Advance Corporation - Braille-Tac™ Division

MR – MANUFACTURER

The Braille-Tac™ Division of Advance Corporation manufactures a product-line of architecturally designed interior/exterior way-finding sign systems and standard & custom ADA compliant signs. We distribute our products nationally on a wholesale basis through sign shops, contractors, and design build firms. Established in 1941, our manufacturing technologies and experience include chemical and mechanical machining (CAM) and custom metal, wood, and plastic fabrication of decorative interior/exterior way-finding systems. Our state of the art graphics and production capabilities as well as our wide array of materials and processes enable us to manufacture standard and custom designed signs and plaques exactly to your specifications. We also offer design services, CAD, and compliance assistance. Advance Corporation was on the ANSI Accredited Standards Committee (A117) representing the ARA trade association for over four years.

We are active with the following organizations:

Construction Specification Institute (CSI)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Awards and Recognition Association (ARA)
International Sign Association (ISA)
Society of Environmental Graphic Designers (SEGD)
United States Sign Council (USSC)

Magnesium (Chemcast™) ADA products have been evaluated and certified by the American Foundation of the Blind. In their opinion, Chemcast™ products “meet the technical specifications as outlined in Section 4.30 and Section A4.30 of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.” (American Foundation of the Blind, NY, NY)

Chemcast™ signs are one piece magnesium metal signs in which all components are integral. Characters and Braille are produced on film, which is placed on the photosensitive sheet of magnesium and exposed to a special light source. The exposed photosensitive image on the magnesium is then developed and chemically machined with acid to create raised and recessed areas on the metal plate. The plate is trimmed to size and decorated to the designer’s specifications using the highest quality graffiti resistant, thermal-set, acrylic polyurethane finish.

PP – PRODUCT PRESENTATION

Magnesium (Chemcast™) one-piece metal signs with raised copy and/or Braille.

Features:

24 standard colors, custom color matching is available
40 standard sizes, custom sizes are available
Rectangular and shaped signs up to 22" x 35"
Variety of material thickness (.064", .098", .153", and .250")
Capable of being machined
One piece construction
Raised characters
Raised, compliant, domed Braille cells

Benefits:

10-15 working days for production
ADA compliant
Easy to clean
Graffiti remover resistant
Indoor & outdoor rated
Lightweight
Recyclable material

Available standard sizes:

2" x 3"	2 1/4" x 4 1/4"	3" x 3"	4" x 4"	6" x 12"
2" x 4"	2 1/2" x 5 1/4"	3" x 4"	4" x 6"	7" x 7"
2" x 6"	2 1/2" x 4"	3" x 6"	4" x 8"	7" x 9"
2" x 7"	2 1/2" x 6"	3" x 8"	4" x 10"	8" x 8"
2" x 8"	2 1/2" x 8"	3" x 10"	4" x 12"	8" x 9"
2" x 10"	2 1/2" x 10"	3" x 12"	6" x 6"	9" x 9"
2" x 12"	2 1/2" x 12"	3" x 14"	6" x 8"	10" x 10"
2" x 14"	2 1/2" x 14"	3 1/4" x 3"	6" x 9"	12" x 12"

Additional sizes and shapes are available up to 22" x 35".

Magnesium (Chemcast™) sheet sizes and thickness:

22" x 35" x .064"
22" x 35" x .098"
22" x 35" x .153"
22" x 35" x .250"

Custom manufacturing capabilities include but are not limited to various shapes, sizes, combinations of color, thickness, dimension, fabrication, and decorating techniques. Advance Corporation’s 62 plus years of industry experience combined with our numerous manufacturing technologies makes us a national leader in the industry. Chemcast™ products should be specified for any of the following types of facilities, but are not limited to Educational, Governmental, Corporate, Industrial, Hospitality, Health Care, and Sports Facilities. Other applications include industrial machinery panels, ATM faceplates, and recognition/dedication plaques.

UA – USES AND APPLICATIONS

Magnesium (Chemcast™) products are used as both interior and exterior way-finding sign systems for ADA compliant and decorative signs. Chemcast™ products can be manufactured to meet all ADA Federal and State codes. We also provide standard and/or custom color matching services.

Magnesium (Chemcast™) Mechanical Series Signs:

Perfect for rooms that require both permanent and temporary identification, mechanical signs are functional and attractive. Chemcast™ signs can be manufactured with tactile/Braille characters which designate the room's permanent identification, while a variety of windows and sliding doors allow you to change the room's temporary identification quickly and easily. Unlike other modular units, our signs are machined, making the one-piece sign durable enough to withstand heavy use. With our assortment of styles and sizes, you will be sure to find a mechanical sign to meet your needs. Contact the factory for shop drawings for our Mechanical Chemcast™ series signs.

Completed Projects:

American Foundation of the Blind (Massachusetts)
Dallas Convention Center (Texas)
Georgia Tech University (Georgia)
Insignia ESG Properties (Various National Locations)
Kamehameah Bishop School (Hawaii)
Loyola University (Illinois)
Mall of America (Minnesota)
Perkins School for the Blind (New York)
Sea World (Florida)
Safeco Stadium – Seattle Mariners (Washington)
Outrigger Waiakola Hotel (Hawaii)
Universal Studios Theme Parks (California)

OP – PRODUCT IN PLACE

Magnesium (Chemcast™) products are manufactured to withstand both interior and exterior conditions where heavy traffic can be an issue (for example, elevator panels, elevator door jambs, and directional signage). Products are mounted per ADA requirements on any constructed surface.

