Knowing the sign building process behind your business signs helps you choose the right solution for the right space. At Identity Group, all of our ADA compliant signs follow a three-step process, ranging from applied tactile to our patented photopolymer to our superior patented thermoformed compression tactile solutions.
These ADA compliant processes power our broad sign lines as well as our IdG Studio custom solutions. The two processes most often compared, applied photopolymer and thermoformed compression signage, produce different finishes and offer different material flexibility. Here is what separates them.
What you need to know:
- Photopolymer Signage
- Thermoformed Compression Signage
- Photopolymer vs. Thermoformed: Side-by-Side
- IdG Sign Solutions
1. Photopolymer Signage
A photopolymer sign is built by converting a digital image into a negative, transferring it to a photopolymer sheet, exposing it to ultraviolet light, washing, drying, and exposing it again. IdG's patented photopolymer process produces acrylic signs with fused raised text and inset braille beads.
Photopolymer is often considered a less environmentally friendly option across the industry. The IdG process is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than competitor processes thanks to our use of recycled materials.
Production starts with a digital design built to client specifications. The image is then reversed so it appears backward on the production sheet but reads correctly through the finished sign. The lettering starts out black because color is added at the very end, when the clear film is applied. Multiple signs from the same order are fitted onto the same sheet and processed together before the final clear film step completes the sign.
Photopolymer Sign Features
- Durable
- One-piece construction
- Vandal-resistant construction
- Face-painted base
- Back painted or direct digital print
- Paint-tipped or foil-stamped tactile elements
- Variety of color, logo, and graphic options
- ADA compliant when using tactile, including:
- ADA fonts
- Grade 2 braille
Photopolymer Design Features
- Custom paint colors
- Foil stamping not recommended for exterior use (standard)
- Foil tipping not recommended for exterior use
- Braille is the same color as the background
- Maximum size: 18" x 24"
- Standard thickness: 0.040", 1/16", 1/8", 1/4"
Visit Identity Group to learn more about our options for ADA compliant signs.
2. Thermoformed Compression Signage
Thermoformed signs are a durable, reliable, and vibrant way to display information, especially under ADA sign regulations. Unlike photopolymer signs, which create raised copy by exposing photosensitive polymer sheets to UV light, thermoformed signs use a custom mold to produce raised copy, symbols, and braille.
Acrylic is pressed into a custom-routed mold under high heat and pressure to deliver fully vandal-resistant construction. The tactile copy and braille are integrated directly into the acrylic and are extremely difficult to remove.
Compared to other sign types, thermoformed compression signs deliver a rich, textured finish. IdG's proprietary compression process supports fully fused text and graphics in standard or custom colors, metal, or real wood across a wide variety of substrates. Our thermoforming process produces signs that meet ADA regulations and reinforce the wayfinding décor of any building.
Thermoformed Sign Features
- Interior or exterior use
- Durable
- Precise laser-cut tactile text adhered to base*
- Two base options:
- 10 UV-stable solid colors, or non-glare
- Acrylic with direct digital print or back painted
- Permanently fused with compression
- Cured ink process
- Water resistant
- Braille bonded to substrate
- One-piece construction
- Vandal-resistant construction
- ADA compliant when using tactile, including:
- ADA fonts
- Grade 2 braille
Thermoformed Design Features
- Standard letter styles
- Text available in 7 solid colors
- Braille is the same color as the background
- Standard thickness:
- Applique: 1/32"
- Background: 1/8"
Thermoformed Compression Substrate Options
- Thincryl: clear or color acrylic, 0.030" to 0.060"
- Solid Surface: Corian or Avonite, 1/4" or 1/2"
- Clearcryl: clear acrylic, 1/8" to 1/2"
- Toughcryl: clear or color acrylic, 1/8" to 3/8"
- Colorcryl: color acrylic, 1/8" to 1/2"
- Imagecryl: clear acrylic at 1/16", 1/8", 1/2"; aluminum at 0.080"
- Formacryl: clear acrylic or white styrene at 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"
- Natural: bamboo, fiberboard, plywood, or composites at 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"
3. Photopolymer vs. Thermoformed: Side-by-Side
|
Feature |
Photopolymer |
Thermoformed |
|
Manufacturing method |
Digital negative exposed to UV light on a photopolymer sheet |
Acrylic pressed into a custom-routed mold |
|
Tactile copy |
Fused raised text, inset braille beads |
Tactile copy and braille embedded in acrylic |
|
Best for |
Cost-effective interior signage with custom colors and logos |
Premium, vandal-resistant signs across more substrates |
|
Maximum size |
18" x 24" |
Varies by substrate |
|
Indoor or outdoor |
Primarily indoor (foil tipping not recommended for exterior) |
Indoor or exterior |
|
Substrate flexibility |
Acrylic |
Acrylic, metal, wood, bamboo, composites, more |
|
Finish |
Painted base with foil or paint-tipped tactile |
Rich, textured finish; full-color or non-glare options |
4. IdG Sign Solutions
ADA compliant business signage is no longer optional. Regardless of your industry or how many buildings you own, your facilities need to meet ADA requirements. Custom ADA signs deliver a better experience for visitors and employees, and they reinforce your brand at every touchpoint.
Identity Group, based in Nashville, TN, has everything you need to set your business apart with ADA signage that performs.