How to create Raster Braille using a laser engraver - Gravograph ...

This resource has been provided to you by New Hermes, a total government engraving solutionsprovider. For more information, please contact us at:New Hermes2200 Northmont PkwyDuluth, GA 30096Phone Toll-Free: 1-800-843-7637Fax Toll Free: 1-800-533-7637Email:govbiz@gravograph-newhermes.com

Raster Braille - Using a Laser EngraverNote: This procedure will only work with 0.040” thick plastic material. It will not work with standard1/32” engraving stock.General Requirements and Instructions1. You will be vector cutting the holes for the Braille. Don't be confused by the laser's “rastermode,” which is a means of engraving a bitmap, and the Raster trademark. The two havenothing to do with each other.2. Before you can create Braille, you need translation software and a Braille font. Both arecommercially available; we recommend Duxbury for its accuracy and simplicity.3. Many engraving programs with a Braille feature will set the size of the Braille automatically.If yours does not, or if you are using Corel DRAW for laser engraving, you need to set thefont size to 25 points. Leave the character spacing at 100%. This will give you the correctsize/spacing for ANSI and ADAAG requirements.ProcedureGather the following materials and supplies:- One piece of 0.040” laserable engraving stock, with adhesive applied to the back- One piece of engraving stock (your choice) to use as a backer- Your Raster Braille kit- A small, pointed tool (center punch or similar) for use in weeding the Braille holes1. Place the 0.040” stock face-down on the laser bed, adhesive facing up. You will be cutting theBraille holes from the backside of the material to eliminate any burrs or soft edges around theholes. A clean edge to the hole is key in making sure the Rasters stay put.Adjust focus and any other settings.2. At the computer, select the Braille and convert it to curves. If there is an“English” translation below the Braille, delete it. Select the remaining Brailleobject (now a group of curves) and make sure it has no fill and thethinnest outline possible.3. Send the file to the laser, making sure you send it “backwards” (mirrorimage). Remember, you're cutting from the backside of the material. Adjustpower and speed settings for the cleanest possible cut without leaving a burraround the hole. (We typically use 30% power and 10% speed on a 40-wattlaser; however, since all machines vary slightly, you will have to find the rightsettings for your machine.)4. Once the holes are cut, remove the piece from the laser and poke out thecenters of the holes, being careful not to damage the edges of the holes.5. Peel the paper backing and adhere the 0.040” piece to your backer piece.The backer can be any relatively firm material.6. Using the press-fit tool or the Raster Pen, insert Rasters into the holes, fromthe front of the material. Test your first piece to make sure the Rasters stayin place. If not, decrease the size of the circles (NOT the point size of thefont) by 0.001” and try again. (NOTE: The Auto-Raster WILL NOT WORK withany laser engraver.)7. With the Braille completed, you can now add tactile text or other features to the sign.Accent Signage Systems, Inc.2322 Chestnut Ave. W. - Minneapolis, MN 55405 - (800) 215-9437