with us] is it gives designers, contractors, and other sign companies the ability to provide braille signage to their clients without having to do the work themselves. “We believe in doing one thing great instead of trying to do everything mediocre.”
minimum cost for their small orders out of their budget. “They were being left out and forgotten. In 2008, the designer we were working with suggested that we purchase a Braille system in order to be the company to serve every client’s needs. “We believe that every customer and every job is important no matter the size.” From there, Western Sign Services focused in on Braille and architectural interior signage for the trade industry. “We are trained in ADA signage requirements and standards and can help clients meet those requirements, if needed,” says Normand. “Another benefit [of working
The Photopolymer Process After research, Western Sign Services decided on photopolymer ADA signage. “Both Raster® Braille and photopolymer are proven methods to create ADAcompliant interior signs, however, photopolymer offers some unique benefits. Photopolymer is resilient and durable, tactile elements are detailed and clean, and we can produce a 19-by-25 sheet of signs at a time,” says Normand. “Photopolymer signs are an integrated onepiece sign, and they have a greater resilience against vandalism. Photopolymer allows for a lot of design possibilities.” Normand also points to photopolymer’s sustainable benefits. “The desire to minimize environmental footprint is an impor-
tant factor to designers and builders,” she says. “The polymer process involves the use of plain water, while no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted during the process. The wastewater is completely biodegradable. Forty percent or more of post-industrial recycled materials are typically used to create the PETG base.” Western Sign Services uses the photopolymer sign system from Nova Polymers. Normand explains, “Artwork is created and Braille is translated using our Flexisign program. Film used to expose the photopolymer is generated using our InkStar Film Solution, which prints highdensity negatives and positives. Processing the actual Novacryl® photopolymer is done with our Orbital X Photopolymer Processor. Once processed, the photopolymer gets cut using an AccuCutter Finishing Shear. “We apply color to the photopolymer sign panel by spraying Matthews Acrylic Polyurethane Paint to either the surface or second surface of the Novacryl sign panel,” she continues. “The polymer
Single Source
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lasers. materials. expertise.
40
Sign Builder Illustrated
April 2020
Trotec Laser USA Trotec Laser, Inc.
www.troteclaser.com www.trotec-materials.com
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