Pros and Cons of Photopolymer Signs: A Better Look at ADA Signage Options

When it comes to ADA-compliant signage, there are several manufacturing processes to consider. Photopolymer, raster bead, and printed ADA signs are among the most common options. While photopolymer has been widely used in the past, many businesses and organizations are now rethinking its effectiveness due to significant drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of photopolymer signs, while highlighting the growing advantages of raster bead and printed ADA signage.

What Are Photopolymer Signs?

Photopolymer signs are produced by exposing a photosensitive material to UV light, which hardens raised areas that become tactile letters and Braille dots. This method has been around for decades and is often used for creating ADA-compliant signage. However, as technology advances, new methods like raster bead insertion and direct-print ADA are proving to be faster, more cost-effective, and better suited for modern demands.

The Pros of Photopolymer Signs

Despite their limitations, photopolymer signs still have some advantages:

• Durability: Once cured, photopolymer signs are highly resistant to wear and scratching, making them long-lasting.
• All-in-one surface: Because the Braille and tactile elements are part of the same material, there’s no risk of beads falling out.
• Wide adoption: Many older signage programs and large contractors are accustomed to using photopolymer, which has helped maintain its presence in the industry.

While these benefits are worth noting, they are often overshadowed by the serious drawbacks of photopolymer production.

The Cons of Photopolymer Signs

Photopolymer signs come with a number of challenges that impact turnaround times, costs, and flexibility:

• Slow turnaround: The production process is time-intensive, requiring UV exposure, chemical washing, and finishing steps. This leads to long lead times, especially compared to newer methods.
• Inefficient for small quantities: Photopolymer is not practical for short runs or custom one-off orders. The setup and processing make it costly for low-volume signage projects.
• Environmental concerns: Chemical processing can be messy and generate waste, making photopolymer less environmentally friendly than alternatives.
• Design limitations: Photopolymer signs are more difficult to customize with multi-color designs, logos, or unique branding elements compared to printed ADA solutions.
• Higher overall cost: Factoring in labor, setup, and waste, photopolymer is usually more expensive than newer technologies.

These disadvantages make photopolymer a less attractive choice in today’s fast-moving environment, where organizations want custom signs quickly and in smaller quantities.

Why Raster Bead Signs Are a Better Choice

Raster bead signs are manufactured by drilling precise holes into sign material and inserting tiny acrylic or metal beads to form tactile Braille. This method has several advantages over photopolymer:

• Faster turnaround: Raster bead signs can be produced more quickly, reducing delays for time-sensitive projects.
• Perfect for small runs: Because setup is minimal, raster bead signage is ideal for small quantities or unique one-off pieces.
• Durability: Raster beads are securely inserted and long-lasting, making them a reliable solution.
• Design flexibility: Raster bead signs can be combined with a variety of substrates and finishes, offering more creative freedom than photopolymer.

This makes raster bead ADA signage an excellent choice for organizations that value quick delivery, customization, and flexibility.

The Advantages of Printed ADA Signs

Printed ADA signage is one of the fastest-growing solutions in the industry. With direct-to-substrate printing and UV-cured inks, printed ADA signs deliver crisp designs and fully compliant tactile lettering and Braille. Benefits include:

• Fast production: Printed ADA signs can be produced in record time, allowing same-day or next-day turnaround for urgent projects.
• Unlimited design possibilities: Logos, full-color graphics, gradients, and textures can easily be incorporated, something that photopolymer struggles to achieve.
• Eco-friendly process: Digital printing eliminates harsh chemicals and reduces material waste compared to photopolymer processing.
• Cost-effective for any quantity: Whether ordering one sign or hundreds, printed ADA is efficient and budget-friendly.

For businesses that demand both compliance and branding power, printed ADA signs offer the perfect combination of speed, cost savings, and visual appeal.

Comparing Photopolymer, Raster Bead, and Printed ADA

When choosing an ADA signage method, it’s important to weigh the trade-offs:

• Photopolymer: Durable but slow, costly, and inflexible.
• Raster Bead: Faster, customizable, and great for small runs.
• Printed ADA: Fastest, most flexible, and highly cost-effective.

Organizations that once relied on photopolymer are now transitioning to raster bead and printed ADA because they deliver faster results, better customization, and lower costs—without sacrificing durability or compliance.

Conclusion: Moving Beyond Photopolymer

While photopolymer signs played an important role in the history of ADA compliance, today’s market demands speed, customization, and cost efficiency. Unfortunately, photopolymer struggles in all three areas, with long turnaround times, high costs for small runs, and limited design options. In contrast, raster bead and printed ADA signs meet modern needs by offering faster delivery, better flexibility, and more creative opportunities. For organizations looking to stay ahead, moving beyond photopolymer to embrace newer technologies is the smart choice.