Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/707472
70 • 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 Braille text. Rowmark's ADA Alternative applique has an adhesive backing, which is used to adhere the pictogram and let- ters to the Rowmark plastic substrate." She feels the most technologically advanced method to create legal and attractive ADA signs is with Rowmark ADA-compliant substrates and a UV-LED printer. "We recommend starting first with Direct Color Systems (DCS) Direct Jet UVMVP Series printers, where you can print a combination of raised, visual text, pictogram and Braille directly onto a piece Rowmark matte finished acrylic. DCS UV-LED printer will print all of the compliant elements with a 1/32- inch thickness to meet ADA compliant standards. D C S manufactures Braille UV-LED printers that offer users the option of either first-surface or second- surface graphics when creating raised- texture signage on Rowmark acrylic sub- strates. Standard 6 x 8-inch signs can be output in less than four minutes, with a full digitally printed background, raised letters and Braille spheres," she adds. Other Educational Tips Heldman-Beck recommends attend- ing trade shows where seminars are typi- cally presented at no cost to the attendee as another way to keep up on this market. "There you can learn from industry pro- fessionals how to properly use the equip- ment and materials available to produce signs that sell. For example, National Business Media ( NBM) regularly hosts regional tradeshows." She adds it's also a good rule of thumb to follow manufacturers and companies such as Rowmark, GoVivid and Direct Color Systems, whether by signing up for newsletters and email promotions or following through social media about upcoming events. "Throughout the remainder of 2016, GoVivid is partnering with DCS to bring a technology showcase to your area. Our showcases will feature DCS printers demonstrating how to print compliant ADA signs on Rowmark acrylic substrates," she concludes. SDG • Tactile characters must be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. • Braille shall have a domed or rounded shape. • Braille shall be located below corresponding text. • If text is multi-lined, Braille shall be placed below the entire text. • Braille shall be separated by 3/8 inch (9 mm) minimum from tactile characters, raised borders or decorative elements. • Braille is required to be lowercase. The indication of uppercase letter(s) shall only be used for proper nouns and names, individual letters of alphabet, initials, acronyms or before the first word of sentences. • Dot Height: 0.025 - 0.037 inches (0.6 - 0.9 mm) • Dot Base Diameter: 0.0590 - 0.063 inches (1.5 - 1.6 mm) • Distance between any two dots in same cell, center to center: 0.9 - 0.1 inches (2.3 - 2.5 mm) • Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells, center to center: 0.241 - 0.3 inches (6.1 - 7.6 mm) • Distance between corresponding dots from one cell to the cell directly below, center to center: 0.395 - 0.4 inches (10 - 10.2 mm) * Information supplied courtesy of Gravotech Inc. (Image courtesy of Gravotech) U.S. 2015 ADA Braille Standards: Here is a quick summary of ADA Braille Standards* ADA Signage C O N T I N U E D