Retail and promotional display uses
Countertop point-of-sale displays
Supports lightweight promotional cards near registers and checkout areas. The strut remains hidden behind the primary graphic.
Freestanding floor signs
Scales up with heavier corrugated board to prop up larger directional or promotional signage in retail aisles.
Photo and art frames
Provides a low-cost, flat-packing stand for temporary or lightweight framed items.
Tabletop menu boards
Holds temporary menus or pricing notices upright on flat surfaces, allowing quick replacement of the front card.
Merchandising and fulfillment situations
Retail marketing
Needs displays that ship flat to stores and can be erected by staff in seconds without tools or complex instructions.
Kitting and fulfillment
Benefits from a component that adds almost no volumetric weight when packed flat alongside the primary display board.
Trade show and event promotions
Requires lightweight, disposable signage supports that travel easily and set up quickly on event tables.
When to compare other display supports
Heavy load-bearing displays
If the display needs to hold heavy product shelves, a fully structural corrugated base or multi-part stand is safer than a single rear strut.
Self-standing folders
If the display graphic and the stand should be a single piece of board, consider an integrated tent card or folder instead of a separate glued strut.
Board stiffness, attachment, and friction choices
Board stiffness and caliper
The strut must provide enough column strength to prevent the display from bowing. Thin folding boxboard works for small counter cards, while taller signs require rigid corrugated board with vertical flute direction.
Attachment method
Decide whether the converter will apply double-sided tape to the mounting panel before shipping, or if wet glue will be used during a separate assembly step.
Locking friction
The die-cut tab relies on friction to stay locked. If you change to a thicker board, the CAD clearances around the locking notch must be adjusted so the tab does not bind or tear.
Strut height and center of gravity
The strut must be tall enough to support the upper half of the display board without tipping backward, usually extending at least two-thirds up the back of the sign.
Height, taper, and base angle adjustments
Height and taper
The overall height and the angle of the sloping side can be adjusted to match the footprint and center of gravity of the primary display.
Tab position
The vertical placement of the locking stud can be moved higher or lower depending on where the display needs the most rigid support.
Base angle for tilted displays
The bottom edge of the strut can be angled so the primary display leans backward slightly for better visibility on low counters.
Board and packing details
Nesting and material waste
The trapezoidal shape of the strut allows for efficient head-to-tail nesting during die-cutting, reducing material waste.
Locking tab and stud variants
Semi-circular vs. tapered stud
The standard F80.41.00.00 uses a semi-circular locking tab with a V-notch. The F80.41.00.00.a variant uses a tapered, triangular stud that can offer a different friction fit or insertion profile depending on the board grade.
Additional notes
Grain and flute direction
For maximum column strength, the paper grain or corrugated flutes must run parallel to the central vertical hinge. Horizontal flutes will cause the strut to buckle easily.
Related display and support packaging
FAQs
Mounting and assembly
How is the strut attached to the display board?
It is typically attached using double-sided tape or liquid adhesive applied to the flat mounting panel (the left side of the vertical hinge). Converters often apply peel-and-stick tape before shipping so retail staff can easily attach the strut.
How does the strut lock in the open position?
When the unglued half is pulled away from the display, a die-cut tab in the center folds down horizontally. A small notch on this tab catches against the vertical panel, wedging the strut open at a fixed angle.
Materials and strength
What board grade should I use for an easel back?
It depends entirely on the size and weight of the display. Small counter cards can use standard folding boxboard. Taller floor signs require stiff corrugated board with the flutes running vertically to prevent the strut from buckling under the display's weight.
Can the locking tab fail if the board is too thick?
The locking notch is designed for a specific material thickness. If you switch to a heavier corrugated board without adjusting the template, the tab may bind, crush, or fail to lock securely. The cut-out clearances must be updated for the chosen material.
Printing
Are display struts usually printed?
Most easel backs remain unprinted because they are hidden behind the primary display. However, they can be printed if the back of the display will be visible to customers.
Shipping
How are these delivered?
They are die-cut and delivered completely flat. They can be shipped in bulk to a fulfillment center, or pre-taped to the display boards so the entire unit ships flat to the retail store.
Design and fit
How tall should the strut be compared to the display?
A common guideline is for the strut to reach at least two-thirds of the way up the display board. If the strut is too short, the top of the display may bend backward or tip over.
Can the display angle be adjusted?
The angle is fixed by the length of the locking tab and the base cut. If you need the display to lean further back, the template's base angle and tab length must be modified before cutting.
