BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The Smartframz system was developed by the team that invented the SeriPrinter which was produced in the UK between 2000. and 2018. This is a patented and successful UV drier that attached to RICOH duplicators and sold worldwide. This printing system is still being used in the USA to print medical instrument safety layouts used in operating theatres.
See (ttp://literature.puertoricosupplier.com/016/BG15815.pdf)
When RICOH duplicators were discontinued the graphics business of SeriPrint was taken over by Framebook (UK) Ltd and SeriPrint diversified into IT products. Framebook built up a library of classic car wiring diagrams for sale to this market and developed the Smartframz magnetic picture frames detailed on this site. Both companies are located at Weyhill near Andover in Hampshire.
The Smartframz system we believe overcomes some limitations of conventional framing and enables wide personalised choices. In particular the range of mouldings offered is unique, offering a wide choice in frames of natural ecological material. Frames are easy to assemble from the front and simple to hang with magnetic hardware. The flexibility, simplicity and easy use of the Smartframz is particularly attractive for photographers, artists and crafters.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
Smartframz are designed to overcome restrictions and limitations of conventional framing, It also makes framing fun and worry free while retaining the attractiveness and practicality of conventional frames. The difficulty of hanging the frame is made easier with Smartframz and this is explained below. All components can easily be changed, opening up a creative opportunity for artistic expression without requiring technical framing skills. As digital photography has expanded the potential for creative expression without special photographic skills so Smartframz, brings new creative opportunities without special framing skills needed. To really understand the advantages of the Smartframz, buy a TRY-IT-OUT frame available on this web site. We hope this will encourage you to purchase other frames as listed on our ETSY site.
Go to: https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/magnetiKFrameCraft
Go to: https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/magnetiKFrameCraft
PLATFORM MOUNT
Instead of using mouldings with rebates and joined at their ends to make the picture frame, a Smartframz is built on a sturdy platform. This is made of thin metal coated differently on each side called a platform mount. The thin metal is known as tinplate and has been used for over a century to make common biscuit tins as well as numerous other household and familiar items. By using this platform, which allows magnetic attraction all Smartframz offer two choices of mount as either side of the platform mounts can be selected to hold the picture and other components making up the frame..The platform mount provides the landing for the graphic by using a Picture Placer.
PICTURE PLACER
To hold the picture onto the platform mount a “picture placer” is used..The picture is held onto the platform mount magnetically by the Picture Placer. The picture can easily be removed and its position adjusted. This means that the picture does not need to be mounted permanently onto mounting board as required by most conventional framing systems. Thus preserving the picture in its original state. It also allows the picture to be be removed and replaced with a different picture. The magnetic Picture placer can be reused. A Smartframz can thus be used many times, again reducing waste.
SMART FRAMZ PROFILES
Onto the platform mount are set special profiles called Smartframz Profiles These use modern magnetic technology to secure them in place. They provide the landing for the glazing and the optional raised mount if used. The shape of these profiles create the all important air-gap feature of Smartframz. They provide a landings for the glazing, separating the picture surface from the glazing with a vital air-gap.
On conventional frames when no mount is used, as is the case for the majority of frames offered on the web then the glazing rests on top of the picture which can cause damage to the picture. In practise this means that by using a Smartframz the picture is always protected if no additional mount is used. Not only does this feature of Smartframz protect the picture but it also means that the frame can be assembled from the front rather than the back as is the procedure with conventional frames.
Smartframz are uniquely front loading as opposed to back loading of conventional frames and a separate mount is not necessary to protect the picture.
GLAZING
Glazing is placed on the top landing of the Smartframz profile where it is held in position by the moulding described below. Different types of glazing can be used with Smartframz but the default is 0.7mm polyester for Slim frames and 1.5mm acrylic for Standard frames. If glass is preferred then glazing of different specifications can be used for both Slim and Standard models.
