Nova Polymers

2012 Supplier/Distributor Conference

2012-04-16T14:03:00.001-04:00

Sign up for the 2012 Supplier/Distributor Conference, June 6-8, 2012 at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, IL

The International Sign Association's Supplier/Distributor Conference is the only industry networking conference designed for executives of the on-premise sign industry. The conference attracts key decision makers from the best of the industry supply chain.

At this invitation-only conference, you will:

find solutions to your most pressing business challenges
discuss business trends and opportunities with key customers, including sign companies and end users
learn from top industry experts about industry trends
gain insight into the future of the global economy
strengthen existing business and develop new relationships with supply chain partners.

This year's sessions include:

Connecting Mobile Technology to Signs
Customer Behavior and the Value of Signage
Economic Forecast
State of the Industry

Also, enjoy one-on-one networking appointments with the top national sign companies, an afternoon of golf, breakout sessions and dinner with lively entertainment provided.

The SDC attendance is limited to only 100 industry executives. Click here to register and see our schedule of events.

ISA EXPO - Thank You for Visiting Us in Orlando

2012-04-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

Another year and another successful ISA Expo in Orlando thanks to the wonderful job done by the ISA staff and to all the sign professionals that attended the expo. As the economy continues to recover so does commercial building and the optimism in the sign industry.

This years expo came shortly after the new 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (SAD) became law marking the first major revision to the ADA by the DOJ since the early 1990's. As expected, the new codes have caused a renewed buzz as the confusion surrounding the ADA codes continues - not surprising with all the so called "experts" in the industry.

None the less, fabricating ADA signage continues to be a lucrative and prosperous product offering for sign companies who deal with architectural signage and who are looking increase profitability in their business. Making NovAcryl photopolymer in-house is easy with a minimal cost of entry and a fast ROI.

Don't stress about the codes - Nova is an AIA Continuing Education Provider and has an approved AIA/CES course on ADA Requirements for Identification Signage.

Braille signs are also increasing in demand outside the US - Canada, Australia, the Middle East and beyond. To learn more about the accessibility codes outside SAD, take a look at Nova's Accessibility White Paper Series.

If you want to learn more about photopolymer and the services Nova provides connect with us today.

Email | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Google+

LIVE from ISA 2012 Expo

2012-03-23T07:24:00.000-04:00

Accessibility White Papers - Canada and Australia

2012-03-22T07:20:00.000-04:00

In an ongoing effort to support and educate the sign design and fabrication industry on global accessibility codes and regulation, Nova is pleased to present 2 new Accessibility White Papers - Canada and Australia.

This month the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design (SAD) went into effect here in the states. Since many in the sign design and fabrication world are now doing business on a global level, timing is right to share information regarding SAD and other accessible codes.

Canada

Open publication - Free publishing - More accessibility

Australia

Open publication - Free publishing - More accesinility

Small Business Opportunities

2012-03-16T14:43:00.000-04:00

You are a Small Business, statistically speaking of course. This is a good thing!

Did you know that $360.9 million in applications had been approved for funding under a program designed to encourage new lending to help small businesses create jobs? The funds are part of $1.5 billion allocated for the program under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

The Treasury Department announced applications have been approved for 11 states and the District of Columbia. The breakdown: Alabama, $31.3 million; Florida, $97.7 million; Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia, $13.2 million each; Ohio, $55.1 million; Oregon, $16.5 million; Tennessee, $29.7 million; Texas, $46.6 million, and Virginia, $18 million.

The average size of a sign company in North America is 6.5 employees, so this type of program is particularly important to the sign industry.

With the passing of the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design (SAD), now is the time to take advantage of the programs that are available, so that you can be part of this amazing recovery that we are experiencing.

Manufacturing ADA Compliant Signage using NovAcryl Photopolymer is an efficient, high quality and low cost way to take part in the recovering commercial building industry where these signs are needed.

If you already manufacture ADA signs, Nova can help you become more efficient, understand codes and regulations, increase your capacity and help reduce cost.

If you do not currently manufacture ADA compliant signs from photopolymer, our team will work with you to understand this market segment and help get you started.

