Raster® Braille

Rely on a Common Method of Braille Creation

Getting ADA-compliant signage that includes braille text is easy when your fabricator utilizes the Raster® Braille method. This is one of the most common ways to create braille because it’s quick and reliable. That’s why we frequently use it here at Erie Custom Signs. 

If you’re in the market for ADA signs that feature raised text and braille, you’re in good hands with our team! After you place an order for custom signage, we can apply this subtractive method during production (step three of our sign-ordering process). In the end, you’ll receive attractive signs with clean, easy-to-read lettering.  

What Is Raster® Braille?

The Raster® Braille method is a fast and easy rotary process for producing braille. It involves drilling holes in the sign material and inserting spheres. This creates the tactile words and numbers often seen on displays in public facilities. Using this process, sign manufacturers can create rounded dots that meet ADA guidelines in terms of dot dimension, height, spacing, and more.

This method was developed by Accent Signage Systems in the 1990s. Since then, it has become one of the most popular and reliable ways to create grade 2 braille for signs. The method is patented and trademarked by Accent Signage Systems, so a license is required to use it.

How This Method Works

As mentioned previously, Raster® Braille is a subtractive process rather than an additive one—like UV-3D printing. This means material is removed first instead of just adding material on top. In this case, special Raster® beads are inserted into holes created by an engraver. 

To produce ADA signs using this method, our team takes the following steps:

1. We select the right material for the job, which varies depending on the client’s needs. 
2. One of our team members creates a stencil for the design. 
3. We use our Vision 1624 CNC Engraver to lay out the braille text—the translation for which has been created ahead of time.
4. Using a Raster® Braille pen, we insert the plastic beads into the holes in the material substrate—be it acrylic, Chemetal, laminate, etc.

After the sign undergoes a thorough inspection for quality control, it’s cleaned up and set aside so we can finish the order.

Benefits of Raster® Braille

As you may have guessed, there are many advantages to using the Raster® Braille method to create ADA signage with braille. 

Here are some of the benefits:

Short turnarounds

This process is quick and easy, resulting in shorter turnarounds for sign orders. 

Affordability

The cost of making signs using Raster® Braille is lower, which means significant savings.

Durability

Made using this method, signs can last for years without needing to be repaired or replaced. 

Versatility

Raster® Braille allows for greater flexibility in the materials that can be used to produce signs.

ADA compliance

With Raster® Braille, you can feel confident the end result will be 100% ADA compliant.

What Tools & Equipment We Use

Given the complexity of braille, it’s important to have the right tools to get the job done. To apply this method, we use the following:

• Raster® Braille kit 
• Vision 1624 CNC Engraver
• Braille translation software

At Erie Custom Signs, we strive to use the most advanced, high-quality sign manufacturing equipment on the market, and that includes our CNC engraver. We trust the machinery we’ve obtained from Vision Engraving & Routing Systems, as this company has been manufacturing computerized marking systems and accessories for 40 years. Their products have proven time and time again that they’re some of the best available today.

The Vision 1624 CNC Engraver we use in our facility is compatible with the Raster® Braille system. Plus, our engraver, manufactured by Vision Engraving & Routing Systems, contains a braille translator in the engraving software package.

And as Erie Custom Signs is a premier manufacturer of ADA-compliant signage, we are licensed and authorized to use Accent Signage Systems’ patented method.

What Materials Can Be Used

One of the great things about this method is that it can be used on virtually any material. When you place an order for custom signage, you can select your preference from the sign materials we have available:

• Rowmark ADA Alternative
• High-pressure laminate
• Chemetal
• Frosted acrylic
• Acrylic with subsurface areas

As an added bonus, you can specify what color braille you’d like added to your signs! 

Whether you’re ordering signs for your own facility or a client’s, you can trust Erie Custom Signs to provide you with quality, 100% ADA-compliant signs using the Raster® Braille method.