Recently Posted

Going Green: What Does It Mean?

At the recent ISA Supplier/Distributor Conference in Lisle, IL. Dave Miller moderated a panel and spoke on the topic of environmental responsibility, what that means to sign companies and the importance of seeing themselves as an extension of the commercial building industry.
 
Participants:  Dave Miller, Director, Business Director, Nova Polymers, Erika Brown, 3form, Heather Weston, Osram Sylvania, Keith J. Miller, 3M Environmental

The hot issue today is “going green.” What does the green movement mean for your company? How do you implement “green” practices in your company from the top down? Large corporate clients are increasingly challenging their suppliers to use environmentally responsible production practices. In this panel discussion, case studies were shared from four industry executives on defining “green” as it relates to the sign industry; how they developed and implemented “green” strategies throughout their organizations; and responding to customers’ demands for “green” products.
 
For more information related to ways to use environmentally conscious materials and practices in your organization, contact Dave Miller <mailto:dmiller@novapolymers.com>  or call 888.484.6682

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The clear choice:One-piece PETG photopolymer signs

Flexible PETG trumps brittle phenolic materials
Over the past few years, there has been much advancement in photopolymer signage materials as it relates to the variety of base substrates that are now available to designers and facility managers.

Photopolymer is a photo-sensitive synthetic compound that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. The number of applications for photopolymer spans a multitude of industries…

Click here for a downloadable pdf of this document

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Nova featured in Sign Builder Magazine

Sign Shop Lockdown
   Manufacturers and suppliers that provide product to sign shops are always looking for new verticals to which they can integrate their business. One such company, Nova Polymers Inc., of Caldwell, New Jersey, has taken this notion to a new level—a level that requires extensive background checks, armed guards, and, perhaps, a belief in the rehabilitative nature of our country’s penal system (and sign making).
   In the otherwise unassuming state of Utah sits a correctional facility with a rather unusual labor option for its inmates. Beyond the prison-cliché of …

Click here for a downloadable pdf of this document

Behind Bars, Signs of Pride
In a recent issue of Sign Builder Illustrated, we ran a feature about a working sign shop housed within a maximum security prision…

Click here for a downloadable pdf of this document

Karma as a Business Model
It’s Not Easy Being Green, But It’s Worth It

     In Salt Lake City, Utah, a design company called 3form is taking the notion of green (environmentally friendly) sign production to a new level. From the broadest concepts—farming all-natural signage materials from third-world countries while coordinating with Fair Trade organizations to ensure the laborers get a competitive wage; to the narrowest approach—3form employees are rewarded for recycling…

Click here for a downloadable pdf of this document

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Nova represents International Sign Association during 2008 ANSI/A117.1 meetings in Washington, DC

On July 24, 2006 the ICC/ANSI A117.1 Committee met in Washington, DC.  This was the first of many meetings to develop the 2008 edition of the ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Building and facilities.  Nova Polymers, Inc was in attendance representing the International Sign Association.  During this cycle there have been several proposed changes to Chapter 7 - Communication Elements and Features that relate to signage.  For information on the 2008 edition please follow this link http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/standards/a117/.

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Nova aligns with Arcat®

Novapolymers aligns with Arcat ® to provide the Architectral and Specification writing communities fast easy access to specifications, product details, CAD drawing and the on-line Spec Wizard tool that will allow professionals to incorporate Novas materials into Master Format Specs.

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Nova Partners with 3-form® introducing Novacryl – ECR.

NovAcryl® ECR™, offered exclusively by Nova Polymers, addresses the need for more creative sign solutions by the architectural design and sign fabrication industry.

Nova Polymers has partnered with 3form®, recognized worldwide for innovative materials offered to architects and designers, to develop one ofthe most imaginative product lines ever introduced to the ArchitecturalSignage industry. This new series of sign materials broadly expands the selection of colors, patterns, textures and finishes now available for ADA-compliant sign fabrication.