Contact a Nova representative today or visit us at the ISA Expo in Orlando, FL at Booth 2559.

NovAcryl Update on Arcat.com

2012-03-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

Nova has recently updated their listing on Arcat.com and added new information including the NovAcryl Product Catalog, Photopolymer Processing Video and the newly updated NovAcryl Preferred Fabricators list.

Make sure to check out this page the next time you specify material for Accessible Room Identification Signage.

Updated Nova Product Catalog

2012-02-26T11:19:00.002-05:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More 3m

FREE Passes to ISA Expo 2012 in Orlando, FL

2012-02-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

We are quickly approaching the ISA 2012 Expo in Orlando, FL. If you are planning on attending the expo and need a FREE pass, you can go to the www.signexpo.org/free and enter Nova's complimentary show Code 30285.

Nova is exhibiting in Both 2559 this years and is sponsoring the Twitter wall again. Make sure you use the hashtag #isa2012expo when making tweets related to the show or Tweets that you want displayed on the Twitter wall.

Nova is also providing a series of QR codes that will be strategically placed on the show floor. When you scan the codes you will be taken to a mobile version of the show planner which has the show floor map and a list of all show events.

Here are a few links to check out:

Please contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment at the expo.

Open The Door To Greener Signs

2012-01-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

In January, Sign Builder Illustrated published their annual Green Supplement. If you haven't read it yet, don't miss Open The Door To Greener Signs.

Nova has an ad with a QR code that links to a web page with information on the green attributes of NovAcryl photopolymer.

How To Create Compliant Photopolymer Braille to Meet the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design

2012-01-19T10:10:00.001-05:00

NovAcryl PT-118 by Acorn Sign Graphics

As most sign designers and fabricators are now aware, the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design goes into effect on March 15, 2012. This has caused some buzz in the industry as everyone wants to ensure they are staying compliant.

Back Story
The 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design will be the first major code change that the DOJ has published since the inception of the ADA in the early 1990's and it reflects the 2004 ADAAG (ADA Accessibility Guideline) which has been the standard in the industry since it was published. Many states has since adopted the 2004 ADAAG into their state building codes. The 2010 Standard will bring continuity between the state and federal building codes.

The new 2011 ADA Standard does not have any language that is new or different from the 2004 ADAAG. There are however a few difference when compared to the original ADA such as sign mounting height and character kerning.

View and Download the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design

Photopolymer Braille
The 2004 ADAAG and now the 2010 ADA Standard does have a line of text which reads "Section 703.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization. Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1". This text has raised questions about photopolymer Braille since it was first introduced in 2004 ADAAG.

As stated, the code gives guidance on the shape of the Braille and is very specific in saying "shall have a domed or rounded shape." We can achieve this with our photopolymer substrates making all NovAcryl products ADA Compliant when designed and fabricated properly.

Nova has developed specific guidelines and tools that allow for consistent processing of NovAcryl photopolymer substrates along with custom software that has all the specific code information embedded to ensure the signs are design and built properly.

The Process: How Compliant Photopolymer is Achieved
There are four main steps in creating a photopolymer sign - artwork design, film generation, photopolymer processing and finishing.

We start by reducing the actual size of the Braille diameter in our Workflow Manager (WM) software. WM is designed to follow all the current ADA guidelines which include kerning, character size, Braille placement, fonts and more. The dot size is reduced to .044" so that we can build a shoulder during the exposure process.
Once the files are created a film negative needs to be generated with high enough density that allows for the proper exposure. Our InkStar Film Solution creates film with the proper density.
The exposure of the photopolymer is measured using a 21 Step Stouffer Scale. This scale measures UV output which takes into account the wear on the bulbs ensuring proper exposure throughout the bulbs lifecycle. By using the scale we can accurately measure the exact size of the Braille.
Once you have the proper dot size in the artwork and adequate exposure you will need to apply a top coat. This means a coating of paint for surface decorated signs or a clear coat for signs that are decorated sub-surface. We work very closely with Matthews Paint and per their specification you will need to apply a 4mil wet /2mil dry top coat on all photopolymer signs. This coating is the final step in creating complaint photopolymer Braille dots that "have a domed or rounded shape."

