ADA Sign-Making Tools: What You Need to Know

By Mike Shabluk | July 23, 2024

Are you thinking about breaking into the ADA signage market? Offering ADA-compliant signs is a great way to boost your shop’s revenue and serve your clients better. But producing these signs isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Along with knowledge of ADA guidelines, you need specific ADA sign-making tools. 

Before moving forward, it’s worth learning what tools are required, how much they cost, and more. That’s why we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below. With new insights, you can decide whether to invest in ADA sign fabrication or take a different approach.

What Makes ADA Sign Fabrication Different?

ADA sign fabrication is a more complex process than traditional sign production. That’s because ADA signage has to meet strict criteria to achieve compliance. Displays used for identification purposes, for example, must have specific features like the following:

  • Easy readability- According to ADA guidelines, signs that fall under this category must have easy-to-read fonts. Tactile lettering must be sans serif, and character size is also regulated. There needs to be sufficient space between characters to make them distinguishable from a distance. Plus, letter type (i.e., uppercase or lowercase) can vary depending on whether it’s tactile text or visual-only text. 
  • Contrast- Overhead signs, room number signs, directional signs, and more are all required to have high contrast between the characters and background. ADA regulations have evolved over the years, so an exact contrast level isn’t provided. However, 70% contrast between characters and the background is still recommended. 
  • Lack of glare- ADA-compliant signage is required to have a non-glare finish. Both the characters and background of any sign should be matte. The lack of glare avoids interfering with readability.
  • Braille- There are several requirements for braille lettering in ADA signage. These include dot height and diameter, spacing, and placement. For example, sign makers must leave a minimum of 3/8-inch clearance on all sides of the braille.

Keep in mind these are just some of the basic requirements. There are many other specifications for ADA signage to follow. The complexity involved in ADA sign production is just one of the reasons you need to have ADA sign-making tools on hand. 

Why Is It Important to Have the Right Tools?

The first step in ensuring that signs adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) rules and regulations is to get the right equipment. After all, there’s a lot of intricate work involved. With access to ADA sign-making tools, you can make sure the job is done correctly. 

Having the proper tools is crucial for many other reasons…

  • It simplifies the process of filling sign orders. 

With the right equipment, crafting ADA-compliant signs becomes much easier. Of course, you still need to double-check your signs for quality assurance. However, specialty tools can help streamline the process so you can work more efficiently. 

  • It ensures the quality of the finished product.

ADA signage doesn’t just need to be compliant. It needs to be in good condition. The right materials and equipment can make all the difference in sign quality. Proper fabrication tools can ensure the finished product has all the necessary elements and stays in tip-top shape for longer.

  • It helps meet customer expectations.

When someone contacts your sign shop with an ADA sign order, they expect to receive signage that meets all ADA guidelines. They rely on you to have everything needed to craft their signs. And that includes ADA sign-making tools that are regularly used by those in the industry. With the right tools, you can meet customer expectations and position your shop as the go-to for all their sign needs.

What ADA Sign-Making Tools Are Needed?

Close-up of Raster Braille machine making a red not an exit sign.

Given the complex nature of ADA signage, sign shops need to have a wide range of equipment and capabilities. (That is, of course, if they’re producing the signs in-house.) Some of the most common ADA sign-making tools are as follows:

Router

CNC routers make it easier for sign professionals to cut through aluminum, acrylic, and other materials typically used for ADA signage. Since CNC routers are operated by a computer, the quality of the end product is significantly improved. Plus, using this type of machinery gives fabricators more options in terms of the shapes they can produce. 

UV-LED Printer

UV-LED printers are commonly used for direct-to-substrate printing. Rather than printing on vinyl and then placing that material on the signage, using a UV inkjet printer lets fabricators print directly on the substrate. This method results in a longer-lasting finish, with text and graphics that won’t peel over time. 

Paint Booth

Most sign shops that produce signage in-house have some sort of painting station set up. However, many agree that the most efficient method of ADA signage production is the use of an actual paint booth. Having a paint booth set up with a variety of shades makes filling large orders a much quicker and easier process.

Laminator

Commercial laminators can play a key role in ADA sign fabrication. They provide an additional layer of protection for the ink. Laminating displays is a good practice to keep them looking their best. 

CO2 Laser Cutter

CO2 laser cutters are popular among sign fabricators, especially those who specialize in ADA signage. They make it easier to cut a variety of materials at high speed. Plus, the use of lasers results in smoother edges.

Hot Stamp Machine

Hot stamp machines are frequently used with photopolymer. With this type of machinery, fabricators can apply color and metallic effects to raised graphics on ADA signage. 

Engraver

If using the Raster® Braille method to create ADA-compliant signage, sign shops need an engraver that’s compatible with the system. Fortunately, several CNC engravers on the market can be used for Raster® Braille. One exceptional brand is Vision. 

Additional Equipment

In addition to these ADA sign-making tools, sign shops must also have the right materials and software (i.e., a good design program) to get the job done. If they plan on using the Raster® Braille method, they’ll also have to purchase the appropriate license kit. Needless to say, in-house fabrication of ADA-compliant signage requires a hefty investment on the business’ part.  

How Much Can You Expect to Spend on ADA Sign-Making Tools?

The price of each machine varies depending on brand, model, capabilities, etc. 

But there’s more than just the tools themselves to consider. There’s also the cost of training employees to use the equipment. Plus, you have to factor in the expense of expanding/moving to a new facility to make sure there’s enough space. 

Ultimately, sign shops that outfit their facilities with ADA sign-making tools spend at least a few hundred thousand dollars. 

Can You Afford to Invest in ADA Sign-Making Tools?

Investing in all the necessary ADA sign-making tools—plus training and storage—can add up quickly. If you operate a smaller sign shop, you may not be able to afford it all. And if you don’t get many orders for ADA-compliant signs, it likely doesn’t make fiscal sense to purchase all-new tools. 

In such cases, it’s more economical to partner with a sign shop that specializes in ADA sign manufacturing. Such a business will already have the necessary equipment in-house. And if they’re committed to ensuring ADA compliance, their team will already be familiar with ADA rules and regulations. So, they can ensure any order you outsource will fit your clients’ needs. 

Takeaway

ADA sign fabrication is a complex process that requires unique ADA-sign making tools. Depending on your situation, you may not be willing or able to make the investment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add ADA signs to your offerings. It just means you need to work with another shop that’s up to the task. And that’s where Erie Custom Signs comes in!

Learn how you can partner with us and get the wholesale interior ADA signs you need.