MOULDINGS
Smartframz offers hundreds of moulding choices in both wood and other materials for their picture frames To discover the choices please go to ETSY at the following shop:
https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/magnetiKFrameCraft
and find out what is available (and also to buy your frame) Mouldings are provided separately from the frame platform and each side of the frame has its own moulding. As a result mouldings are safe and economical to ship by mail as they are not joined to make a frame as in conventional framing. The Moulding holds the glazing in place Smartframz Mouldings are all 2.45mm in width and up to 2.5 mm thin. Because mouldings for SLIM and STANDARD frames are thin they use resources sparingly. This is especially important for rare wood. Conventional mouldings vary in width and height as specified. All mouldings are removable and replaceable.
Smartframz mouldings have a thin metallic backing and are held onto the Smartframz profiles magnetically. Smartframz moulding material varies from a wide variety of ecological material to unusual and rare wood, stone, ceramic, and historical celluloid.
Mouldings can be used in like sets or mixed sets. Delivering additional moulding is inexpensive as postage is economical because of their compact size and weight.
SMART FRAMZ BRACING (STANDARD frames only)
Bracing for the STANDARD frame comprises four sections placed on the rear of the platform mount and along its edges. The bracing is held onto the platform mount magnetically and is positioned so that the protruding uprights fit snugly around the platform mount. The platform mount fits inside the area formed by these uprights. forming the Smartframz Edges of STANDARD frames.. These edges can be extended with optional Edge Extensions held magnetically to the top of the magnetic bracing uprights.
RAISED MOUNTS (Optional for all frames)
Raised mounts are optional and provide an aesthetic enhancement for all framed pictures. As with conventional mounts they are placed on top of the edge of the picture. Raised mounts are magnetic and are supplied in four sections making up the overall mount. Raised mounts can be selected for all frames. Raised mounts are fully interchangeable and replaceable between all models.
The mount material used for raised mounts is a unique and known as Vivette and is unique to Smartframz. This material is inspired by the charm of vintage toys, antiques, and tapestries and art deco.
SMART FRAMZ EDGE EXTENSIONS (Optional for STANDARD frames)
The edge extensions fit onto the top of the bracing uprights and are held magnetically. These extensions are decorated on their facing side with different finishes and are an enhancement for the edges of STANDARD frames. This feature is optional but needs to be selected when ordering a STANDARD frame on ETSY even if not utilized initially.
HANGING AND STANDING HARDWARE
Hanging hardware is supplied with all Smartframz and is the same for all models. It comprises a magnetic hanger which can be placed anywhere on the back of the frame, onto the platform mount to suit hanging preferences. Also provided are two magnetic spacers to position the frame the correct distance from the hanging surface. This makes hanging very easy because the hanger can be put onto the hook (or other profusion) and then the picture frame placed onto the hanger.
For smaller frames an upright support is provided which clips into the magnetic hanger.
SUMMARY
Smartframz offer many advantages for framing. These are:-
SMART FRAMZ SLIM MODEL (see diagram of layout)
This Smartframz model is an elegant, inexpensive slim frame approximately 8mm thin based on the Passe-partout frame of the 17th century. It is light, easy to assemble with wide choices. It has the following parts.
Accessories.
SMART FRAMZ STANDARD MODEL (see diagram of layout)
This is an inexpensive frame with an edging on all sides, easy to assemble and with a wide variety of choices in edging mounts and moulding. It comprises
CONVENTIONAL MODEL (see diagram of layout)
This frame of this model looks like a conventional frame as moulding are available from either solid wood sections (24.5 x 15 mm) or mouldings manufactured by commercial providers.
The moulding have been specially adapted for the smartframz system and are held onto the platform mount magnetically. As with SLIM and STANDARD moulding can easily be changed. The parts of this frame are as follows:
Accessories
CONCLUDING NOTES
The Slim frames provides are easy and fun way to frame and may appeal more for bespoke framing than other off the shelf offers. The use of magnets to avoid permanent fasteners and environmental attention to use moulding sparingly should be added attractions. The final product still provides a similar appearance to conventional frames but offers far greater and more imaginative choices.
The system is subject to review and revision.