Resources

Watch a Video and How to Process Photopolymer
Watch a Video on how to use the 21 Step Stouffer Scale
View and Download the 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design
Link to the DOJ ADA Home Page

Conclusion

There remains concern about the 2010 Standard and how it will ultimately impact everyone in the sign industry. The best way to stay out in front is to understand the codes, how they work and how the directly impact your business. Unfortunately there is a great deal of misinformation in the industry that relates to products and compliance.

Nova is an AIA Continuing Education Provider and offers a course ADA Requirements for Room Identification Sign.

Contact Us for more information and stay tuned for our upcoming series of webinars that will focus on the ADA Requirement.

Top 5 Cold Weather Rules for Applying Paint

2012-01-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

Matthews Paint just posted the message below outlining 5 tips for painting in cold weather. These tips will help when painting NovAcryl photopolymer and everything else you paint.

To obtain maximum performance of Matthew's products, follow these essential rules for applying paint in cold weather.

Make sure your spray area is between 70°F and 85°F. Under no circumstances should you paint below 60°F.

Maintain airflow in spray area around 100 CFM.

Select reducers and catalyst to the ambient room temperature of the spray booth.

Dry times increase if cold conditions prevail and decrease significantly if temperatures are above 85° F. Also, most dry time and pot life times are given at 70 - 75°F (21 - 24°C) with 50% relative humidity.

For every 15° increase in temperature, dry time and pot life maybe cut in half. For every 15° decrease in temperature, dry time and pot life will double.

We hope these tips help. Make sure to check out the MAP Ultra LOW VOC paints that Matthews offers. The Ultra LOW VOC coating are a perfect way to make NovAcryl sign even more Green!

Navigating the New ADA

2011-12-29T15:32:00.002-05:00

Below is an article that appeared in the December issue of Sign Builder Illustrated. The article written by Craig Berger, Craig Berger Management Consulting, and discusses current issues surrounding the ADA.

Navigating the New ADA

By Craig Berger

Government policies can sometimes shape entire industries. Never has this been more true than with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law by George H.W. Bush in 1992. The ADA not only opened up accessibility as part of the approval process for every building, but it helped create entire new industries that have spread accessible sign fabrication and materials technology from a small cottage industry to a global business.

Unfortunately the ADA also created a real mess for sign builders and designers. The ADA was civil rights legislation, and states were required to interpret this new legislation into their building codes (which were generally updated every few years). Faced with hitting a moving target of different state codes and varying interpretation among local officials, many sign makers often followed the path of least resistance and avoided creative solutions.

Eventually the ADA matured. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Code Council (ICC) eventually updated their codes, which were adopted by the ADA. This created confusion though, as various states updated their codes beyond the first ADA while others did not. (And states like California decided to march to the beat of their own drum.)

Mike Santos, a principle with Nova Polymers and a well-known ADA educator to the sign community, highlights this continued confusion between state and federal codes as a problem in the sign industry. “We’ve been doing programs for the past seven years, and the issues have stayed the same,” he says. “Sign heights, color contrast, and even Braille doming are simple issues, but they’re still confusing, because of the disparity between federal and state codes.

“The new ADA is supposed to solve this, but I still see another few years of confusion.”

A Better Code Though Ambiguities Still Exist
Most experts agree that the new ADA is an improvement over the old, providing greater flexibility while being more logical. Particularly effective in the code is the separation between information for the visually impaired and information for the blind. This change reflected the reality that these two groups have vastly divergent needs.
While improving the code, this change does make it more complex—particularly for code official interpretation. Sign designers and builders must be even more direct when using and explaining the code.

The Top Issues in the New ADA
While there are dozens of complex issues with the ADA, the general consensus is that a small number dominate the interpretation issues between sign builders and designers. These include:
Sign heights. A seemingly simple issue, sign height has become among the most troublesome for sign builders and designers (pictured). Perhaps the dominant issue change in the new ADA is the change in sign heights from sixty inches to the center of the sign to a range of forty-eight to sixty inches from the bottom to the top of sign text.

This change was sorely needed, since sixty inches on center resulted in inconsistent sign heights on signs.

