Arizona ITE/IMSA Spring Conference

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State of the MarketDigitally Printed Traffic Signs

Presented by

Jay H. ThorpeSouthwest Regional Manager

Avery Dennison Reflective Solutions.

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● We’ve discussed the benefits for the last 4-5 years

● Efficient short-run production

● Efficient multi-color production

● Continuous technology improvements

Benefits of Digital Printing

But there are specification hurdles for Agencies:

● Is it the same sheeting?

● What inks are warranted?

● What printers are warranted?

● Do the finished signs meet color and retro specs?

● The difference between CMYK and Spot colors?

Hurdles for Agencies

We’ve been discussing solutions to these question for a few years:

● The technology is moving too fast for current DOT testing/qualification procedures

○ 3-year outdoor evaluation vs. equipment technology that is changing every year

● How can my staff tell the difference between a digital sign and screen-printed sign?

● How can I determine if my digital printed sign was made with the correct components? (substrate, ink, overlay film, EQUIPMENT, TECHNICIAN/OPERATOR)

Bigger Hurdles for Agencies(testing and compliance questions)

● Who do I call for warranty issues?

● How do I assure compliance with the multiple avenues of signs entering our system?

○ In house sign shop (for maintenance)

○ Procurement contracts for stock

○ Construction Projects

■ GC - Sub contractor - fabricator (who you are not contracted with)

● The pool of companies that can make a highway sign is a lot larger with digital printing

○ Large format screen printing (is a small group)

○ Digital printing (is a huge group)

Bigger Hurdles for Agencies(testing and compliance questions)

● This is why the ATSSA Sign Committee created this guide.

Prohibition on digital printing does NOT give you the answers nor compliance to the questions above

Digital guide developed by ATSSA Sign committee

Collaboration of:(4) Sheeting Manufacturers(18) Sign Fabricators & Providers(2) Public Agencies

● Digital Printing

● WA DOT’s Approach - how they answer many of the questions above

● Certification Programs (Sheeting Manufacturer)

● Certification Programs (Sign Fabricator)

● The importance of sections 6 and 7 in guide for compliance

● Question/Answer session

Agenda

WA DOT’s Approach● Why it was important to include digital

○ Not addressing digital is a risk

○ Should be at least as good as before

○ Waste

○ Graphics on signs – labor and durability

○ By ignoring it, you’re just allowing cheating

● How WA DOT approached the task

○ A specification that is adoptable

○ If you have A, B, C, & D you are good to go

● Requirements

● Enforcement

● Annual Certification from Sheeting Manufacturer

WSDOT’s Standard Specification 9-28.10 – Digital Printing

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M41-10/Division9.pdf page 178 of 294 (9-178).

WA DOT’s Approach

● Plotter printers specifically designed for traffic sign fab.

● Highly engineered, categorizing them a “component”

● Components and fabrication critical to performance, safety, liability, and warranty

● With equipment, reiterative improvements are expected

● Staying abreast as an end-user buying finished signs

Digital Printing

● Certifications are meant to protect stakeholders

○ Low bid, but agencies want to maintain performance integrity

○ Reputable shops want fair competition

○ Sign failures are first associated with sheeting manufacturers

● Easy process, with most of the burden on manufacturer

○ Training and validation at install

○ Regular validation of end-result

○ Annual recertification

Certification Programs (manufacturer)

● Why fabricators should become certified

● How fabricators can promote their certification

● The certification process

● Importance of smooth operations

Certification Programs (fabricator)

● Sections 1-5 cover component/material questions

● Section 6 & 7 cover the compliance assurance questions

ATSSA Digital Guide

Guide Section 6CERTIFIED DIGITAL SIGN FABRICATIORSign fabricators using digital imaging methods to produce regulated traffic signs must be certified by the reflective sheeting manufacturer whose materials are used to produce the delivered signs. Certified sign fabricators must undergo an audit process by the sheeting manufacturer to ensure they have the proper equipment, manufacturing capabilities, manufacturing application processes and the materials required to fulfill the sheeting manufacturer’s warranty obligations. Sign fabricators must re-certify annually with reflective sheeting manufacturers or utilize a 3rd party certifier approved by the reflective sheeting manufacturer. Purchasing agency shall require proof of Sign Fabricator Certification with the execution of a PO or construction contract for signs.

Guide Section 7DATE TAGGING SIGNS WITH PERTINENT INFORMATIONThe agency purchasing traffic sign (Via PO or construction contract) shall require that all signs be date-tagged with the following 2 components:

Date Tags on back of signTags shall have the following information and be fabricated with material and printing system that is as durable as the warranted sign.Name of Sign FabricatorDate the sign was fabricated (month and year)Process that was used for sign fabrication (screen printed, digital printed, cut vinyl)Supplier of sheeting that was used for fabricating the sign.

Border Date

The month and year (mm/yyyy) of sign fabrication shall be printed in the border of the sign in 3/8” sans serif font.Border date shall be printed with the same warranted printed system as the sign face. The date should be printed in the locations indicated below unless otherwise specified:

Thank You

Questions?