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The Thermoforming Process: How We Create Tactile Signs

 

 

Thermoformed signs are not new to the industry, in fact, thermoforming is an industry-leading technology and is the best way to create tactile signs for exterior and interior signage projects. The process differs when compared to creating photopolymer signs, and the result is a highly customizable sign that looks amazing and lasts a lifetime.

At Encompass Sign Systems, our thermoforming process allows us to create ADA signs that meet all the needs of building owners, the specifications of designers and all applicable ADA sign regulations.

Start with the Design

The thermoforming process all begins with a great sign design. You can easily access our 101400 Studio, and in just three easy steps you will have a list of project-tailored specifications in just minutes.

Using the 101400 studio, you can:

  • Choose a design family from our pre-built catalog
  • Tailor sign types and colors to match their specific project
  • Download free specifications and design drawings

From there, our team can get to work manufacturing your tactile signs.

Our Thermoforming Process

The thermoforming process creates a vibrant, durable sign that can be used in interior and exterior settings. The process involves heating a single sheet of acrylic and pressing it to fill your customized mold, allowing for the creation of any desired shape.

Unlike photopolymer signs, which are created using harmful chemicals like polymer resins and film negatives, thermoformed signs allow for more customization during the production process without harmful chemical waste. A few of the many customization options that you can take advantage of include

  • Shaping, sizing and depth (using layered acrylics)
  • Color and graphic integration
  • Sign textures and edges
  • 3D shaping

Any of these design aspects can be combined to create a sign that is unique to your client’s business or organization.

Learn More or Get Started Today

To see examples of tactile signs that were created using our revolutionary thermoforming process, take a look at the gallery page on our website. If you want to get started on designing a sign today, try our 101400 studio or contact our team.

thermoformed signs, ADA signsEncompassComment

A Gold Timex to Photopolymer ADA Signage!

Thanks for your service to industry for the last 25 years. Photopolymer signs have been the predominant choice of designers for tactile ADA signage for a quarter of a century. Thankfully, at the inception of ADA legislation in the late 80’s and early 90’s photopolymer signs provided a standard process and uniform look for ADA signage. 

Without photopolymer ADA signs, designers in the 90’s would have chosen sub-standard, ineffective and random sign designs for their building environments. 

Before Beanie Babies, the World Wide Web, and before anyone understood the importance of branding…. photopolymer signs made it easier to outfit a building with ADA signs.  Even after the Japanese tsunami forced core prices to double, photopolymer signs remained the only good choice for designers. Thankfully, new technology has finally evolved. 

Thermoformed ADA signs give designers the creative latitude and durability that designers need to meet their client’s branding needs, at an appealing price point.  It’s no surprise that according to Dodge Analytics, “Thermoformed ADA signs” saw an increase of 237% in Specifications in 2016. Thermoformed signs are now universally acknowledged in Specs as an “approved equal” to photopolymer signs and that’s a big win for ADA thermoforming manufacturers. Those who really know about the differences between photopolymer ADA signs and thermoformed ADA signs are knocking clients off their feet with new ideas never available until now.

Photopolymer signs are still plenty viable.  There are over 3,000 sign-makers that still maintain their relationship with the two surviving raw material photopolymer providers. Machinery needed to produce these signs still exists and is almost free to get started; it’s the raw photopolymer material price increases to watch out for...  While Father Time and new technology may have caught up to photopolymers signs, their contribution and service to the industry over the last 25 years certainly must be treasured!   

To learn how to use this new thermoforming ADA technology and provide your design team a new design tool belt, durability and scalable branding offering, follow this link http://www.encompasssign.com/gallery/ or simply contact us 855-672-2201

Adam Halverson, Chief Strategist : adamh@encompasssign.com

About Encompass Sign Systems

Encompass Sign Systems specializes in thermoformed tactile signs and leading-edge directional and wayfinding systems. We provide designers and architects with highly scalable wholesale signage that have limitless branding capabilities and unsurpassed durability.