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Thermoformed ADA Signs: Durable, Accessible, and Innovative

Introduction

In the world of signage, thermoformed ADA signs have emerged as a powerful solution that combines durability, compliance, and innovation. These signs are not only visually appealing but also meet the stringent requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Let’s explore what makes thermoformed signs unique and why they are gaining popularity.

What Are Thermoformed Signs?

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process that uses heat and pressure to shape plastic into specific forms. If you’ve ever struggled to open a product packaged in a “blister pack,” you’ve encountered a thermoformed product. Now, this technology is being harnessed to create ADA-compliant signs that offer several advantages.

Advantages of Thermoformed ADA Signs

  1. Durability and Impact Resistance:

    • Thermoformed signs can withstand high impact and heavy traffic, making them ideal for places like schools and public buildings.

    • Unlike fragile photopolymer signs, thermoformed signs are dense and durable.

  2. Texture Options:

    • Thermoformed materials can be textured to mimic surfaces like stucco, slate, or stipple.

    • This versatility allows designers to match the sign’s appearance to the surrounding environment.

  3. Hygienic Properties:

    • High-density plastic used in thermoformed signs prevents germs from penetrating the surface.

    • These signs are virtually impervious to cleaning agents, making them suitable for medical facilities.

  4. Resistance to Vandalism and Wear:

    • Thermoformed signs are fingerprint and graffiti resistant.

    • They are scratch and chip resistant, ensuring longevity even in demanding settings.

Integral Braille Dots

One standout feature of thermoformed ADA signs is their ability to provide properly spherical, fully integral braille dots. This ensures compliance with ADA guidelines and enhances accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

Why Choose Thermoformed Signs?

  1. Architectural Aesthetics: Thermoformed signs seamlessly blend with architectural elements due to their texture options and durability.

  2. Safety and Compliance: Meeting ADA requirements is essential. Thermoformed signs fulfill these standards while maintaining visual appeal.

  3. Long-Term Investment: When you need a sign that will endure any conditions, thermoformed signs are the answer.

Conclusion

As awareness grows within planning and architectural communities, we expect to see more specifications for thermoformed ADA signs. Whether in hospitals, schools, or corporate spaces, these signs combine functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility. Next time you encounter a well-crafted ADA sign, consider the innovative technology behind it—thermoforming.

Remember, signage isn’t just about conveying information; it’s about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. 

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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.