Updated Nova Product Catalog

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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.

Choosing The Right Photopolymer

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

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

3M VHB on Modern Marvels

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)

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.

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

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.

Earthday 2011

How To Process Photopolymer

We recently made a video that demonstrates  How To Process Photopolymer Signs for ADA Complaint Room Identification signage. 

In the video below we process NovAcryl Photopolmyer using our Orbital X Photopolymer Processor, AccuCutter 19" finishing shear and the Kobo TC-851 hot stamp device. Please contact us for more info. 

Discounted Photopolymer: NovAcryl PR

At Nova, we run a Just-In-Time manufacturing process which basically means that we produce material often and have tight control over the process.

Every month there are several sheets that have imperfect edges where the photopolymer layer is not adhered to the base PETG all the way to the edge of the sheet. These sheets will work fine as long as there is no raised image on this area.

The problems areas are clearly marked and represent no more than 5% of the sheet. Typically, one of the four edges has an area of approx. 1/2' where there is no photopolymer as seen below.

NovAcryl Pro Rated 236 leading edge missing 1/2" of polymer

How To Purchase Pro Rated Sheets

• Log into the Online Ordering section on our website
• If you do not now your log in information contact Pat Avallone
• The Pro Rated material will be listed on the Home screen
• Material selection will change monthly based availability
• Material will be sold on a first come, first serve basis

Please contact us today if you have any question about the NovAcryl Pro Rated material or if you would like to set up your online account.  --MS

3M VHB Tape Video from Discovery Channel

Take a look at this pretty cool video on 3M VHB tape from the Discovery Channel. Many of us use VHB tape on a regular basis for signage and sign applications and it is very neat to see the full extent of what the product is capable of doing.

Adheso-Cut Tape Dispensing Unit from Nova Polymers

Nova introduces the Adheso-Cut tape dispensing device. Adheso-Cut is designed to allow tapes to be cut to s pre-determined lengths which will reduce time and labor while fabricating signage.

We have recently started carrying 3M adhesives and have found that most tapes are being manually cut to specifc lengths which can be time comcuming and costly for the fabricator. Adheso-Cut is meant to stream line the cutting of adhesives and add more profit to each sign that is produced. 

No More Lumicor

Nova is no longer carrying and distributing Lumicor products.  Approximately 18 months ago we entered into a relationship that allowed us to bring Lumicor to the signage industry easier than through Lumicor's current channel.  Unfortunately the relationship has ended and anyone who wants this material will have to wait and go through Lumicors standard process.

The good news is that Nova's relationship with 3form is continuing to grow. We are going to be offering a couple of new programs later this fall - stay tuned.

NovAcryl BIM Objects on Arcat

Nova Polymers has partnered with Arcat, a leader in BIM object development, to introduce the first Building Information Modeling (BIM) objects for use in Architectural Wayfinding and Room Identification Signage. 

Nova is the manufacturer of NovAcryl, the industries leading photopolymer substrate for ADA complaint Signage.

The NovAcryl Photopolymer product line has a variety of product offerings for ADA Complaint Signage, each having a specific background or color.  Nova's listing on Acrcat.com will allow you to start using BIM object for your next signage project. Visit Nova's website for more information on BIM and how to use Nova's BIM objects.

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?  Visit Nova Polymers website to learn more by Clicking Here

NovAcryl GR Press Release

Nova Polymers Introduces
a New Green Alternative Solution for ADA Signage

NovAcryl® GR™ Photopolymer is the latest addition to Nova's diverse line of photopolymer substrates for ADA Compliant Room Identification Signage

Fairfield, NJ -- NovAcryl® GR™ is a new line of photopolymer sign material for high-resolution raised graphics and ADA-compliant room identification signage. NovAcryl® GR™, offered exclusively by Nova Polymers, allows sign designers and fabricators the ability to create a green sign solution without design limitations or increased costs.

NovAcryl® GR™ is a result of Nova Polymers partnering with 3form®, a leader in the manufacturing of eco-friendly substrates, to offer an environmentally conscious and affordable product that can be used for signage projects that require a green solution or will be used inLEED Certified facilities.

NovAcryl® GR™ is environmentally and user friendly. This unique sign material is processed in plain tap water and bonds to 3form® Clear Ecoresin panels, which are non-toxic, Greenguard Certified and contain a minimum of 40% recycled content.

"The introduction of NovAcryl® GR™ will fill a void in architectural and wayfinding signage by allowing the industry to use standard photopolymer signage the same way they have been for years with the added benefit of environment consciousness. NovAcryl® GR™ will process and look exactly like standard photopolymer signage; the only difference will be the fact the base substrate is clear Ecoresin instead of virgin PETG", says Dave Miller, Business Director for Nova Polymers.

About Nova Polymers, Inc.

Nova Polymers is the largest North American manufacturer and distributor of photopolymer sign products. Nova Polymer is also a leader in educating the fabrication and design community about ADA regulations and environmental issues related to signage. For more information on NovAcryl® GR™ and other contemporary solutions for high-resolution raised graphics and ADA-compliant signage, visit www.NovaPolymers.com or call toll-free 888.484.6682.

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