV full-colour printing and precision CNC cutting. Every stage is carried out with care to ensure a result that meets your professional standards.

Forex stands out as a benchmark material for professional signage, combining lightness, durability, print quality and versatility. Whether you need a single board or a series of panels to equip your premises, events or retail locations, Otypo is here to support you throughout your project, delivering a professional finish that meets current regulatory standards.