Split Flap FAQs

What is a Split Flap?

A Split Flap is a mechanical display that uses kinetic energy to rotate flaps with alphanumeric characters to display messages.

An Oat Foundry Split Flap display uses the same classic technology to display messages, and is updated on the backend through our cloud-based app Portal, accessible from phone, tablet, or laptop.

Browse Split Flap to learn more.

What is the history behind Split Flap?

When most people think about the history of the Split Flap, the classic Solari boards come to mind. First appearing in airports and train stations in Europe in the late 1950s, the first Split Flap display was installed at Liege train station in Belgium. The tactile information board quickly spread worldwide.

What are the modern applications for Split Flap displays?

While the traditional use of a Split Flap was exclusively for the transportation industry, modern Split Flap displays have been reimagined for a plethora of creative uses. Currently, Oat Foundry has installed custom Split Flap displays for top brands such as Google (as a brand identity board), Starbucks (as a dynamic interactive menu), and Nespresso (as experiential retail signage). We’ve created Split Flaps for offices, restaurants, universities, stadiums, and much more.

To explore use cases, please see our Projects page.

How much do Split Flaps cost?

Oat Foundry Split Flap displays start at about $15k for a board in our Classic Black finish, and scale up based on size. The style of our displays (legible from 100 ft away) and the quality (built by hand to last for decades) are the primary factors in the price. Pricing will fluctuate based on sizing and further customizations.

Visit our Split Flap pricing page to learn more.

Can I customize Split Flap?

Yes. Unlike consumer off-the-shelf signage, Oat Foundry Split Flap displays are built to order. We specialize in creating customized Split Flap boards for brands. Book a Demo to learn more about telling a brand story with an Oat Foundry Split Flap at the center.

In addition to standard design customizations such as font, symbols, logo, and color frame or flaps, we offer three styles of the reimagined Split Flaps:

Split Flap, Text-Based

Starts at $15k

Picture Flap, Image-Based

Starts at $20k

Chroma Flap, Color-Based

Starts at $150k

How do I buy a Split Flap display from Oat Foundry?

Every Split Flap purchase begins with a demo call with our sales team. The hands-on nature of creating an Oat Foundry Split Flap is a key differentiator of our product. On the first call, typically between 20 and 30 minutes, our sales team can answer questions around pricing, timeline, sizing, and customizations.

What size are your Split Flaps?

Our Split Flaps range in size. To date, our largest displays include 325 Main at the Kendall Center in Cambridge (a dynamic 7 Row by 168 Column board that integrates with local transit data) and Nespresso in NYC (a 42,000 flap, 21 Row by 40 Column retail signage display).

How many characters are on a Split Flap?

Our Nespresso board is a great example of how many characters can fit on an Oat Foundry Split Flap display. The 42,000-flap, 21 Row by 40 Column can display over 1,500 characters, enough to display a quote.

How are Split Flaps made?

Oat Foundry has an engineered, signature process for constructing our custom Split Flap displays. To ensure the highest quality, all of our displays are built to order in our Philadelphia-based shop. You can watch the process here or read more about it on our Analog Design blog.

How durable are Oat Foundry’s Split Flap displays?

Oat Foundry Split Flaps are engineered for decades of uninterrupted use. Recently, our Split Flap display hit 50 million rotations, simulating hundreds of years of actual use.

What is the lead time for a custom Split Flap installation?

Depending on the season, the lead time for a custom Split Flap installation is typically a few weeks. For an exact quote, please Book a Demo to speak directly with our sales team.

How Can Oat Foundry Help?

We understand how kinetic activity gives analog signs an unmistakable presence – and we’re ready to help you on your creative journey with us! In our demo, our sales team will deliver a dynamic, interactive look at how our displays work.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Split Flap