According to Matt Williams of Dixie Graphics, this one change has made huge ripples across the sign industry. “‘Sixty’ on center never made a great deal of sense, since the blind read information on signs and not the signs themselves, but it was always an easy code to understand,” he says. “Now code officials have to think about how this works, and companies need to train their own staff.

“Clients also need to gauge what they need to do with their existing systems.”

Sign placement. The new ADA provides greater guidance for the placement of signs, allowing tactile signs to be placed on the push side of doors with a closing mechanism, among other placement changes. This change clarifies the issue of signs on restroom doors.

Doming. Doming or rounding was never explicitly described in the code, creating confusion in the industry as to what Braille methodology makes the most sense. The new ADA provides more clarity providing for doming or rounding of Braille, which most ADA methodologies—from chemical etching to photopolymer to raster Braille—can accomplish.

Color contrast. Some parts of the ADA grew more specific, but this one issue is actually more general. The code itself hasn’t changed, still allowing for dark signs on a light background or light signs on a dark background.

However the 70 percent color contrast recommendation is no longer in the code. In other words, there’s now no contrast level requirement. This doesn’t prevent a state from passing specific color contrast codes or recommendations, but none has done so yet.

This doesn’t mean that signs can be extremely low contrast. Signs still need to be visible. A lawsuit can still be made, even if not explicitly in the code.

Temporary signs. A recurring issue over the last few years has been what to consider temporary and what to consider permanent identification on signs. For example, addressing systems can be used to cover any destination considered temporary, but in a few instances, it’s important to use the full name (pictured).

The new ADA solidifies the definition of an identification sign as representing destinations that are permanent for more than seven days (generally interpreted as rooms that have equipment that can’t be easily removed—like bathrooms and kitchens). All other destinations—like offices with changing names—can be represented by alphanumerical addresses.

Dual signs. Because of the separation in guidelines for the blind and the visually impaired in the new ADA, there’s a specific section on dual signs or signs that can utilize information for both the blind and the visually impaired. Braille and raised letters in this approach can be small and blend in with its background, while the visual information on the sign can use serif fonts and much larger type (making effective signs for both groups).

Unfortunately these signs are rarely used. Roger Whitehouse, a pioneer in accessible design, worked with ASI to create flexible dual modular signs and laments the lack of understanding that has hindered their use. He believes that, with the new ADA code, these types of signs—which meet the needs of the blind and the visually disabled—will become more prevalent (pictured). “After all the years of code development and design experiments showing their effectiveness, there’s still fear of using dual signs,” he says. “Hopefully the new ADA will finally encourage [their] use.”

Visual letter heights. The old ADA was uniform with its guidance for visual letter heights—three inches minimum for all overhead signs. This made it all but impossible to put in overhead wayfinding signs in most hospitals and other low-ceiling spaces.

The new code though allows for letter heights that better fit the environment they’re in, which is particularly important in transportation environments (pictured). The new ADA provides a two-inch minimum sign height along with height requirements above three inches for large distances and heights.

Chris Calori of Calori & Vanden-Eynden Design Consultants uses this example to show the greater understanding of both code flexibility and legibility. “In the old ADA, the three-inch height pretty much insured that there would be three-inch letters everywhere, making them too big in some spots and too small in others,” he explains. “Accepting a two-inch standard—but writing in language for adjusting to greater distances—allows the designer to make the best decision for the facility.”

Learn the New ADA
The new ADA offers designers and fabricators many more options. For those who want to get to know the code at a deeper level, it’s important to first understand the context of the code by reading it in detail.

The issues listed in this article are only the dominant ones. It’s important to review how sign codes sit inside of the entire ADA to see where it will impact your specific design decisions.
To download an HTML or PDF copy of the new ADA, CLICK HERE.

Craig Berger is principal of Craig Berger Management Consulting, a firm focused on devising marketing, education, and management approaches for designers, fabricators, manufacturers, and clients. He can be reached at craigberger19@comcast.net.

Nova Sponsors ADA Teleconference

2011-12-06T10:12:00.001-05:00

December 7, 2011

ADA Teleconference

Themes: ADA, Accessibility, Sign Codes

1:00 p.m. EST

SEGD ADA courses are sponsored by ASI Signage Innovations, Nova Polymers, and APCO.