Nova Polymers bonds its clear photopolymer to 3-form’s Varia™ series material to create sign solutions as diverse as your imagination. Sign designers can now custom select the color, pattern, texture, interlayer and finish of the sign material. Visit the materials section of our web site to explore all the possibilities.

     green_logo.bmp         Product contributes to USGBC LEED-NC v2.2

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“Rounded or Domed” Braille

ADA Compliancy
 
 
 
August 1, 2006
 
 
In 1991 the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed into law. This had a profound affect on the sign industry requiring permanent identification signs to have Braille and tactile characters. This left many in the sign industry scrambling around trying to find new ways and methods to design and fabricate signage that was compliant with the new ADA laws.
 
Since 1991 the industry has overcome these initial obstacles. There is however, still a great deal of misunderstanding and confusion when it comes to the governing laws and guidelines on both the Federal and local levels.   The amended guidelines in the Signage section have grown from approximately two pages to nearly eight pages since the original ADA was written, thus contributing to this confusion.
 
This is particularly relevant as it relates to signs that require Braille. The common issues that frequently surface are related to “rounded or domed” Braille, color contrast and the cell spacing of Braille dots.
 
 
“Rounded or Domed” Braille
 
The questions surrounding “rounded or domed” Braille seem to be the most common among people the industry. The common misconception is that this wording is a “new” change in the guidelines that will limit the materials allowed to fabricate compliant signage.
 
In chapter 7 of the ADA Accessibility Guideline, section 703.1 states that   “Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1.” It goes on to give guidelines for Braille cell spacing, dot diameter, tactile letter requirement and so on.
 
The description requiring Braille to be “rounded or domed” was written to allow for the widest variety of fabrication methods and to encourage participation and willing compliance. “Rounded or domed” refers to the result of whatever means of manufacturing you choose.
 
Most of the concern regarding Braille dates back to the early days before the industry understood how to make photopolymer etched Braille dots. It was quickly discovered that the Braille translation software that was being used for Raster Braille did not work for photopolymer. This error was corrected with software modifications and improved fabrication techniques.
 
Today, ADA compliance is easily achieved using photopolymer by following the manufacturers processing guidelines*. With the combination of the technology used in the Braille translation software and the use of proper fabrication equipment and processing techniques, photopolymer signs comply with current the ADA and the new proposed guidelines.
 
There is nothing published that restricts the use of photopolymer or any other materials relating to ADA compliant signage. The ADA law and ADA Accessibility Guideline set minimum requirements that all signage must meet.
 
 
ADA Guidelines
 
It is difficult and confusing trying to keep up with the proposed guideline changes and the agencies that govern them. It is important to know how this system works as there is simply a good deal of misleading information available on the subject.
 
The Access Board develops guidelines that supportthe Federal Civil Rights Laws guaranteeing accessibility for people with disabilities to buildings and facilities.
 
The Access Board publishes FinalRules onthe guideline in the Federal Register. These Rulesare minimum guidelines that are not enforceable untilthe Department of Justice issues its rule of enforcement. The DOJ enforces ADA Standards related to private sector facilities and state and local government facilities.
 
In July 2004, the Access Board approved the latest revision to the guidelines. It should be noted that these guidelines issued by the Access Board are not enforceable until they have been adopted by the specific Federal agencies that maintain them. To date the Department of Justice has not released any updates to the original ADA Standard issued in 1991. For more information on the Access Board, ADAAG and the DOJ visit their websites at http://www.access-board.com/ or http://www.doj.gov/.
 
It should also be noted that the newerANSIStandards include many of the changes in the new ADA and have already been made part of the building code in many states. Follow this link on the Access Board’s website for specific information on state accessibility codes, including contacts at the local level: http://www.access-board.gov/links/statecodes.htm
 
As of today, there is nothing published that restricts the use of any material or fabrication methods for making ADA compliant signage, including photopolymer. The guidelines that are written are designed around making buildings and facilities accessible for people with disabilities. There is no intent on restricting any materials or methods but rather to set universal standards with minimum requirements.
 
The International Sign Association and the Society for Environmental Graphic Designers both are actively involved with the current ADA and the updates to the current guidelines. Both organizations currently have a seat on the ANSI A117.1 Committee to represent the interests of the sign industry as a whole. The SEGD has published an ADA White Paper which is a great source of information regarding ADA and how it applies to the sign industry.
 
