Chuck,
When I said, mechanical engraver I did mean a computerized rotary engraver. If you are looking at buying a new system with the intention of making Braille signs, you should consider the Quest engraver from Quality One Engravers. They can make it for you with a "sort of" dual spindle set up, where one spindle will drill the hole for the Braille and it also has a separate attachment that will hold an Autoraster for installing the raster beads into the holes. In addition to that, it is an extremely well built machine. I would also consider Xenetech since they are a very good company with an excellent product and top quality customer support.
I seem to disagree with some about what an ADA sign is. It is any sign that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For room signs, this means raised letters and Braille. But, directional and informational signs also need to be ADA compliant even though they do not require raised letters and Braille. For example, any informational or directional sign mounted more than 120 inches from the ground that has a minimum viewing distance in excess of 21 feet requires the letter height to be 3 inches plus 1/8 inch for every foot of viewing distance beyond 21 feet. So any sign than conforms to this standard is an ADA sign. That is why I wrote earlier that you would need access to things like vinyl letters, screen printing, dimensional letters, etc., if you want to get into the ADA sign business. However, the ADA is just the start. There are also state and local codes that will dictate additional requirements for some signs. Then there is the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code. I am by no means an expert on this, but especially for buildings 6 stories and taller, there are very specific requirements for stairwell signs and directional signs along emergency egress routes. There is probably more that I am not aware of, but your local fire department or building inspector may be able to point you in the right direction for finding out all the sign requirements.
Since you current customer is another sign shop, they will likely only need you to make the Braille signs. However, if you get into this area of business, you will eventually want to start selling directly to places like hospitals, hotels, office buildings, schools, etc., and then you will need to know what all the requirements are.
Jim |