Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/707472
68 • August 2016 • S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S SPECIALTY IMAGING DIGITAL GRAPHICS accept a good guess. While it's true that the inspector community runs about a year behind the current regulations, the last thing you want is a customer coming back to you after a year or two complain- ing about an inspector report of ADA non-compliance," he points out. "Our strategy has revolved around having a full- time Regulation Specialist on staff to investigate not only the ADA but also the ICI, NFPA and ANSI regula- tions. Many times we have to contact and work directly with an individual regu- lator at the state level to get the exact interpretation of a local code or regula- tion. It's a tough job and takes a special individual to get it done on time and cor- rectly," McMahon concludes. Outsourcing Advantages Harder says there are a number of benefits for shops that are using an ADA sign wholesaler. "One major key to ser- vice is that they monitor sign regulations on a daily basis. They also provide the manufacturing capacity so the sign shop can concentrate on their core markets and products. This allows for increased market reach within the sign companies geography providing growth that they may not otherwise be able to capitalize on. Many projects are one-time, so the sign shop doesn't need to add expertise or capacity that will not be utilized long term." Gemini's main product is Tactiles, which is an ADA-compliant acrylic sheet stock, Harder says. "We also offer free samples for testing, color guides, and color chips. Often, proposals require actual color chips be submitted for approval. In addition, Gemini also pro- duces A DA-compliant metal plaques. These products feature one-piece, all metal construction and are available with full-color printing and custom shapes for enhanced design. The integrated braille means these signs are virtually tamper proof, offering an upgraded sign to the customer, and a nice up-sell for the sign company," Harder adds. Keeping Up on Regulations Freeman says that as a signage pro- vider, learning the guidelines for interior ADA signage can prove lucrative since these types of signs are required by law. "The better a sign shop can present their ADA interior signage expertise the more apt they will be at solidifying the sale." He says that 90 percent of all of their interior signs sold last year were ADA compliant. "The convenience and ease of changeability the paper insert sign pro- vides offers the customer years of worry free compliancy." He adds, "With our HID system you can have the ADA lens with the tactile copy and Grade 2 Braille but still have your custom printed attractive paper insert behind it. A layering of colored acrylics can take many creative shapes with required A DA compliant tactile copy and Grade 2 Braille applied to the surface." Some Other Things to Consider Bristow says that when producing signs, the Braille message should accu- rately represent the tactile message, such as spacing changes, the meaning of let- ters and numbers. "For our customers, it is important to use GravoStyle software to accurately translate the Braille. It is also very important to proofread the Braille translation to ensure accuracy." She says that ADA signage is a great way to bring extra profit into your shop. "An average ADA sign commands a mark- up of about 300-400 percent. These signs can be very profitable." Gravotech provides all of the prod- ucts for the ADA sign process, Bristow adds. "We manufacture the machines to cut tactile lettering while also drill- ing holes and automatically inserting the Braille beads. We also manufacture ADA substrates that are FDA compliant. By purchasing the 'ADA Braille Kit' we provide customers with everything they need to get started using the Raster Braille system. Diversifying and Designer-Friendly Heldman-Beck points out that the interior signage and wayfinding market is also diversifying and becoming increas- ingly designer-friendly as sign equip- ment and processes are more accessible. GoVivid's DCS 1024 UV MVP 4 printer is ideal for printing ADA-compliant signage. It uses a UV-LED curing system. (Image courtesy of Romark) "The better a sign shop can present their ADA interior signage expertise, the more apt they will be at solidifying the sale," says Bill Freeman at Howard Industries. (Image courtesy of Howard Industries)