Accessibility White Papers - Canada and Australia

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

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

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

Open publication - Free publishing - More 3m

FREE Passes to ISA Expo 2012 in Orlando, FL

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:

• ISA Sign Expo Home Page
• Interactive Floor Plan
• Link for FREE Pass
• Nova's Twitter Page

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

Open The Door To Greener Signs

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

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.

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

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!