How ADA Braille Signs Are Made: An Overview of Our Process
By Mike Shabluk | May 31, 2021
Why a Solid Process Is Essential for Fabricating ADA Braille Signs
Many sign shops and print providers across the country rely on Erie Custom Signs to produce ADA braille signage, especially when large quantities or specialized requirements are involved.
Producing ADA-compliant signage requires more than printing graphics on a substrate. It demands the right equipment, software, materials, and expertise to ensure every sign meets accessibility requirements and performs as intended in the field.
If you’ve ever wondered how ADA braille signs are made, this overview will walk you through our process, the equipment we use, and why accuracy matters at every stage of production.
Why Process Matters
A reliable fabrication process is especially important when producing ADA braille signs because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires braille on certain signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces in public buildings.
Facilities that fail to comply can face ADA-related complaints, fines, and potential legal action. For sign providers, mistakes can create costly delays and expose clients to unnecessary risk.
Many sign shops simply don’t have the specialized tools, machinery, or training needed to fabricate ADA-compliant braille signage.
Taking on these projects without the right resources can lead to:
- Low-quality braille signage
- Compliance issues
- Missed project deadlines
- Increased labor costs
- Reduced customer satisfaction
Beyond compliance, an efficient process also helps ensure signs are designed, manufactured, and delivered on schedule. Clients expect quality work that arrives on time and within budget.
That’s why many sign and print professionals choose to outsource braille sign fabrication to a partner with an established process.
At Erie Custom Signs, we’ve spent more than a decade refining our production workflow and incorporating technology that helps us manufacture ADA braille signs quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively. Our wholesale partners can then deliver the same level of quality and reliability their customers expect.
What Equipment We Use for Creating Braille Signage
ADA braille sign fabrication requires specialized software, equipment, and production expertise. One advantage of working with Erie Custom Signs is that you don’t need to make those investments yourself.
Our in-house capabilities include:
- Adobe CS6 Suite – Used for sign design and layout
- Grade II Braille Translation Software – Used to translate text into ADA-compliant braille
- 24″ x 48″ Vision 2448 Router / Engraver / Raster Braille System – Used for braille production and engraving
- Four 16″ x 24″ Vision 1624 Engravers / Raster Braille Systems – Used for efficient braille production
- Two Direct Color Systems UV1024 Direct-to-Substrate Printers – Used to print text and graphics directly onto sign materials
This equipment helps us maintain consistency, accuracy, and production capacity for both standard and large-volume orders.
How We Make Braille Signs at Erie Custom Signs
Fabricating ADA braille signs involves several interconnected steps. While the process can be complex, a streamlined workflow helps ensure every sign is produced efficiently and in compliance with ADA requirements.
1. Gather Materials
Before production begins, our team verifies that all required materials and equipment are available.
This includes:
- Appropriate design and production software
- The correct printing and engraving equipment
- Approved substrate materials
- Required inks and finishes
Preparing everything in advance helps prevent production delays and keeps projects moving efficiently.
2. Design the Sign
Next, our design team creates the sign layout.
This process involves determining:
- Colors and overall appearance
- Text placement
- Braille location
- Braille content
- ADA-compliant formatting requirements
Using established ADA sign templates helps reduce production time while maintaining consistency across projects.
3. Load the Substrate
Once the design is approved, the selected substrate material is prepared for production.
Our team verifies the correct material and finish before loading the substrate into the printer, ensuring it is ready for the next stage of manufacturing.
4. Prepare the Print Job
The approved design file is then transferred into specialized production software.
Because the software includes ADA braille production capabilities, it helps simplify setup, improve accuracy, and streamline the manufacturing process.
5. Print and Produce the Sign
With setup complete, production begins.
Text, graphics, and braille elements are produced according to the approved design. A typical print job takes approximately four minutes per sign.
Once production is complete and the ink has cured, the sign moves through a quality-control inspection before being packaged for shipment.
Takeaway
Producing ADA braille signage requires the right combination of knowledge, equipment, software, and quality-control procedures. A proven process helps ensure signs meet ADA requirements, perform reliably in the field, and arrive on schedule.
For sign shops, architectural firms, contract furniture dealers, contractors, and other industry professionals, partnering with an experienced ADA signage manufacturer can eliminate the challenges of producing braille signs in-house while maintaining the quality your clients expect.
If you’d like to learn more about our braille sign fabrication process or discuss a custom project, reach out to Erie Custom Signs for a no-obligation quote. Our team is happy to answer questions and help you deliver ADA-compliant signage with confidence.
FAQ
What signs are required to have braille under ADA guidelines?
Braille is generally required on signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces, such as restrooms, conference rooms, and offices. Always review current ADA requirements for specific project needs.
What type of braille is used on ADA signs?
ADA signage typically uses Grade 2 (contracted) braille, which is designed to improve reading efficiency for braille users.
Why do sign shops outsource ADA braille sign production?
Many sign shops do not have the specialized software, equipment, or production capacity required for ADA braille fabrication. Outsourcing allows them to provide compliant signage without investing in dedicated equipment.
How long does it take to print an ADA braille sign?
According to Erie’s process, a typical print job takes about four minutes per display before quality inspection and packaging.
What equipment is used to manufacture ADA braille signs?
Braille sign fabrication can involve design software, braille translation software, engravers, raster braille equipment, and direct-to-substrate printers, depending on the production method being used.