Don't miss this last ADA event of 2011!

This workshop will review interpretations to date of the 2010 ADA Accessibility Guidelines and will present a preview of new interpretations to be released in early 2012 in the SEGD ADA White Paper. Among the topics to be discussed will be how to determine exactly when and with which codes, regulations, and guidelines your projects must comply. Explanatory illustrations and descriptions for the new SEGD White Paper will be previewed.

Fees

SEGD Members $50.00

Nonmembers $100.00

Click here to register.

Purchasing Photopolymer Equipment Made Easy

2011-11-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

We have partnered with Direct Capital Financing and now offer an easy-to-use online application form for Equipment Financing. In a matter of minutes you can fill out the form, submit and get an answer.

Interested in what your Section 179 Tax savings will be? Use our instant online Section 179 Tax Savings Calculator to find out.

We will be exhibiting at the USSC Sign World Expo in Atlantic City on December 1-3. Stop by and see us in Booth 309 and see our photopolymer equipment live!

The Section 179 Tax Deduction

2011-11-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

As we approach the end the the calendar year, many of us are looking at new and/or used equipment that will help us continue to grow our businesses. There are several tax advantages for purchasing equipment now.

Below you will find helpful information from www.section179.org that can be used as a resource when looking for information on tax deductions for equipment.

2011 is the Year to Do It!

Due to the extension of Section 179 under the 'HIRE Act of 2010' - the enhanced limits under the 'Jobs Act of 2010' - and the recently enacted 100% Bonus Depreciation under the 'Tax Relief Act of 2010' - you can basically write-off 100% of all the equipment and software your business needs to buy or finance this year!

Section 179 can be extremely profitable to you, so it is to your benefit to learn as much as possible. To begin, you probably have a lot of questions regarding Section 179. Questions like:

News Alert

Nov 3, 2011 Important 4th quarter tax planning implications. Both the 'Tax Relief Act of 2010' as well as the 'Jobs Act of 2010' that passed in late 2010 affected Section 179 in a positive way for this 2011 tax year. The newest changes are as follows:

The Section 179 Deduction limit increased to $500,000. The total amount of equipment that can be purchased increased to $2 million. This includes most new and used capital equipment, and also includes certain software.

“Bonus Depreciation” increased to 100% on qualified assets. However, this can be taken on new equipment only.

When applying these provisions, Section 179 is generally taken first, followed by Bonus Depreciation – unless the business has no taxable profit in 2011.

Also, many businesses find Section 179 Qualified Financing to be an attractive option in 2011.

Your Section 179 Deduction Questions Answered

How To Route NovAcryl PT Series Photopolymer

2011-10-19T22:45:00.000-04:00

NovAcryl PT Series Photopolymer is constructed with a clear PETG (Polyethylene Terephlalate Glycol) base. PETG is a thermoplastic and machines differently than other materials like Acrylic. The most notable difference is that PETG does not chip or shatter and requires a different routing bit, feed rates and spindle speeds when compared with other substrates.

ROUTING RECOMMENDATIONS:

We suggest using the 13000 Series Spiral "O" Belin Yvon S.C. Router Bit. For 1/8" NovAcryl use Tool# 13317 - CED 1/8", CEL 1/2", SHK DIA 1/4", OAL 1-1/2" at RPM 18,000 with a Feed Rate of 140.

To place a bevel, we suggest using Belin Bevel 00182 CC05 QL.

The link to Belin's website is www.belintools.com. The bits referenced can be located on page 5.

NEW Video Gallery

2011-10-18T14:56:00.001-04:00

We have just added a NEW Video Gallery to our website. The page has all the important videos we've made about our products, processing procedure, best practices and more.

We also have a video trailer of a live Continuing Education presentation by Dave Miller where he presented our ADA Requirements for Room Identification Signage course.

Make sure you check out this page to learn everything you can about photopolymer signage.

Nova Polymers Video Gallery

ADA Workshop at Consac-Imagemakers

2011-08-28T11:56:00.001-04:00

Join Dave Miller in Toronto at Consac-Imagemakers on Friday, September 23 at 10:00 to learn about ADA codes and regulations. Dave will be presenting Nova's Continuing Education Course titled "ADA Requirements for Room Identification Signage."

