In case you missed it, we were lucky to visit the Auto Reseach Center in Indianapolis late August to undergo some product testing! You can read more about our trip on our blog here.
We brought our Step Frame and Spider Rider with us to ARC Indy to observe how it handles direct line winds at various speeds. We built a lawn stage out of foam, wood, and artificial turf to install our Step Frame and other products into to mimic the effect of a yard. (With the wind speeds in the tunnel, we couldn't use a more realistic "lawn"... imagine the mess that would've created!). The wind tunnel technicians supplied us with some red yard to tape to the edges of products, to help illustrate the wind in photos and videos, and then we began testing.
To start, we tested the Step Frame in the tunnel on its own (without our Spider Rider added). We began the wind tunnel speed at 5mph and incrementally increased to 30mph. Illustrated in the pictures below, each photo shows an approximate 5mph wind speed increase. The last photo shows the Step Frame returning to its straight position as the wind tunnel was stopped.
Next, we added a 6" x 12" sign on our Spider Rider and attached to the top of the Step Frame. We repeated the wind test in the same manner, incrementally increasing wind tunnel speeds by 5MPH. Below, pictures illustrate each approximate 5MPH increase in wind speed with the 6"x12" rider.
Satisfied with the performance of the Step Frame with the 6" x 12" rider, we switched the signage on the rider out for a 12" x 12" sign. We repeated our test in the same manner as the prior two Step Frame tests, incrementally increasing speed by 5MPH. Pictures below show the Step Frame with the 12" x 12" Rider sign being switched out, as well as in the wind tunnel at 5, 10, and 25mph.
Our Step Frame performed well in the wind tunnel, and we were pleased to see that after several rounds of testing the same frame in direct line winds, the frame maintained its straightness and rigidity once wind speed stopped. We all know Mother Nature cannot be easily replicated; we hope that illustrating how our products can withstand some of what she throws at us helps you make a more informed purchasing decision. Designed with realtors in mind, our Step Frames are lightweight, easy to install and remove, and feature no fasteners, bolts, or screws. Simply weave the signage inside the frame's inner chamber and you're ready to place. Need help deciding what products are right for your next project? Contact us here and we are happy to assist!