 
 
*For more information on photopolymer materials and manufacturing procedures follow the links the manufactures websites:
 
Nova Polymers, Inc. - http://www.novapolymers.com/
Matthews Paint Company - http://www.ppg.com/
Duxbury Braille Translation Software - http://www.duxburysystems.com/
 
 
Other Helpful Links:
 
Access Board - www.access-board.com
ADA Home Page – http://www.ada.gov/
International Sign Association - http://www.signs.org/
Society of Environmental Graphic Designers - http://www.segd.org/
 
 Click here for a downloadable pdf of this document 
 

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Nova provided free AIA accredited CE courses to Architectural, Design and Fabrication Industries.

In early 2006, Nova partnered with Ron Blank and Associates to provide a FREE on-line continuing education course pertaining to ADA regulations & requirements.  While the course main objective is the education related to ADA requirements, the course also addresses photopolymer material solutions tor ADA compliant signage.  Ron Blank & Associates have been involved in continuing education to Design Professionals for over 15 years.  It is for this reason that Nova chose to partner with RBA and his team to provide web based continuing education that qualify for AIA credits.

If you are not an Architect, the classes can still offer a benefits to Designers and fabricators alike. The class takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and provides detailed information regarding crrent ADA regulations related to design and fabrication. 

   aia_logo.gif            Click  here to get started.       

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Nova Polymers, Inc. 2006 - 2007 Show Schedule

Dates

Show Name

City, State

Participation
     
Sept 26 - Sept 29, 2006 SGIA ‘06 Expo Las Vegas, NV  Attend
Nov 15 - Nov 17, 2006 Green Building Internat’l Conference & Expo  Denver, CO  Attend
Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2006 USSC - United States Sign Council Atlantic City, NJ Exhibit - Speak
May 3 - May 5, 2007 AIA Convention 2007 San Antonio, TX Attend
April 11 - April 14    2007 ISA - International Sign Association Las Vegas, NV Exhibit
June 20 - June 22, 2007 CSI - Construction Specification Institute Baltimore, MD  Attend
       

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Gallery area - Sign fabricators post their recent projects.

Nova has recently re-designed our website, and with this change we have created a more useful gallery page that allows our clients the ability to upload photos of signs that have been made using our materials.

In exchange for pictures used in our Gallery, Nova will be happy to list your company’s name, contact information and web address. There is also an area where you can list the name of the project where the signs were installed. (Free advertising for you!) Additionally, we are looking for testimonial letters - these will also be put in the gallery - on the same page with your photo. If you submit a testimonial letter, we’ll be glad to include a direct link to your company’s website. If you have a slogan that is identified with your company, please feel free to include this at the bottom of you testimonial letter.  Photos need to be in .tif, .jpg or .pdf format.

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Nova Launched New Website

On June 1st, Nova Polymers Inc. launched a new web site that is focused on providing the Sign Fabrication and Architectural Design community a resource that can assist in finding information related to Creative Material, Equipment solutions, Design, ADA laws, ADA Accredited Continuing Education, On – Line Technical Support and On – Line ordering capabilities.


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No Paint Booth? No Problem!! The ALPHA-12 System is here!

Our new ALPHA-12 system is made for the beginner and small sign shop that does not have access to a paint booth. Use NovaColour and NovAcryl photopolymers and process them using the ALPHA-12 system, a 12″x12″ table-top photopolymer processor, a compact 4″x7″ TC-180 hot stamp coloring unit and 13″ guillotine finishing shear. Add an Epson printer and Inkstar film and be able to print film right from your printer!

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Do you need Braille software?

We now distribute Duxbury Braille Translation software. Please call for details…

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Nova partners with Wilsonart®, Pionite® and Formica® to introduce Novacryl – LP

NovAcryl® LP™, offered exclusively by Nova Polymers, is all about choice for the architectural design and sign fabrication industry. This series broadly expands the selection of materials now available for ADA-compliant sign fabrication.

Nova Polymers bonds its clear photopolymer to the comprehensive offering of laminates made by leaders in the industry, including Pionite®, Wilsonart® and Formica®. Sign designers can choose from a broad array of wood grains, marbles and granites, plus hundreds of colors and patterns to complement any decor.
Simply choose the pattern you like, then send us the manufacturer’s product code and we will ship your selected material bonded with our photopolymer. All you need to do is expose and process the material using NovAcryl’s recommended guidelines.
 
Visit the materials section of our web site to explore all the possibilities.

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