Make sure you sign up for this event at http://www.sac-ace.ca/consac/seminars.

Choosing The Right Photopolymer

2011-08-19T21:52:00.005-04:00

Not all photopolymer is created equal. NovAcryl® PT™ Interior Photpolymer has a PETG base that has a zero moisture absorption ratio with the photopolymer layer that has a .001 moisture absorption ratio. The NovAcryl® EX™ Exterior Photpolymer (NovEx) has an aluminum base with a synthetic rubber/photopolymer layer which both have a 0 moisture absorption ratio.

As you can see in the picture above, the NovAcryl® brand of photopolymer sign material out performed the other competitive material that was made with a phenolic base. The reason for this dramatic contrast in performance is due to the phenolic base material having a high moisture absorption ratio which has a negative effect on the material when in an exterior environment, or an interior environment with high humidity levels.

The samples seen in this picture where manufactured according to manufactures guidelines, top coated per specification and mounted on the outside of a building for over a year. These sign were exposed to high temperatures ranging from -20F to 100F plus with direct sunlight, rain, snow and humidity levels of 100%.

The results speak for themselves. So, make sure you specify or use the right photopolymer material for your next project.

3M VHB Tug of War

2011-08-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

Another cool video showing the capabilities of 3M VHB tape.

3M VHB on Modern Marvels

2011-07-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

3M VHB tape was featured on Modern Marvels a couple of years ago. This is a great video that shows the capabilities of VHB tape.

Please contact us for pricing and more info on VHB tapes.

NovAcryl Photopolymer In-Stock (OH, TX, CA Warehouses)

2011-07-26T13:17:00.001-04:00

Nova manufactures NovAcryl photopolymer in Bryan, OH and has 3 strategic warehouses on OH, TX, CA which means NovAcryl is always in stock and ready to ship.

With the current economic situation and the natural disasters that have impacted Japan's supply chain, many substrates used in the sign industry have been difficult to get. With a manufacturing plant located in Bryan, OH, Nova can assure that all NovAcryl photopolymer substrates are available, in-stock and ready to ship.

Nova is continuously manufacturing and shipping top quality photopolymer substrates, which means that NovAcryl will always be available from one of our strategic U.S. locations. Never see a disruption in supply chain again - US manufactured and putting people to work.

Contact us today to order material from one of our multiple locations. Let us be your manufacturing and distribution partner for your photopolymer business.

2011 ISA/SDC Presentations

2011-07-14T09:41:00.001-04:00

The 2011 ISA Supplier Distributor Conference was held in Indian Lakes, IL in June this year. The event was fantastic with a great line-up of speakers and events making it the most successful SDC Conference to date.

ISA has posted the presentations on the 2011 ISA Supplier Distributor web page. All of the presentations are worth looking at especially the presentation by Dave Conklin from Prospect MX, an internet marketing firm.

Dave explains why internet marketing is important and discusses the value of SEO, Search Engine Optimization. Dave's presentation really helps understand how the internet works and how we can all use it to grow our businesses.

The presentation was recorded and can be viewed on a special page dedicated for the SCD Event.

Process Control: How To Ensure ADA Compliancy using NovAcryl Photopolymer

2011-05-22T14:50:00.001-04:00

Walk through the process of using the 21 Step Stouffer Scale with Mike Santos. The Stouffer Scales is considered the "holly grail" of photopolymer processing and ensures that the Novacryl photopolymer has been exposed properly with correct shoulders resulting in ADA compliance.

Mike also walks through he process of using a Production Log that helps keep the process in check. The use of the production log and Stouffer Scales are requirement for becoming a Novacryl Preferred Fabricator.

Why Photopolymer - A Discussion with Mike Santos about the Photopolymer Process

2011-05-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

A discussion with Mike Santos, Director of Sales and Product Development for Nova Polymers. While in Nova's Dallas, TX warehouse, Mike discusses photopolymer, it's advantages and why photopolymer is the predominant material used for ADA Braille signs.