The National Fire Protection Association 480 publication: Storage, Handling, and Processing of Magnesium, 1987 Edition, Article B, Section B-5 states the following: “Magnesium is widely used in the construction of household appliances, furniture, office equipment, portable tools, luggage, automobiles, buildings, machine parts and engines, and structural members of airplanes.” Magnesium has a flash point of approximately 1200 degrees and is rated as a Class D material by the NFPA.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

ASTM D 523-89 Standard Test Method for Spectacular Gloss
ASTM D 2244-89 Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Colored Coordinates.
ASTM G 53-91 Standard Practice for Operating Light and Water Exposure Apparatus (Florescent UV Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials.

Weatherability:

When tested in accordance with ASTM G53, after 500 hours in Weatherometer (equivalent to approximately 3 years exterior exposure) shows gloss retention not less than 88.0 determined in accordance with ASTM D 523 at a 60 degree angle. Color shall not change more than 1.68 units determined in accordance with ASTM D 2244 and measured with a Hunter Colorimeter, Model D25.

Durability:

Sign finish shall show no effect after repeated use of cleaners such as Graffiti Remover #1120 manufactured by Fine Organics Corp., Lodi, NJ.

AI – ASSEMBLY and INSTALLATION

Factory made and site installed by Contractor. Installation instructions are available. Installation is compatible with Federal and State code requirements. Mount Chemcast™ ADA signs in accordance with State and Federal codes. Manufacturers recommended adhesives include: 3M 444 film, 3M 4416 foam, or 3M VHB 9473 film, 3M VHB 4930 foam, and 3M VHB 4950 foam. For applications that require vandal proof screws, please contact the factory for shop drawings that display suggested placement and options.

CP – COMPONENTS and PARTS

Magnesium (Chemcast™) signs are manufactured from magnesium and decorated with baked-on acrylic polyurethane enamel paint. Optional and variable components include decorative framing units, holders and mechanical signs.

MF – MATERIALS and FINISHES

Magnesium (Chemcast™) is a lightweight magnesium material that is chemically milled and decorated to meet your design specifications. Our standard colors and finishes offer an eggshell/matte finish with a high color contrast when a light and a dark color combination are selected.

Paint Colors: (Matthews Acrylic Polyurethane)

Choose from 24 baked-on acrylic polyurethane enamel paints that are available for decorating Magnesium products. Custom color matching is available in our acrylic paint finish.

Standard Colors: choose one light and one dark color

220 Black	228 Cool Gray	236 Cobalt Blue
221 Dark Brown	229 Slate Green	237 Tan
222 Navy	230 Beige	238 Chocolate Brown
223 Royal Blue	231 Frost	239 Steel Blue
224 Bright Red	232A Classic White	240 Medium Bronze
225 Cranberry	233 Light Gray	241 Dark Bronze
226 Burgundy	234 Brilliant Gold	242 Copper
227 Teal 235	Brushed Aluminum	243 Alabaster

(Color chart is available upon request.)

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

ASTM D 523-89 Standard Test Method for Spectacular Gloss
ASTM D 2244-89 Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Colored Coordinates.
ASTM G 53-91 Standard Practice for Operating Light and Water Exposure Apparatus (Florescent UV Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials.

Weatherability:

TS – TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Magnesium (Chemcast™) products are specified by size, thickness, shape, specific text, decorative colors, and mounting method. Probable useful life - please see warranty below.

CC – CODES and CERTIFICATIONS

Magnesium (Chemcast™) products can be manufactured to comply with all Federal and State codes.

Warranty:

Advance Corporation will repair or replace any product returned for faulty material or workmanship for up to one year from date of invoice. Returns must be pre-authorized by the factory, shipped pre-paid and must be accompanied by the original invoice number. Limited warranty does not include the cost of removal, reinstallation or the cost for the transportation.Advance Corporation will not assume responsibility for damaged caused by careless handling, improper installation techniques, misuse, vandalism, or where repairs or alterations have been attempted by others. If invoice is not paid within manufacturers terms (net/30 from date of invoice), limited warranty will not apply.

ED – ENVIRONMENTAL and RECYCLING DATA

The National Fire Protection Association 480 publication: Storage, Handling, and Processing of Magnesium, 1987 Edition, Article B, Section B-5 states the following: “Magnesium is widely used in the construction of household appliance, furniture, office equipment, portable tools, luggage, automobiles, buildings, machine parts and engines, and structural members of airplanes.” Magnesium has a flash point of approximately 1200 degrees and is rated as a Class D material by the NFPA.

The signs are chemically milled magnesium and it is a natural organic metal. Magnesium is extracted from salt seawater and is a natural earth element. As part of the manufacturing, magnesium is chemically milled in a closed loop acid etching system. The EPA regulates the chemical etching of magnesium. Magnesium byproducts are recycled. Magnesium is recycled through scrap metal processors.

AC – AVAILABILITY and COST

Magnesium (Chemcast™) products can be obtained through Advance Corporation and other national competitors. Advance Corporation's production time is 10-15 working days upon receipt of approved specifications/submittals. Cost variables are in accordance with size, thickness, design, and amount of decorative colors per sign. Chemcast™ is a mid-range priced product compared to other materials in the industry.

OM – OPERATION and MAINTENANCE

Magnesium (Chemcast™) is a permanent installation and does not require any general maintenance. Individual replacement signs are available per project specification. When tested in accordance with ASTM G53, after 500 hours in Weatherometer (equivalent to approximately 3 years exterior exposure) shows gloss retention not less than 88.0 determined in accordance with ASTM D 523 at a 60 degree angle. Color shall not change more than 1.68 units determined in accordance with ASTM D 2244 and measured with a Hunter Colorimeter, Model D25.

The finish on a Magnesium (Chemcast™) product is not affected after repeated use of cleaners such as Graffiti Remover #1120 manufactured by Fine Organics Corp., Lodi, NJ.