I have a customer asking for ADA signage, but they want the 'raised' part to be reflective (they are exit signs). I stated my concern that ADA signage must be matte finish. They then implied that 'every where' in New York uses signs like this. So I'm asking what is available that is 1/32" material, available in a white or light grey (for contrast purposes), matte finish, reflective (I'm guessing for power outages) and cut with my laser. (could be my rotary but with the number they are talking I prefer my laser to cut out whilel my rotary is doing the braille).

Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
Topeka, KS

Hi Zona,

Do you mean luminescent, like glow in the dark ?

or reflective like mirror ?

regards
Peter

If you mean the raised dots being reflective, maybe they are miniature stainless steel ball bearings. Now tell me why Braille must be able to be seen from a distance. It seems quite counter-intuitive.

Edit: Now I get it, they want the letters 'EXIT' to be raised and reflective. Duh.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Hi Zona,

I would ask the same question as Peter did, is it photoluminescent?
The law in the US that has been in place since 911 is the material is to be photoluminescent. I have done some testing with a company that produces evacuation signage and they had to add the ADA signs to accompany their other signage. Some of the material has a metal backing, plastic backing and just a film. Of course, if you are working with the raster method you would need a material that would accept the braille bead. I haven't tried IPI material, I have had it in stock for some time for other signage applications. I am told that the length of time that the material illuminates should not be less than four (4) hours.

Glenn
Mattronic/Inofgrave
Montréal

I'm sure they mean photoluminescent but call it reflective. I tried calling the ADA hotline, but they were closed Thursday, Dec. 14 and I wasn't available on Friday. I will try calling them again on Monday, as I was unable to find any law with guidelines for photoluminescent/ADA signs.

Would you mind emailing me at zonas at earthlink dot net (remove the ats and dots) as I'd like some more information on thickiness of material, applying, etc.

Thanks, I knew somebody would know what I needed even though I didn't know :S

Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
Topeka, KS

Hi Zona,

I am sorry for replying sooner, I was on the road working since your last post. Give me your phone number and I can call you. I only have lmited access to my PC as I am on the road for the rest of this week. I would be happy to call you as I have time between sales calls.

Regards,
Glenn
Mattronic/Infograve