What Is Photopolymer Technology and Why is It Beneficial?
Photopolymer technology is one of the most popular tools used in the sign industry today. The general idea is that a photopolymer (also occasionally called a light-activated resin) changes its properties when it is exposed to light, often in the ultraviolet spectrum. The changes then manifest themselves in a structural manner. For example, the material may harden when it is exposed to light.
Photopolymer has been used for more than 25 years in the signage industry, and today frequently outperforms the other most popular methods of signage development. Here are just a few of the biggest reasons why sign shop customers seek photopolymer signage for their use:
- Durability: Photopolymer signage is one solid piece, which allows it to stand up to the elements and to potential vandalism better than other types of signs. While no type of signage material is completely vandal-proof, these signs certainly will stand up to abuse better than any other type of sign you might choose.
- Creative options: Photopolymer substrates and materials allow for sign developers to create a wide variety of different sign designs. This includes the photopolymer resign itself, which is used to create the tactile and Braille elements of an ADA compliant sign. This resin is exposed to ultraviolet light using a high-relocation film negative, which allows sign developers to create extremely detailed, raised graphics and other elements to add some creativity to your sign. No additional fabrication is required for this—you can add a raised logo, accent bar or other design element during the process of adding raised room numbers and Braille, with little to no extra cost or labor.
- Reliability: The photopolymer process makes it extremely easy for you to replicate designs, because it is a highly consistent process. You will always be using certain elements (tactile and Braille, for example), and you can save your files to make them easily duplicated in the future. The film negative can also be reused, which allows you to save money.
- Scalability: The photopolymer process allows you to easily meet production schedules and scale up rapidly according to the needs of you or your clients. For example, a good rule of thumb is that you can make up to 400 8” x 8” signs in an eight-hour time period. This allows you to quickly fill orders and increase your offerings to your clients.
- ADA compliance: The reliability and durability of photopolymer signs helps in ensuring their ADA compliance.
To learn more about photopolymer signs and how we create them, contact us today at Erie Custom Signs!
