Braille Signage Printing Guide

Device: MO-240 with V-BOND Ink
Roland DGA Corporation

Overview of Process

This guide provides detailed instructions for printing ADA-compliant Braille signage using the Roland MO-240 printer with V-BOND ink. The steps include both file preparation and printer setup to ensure proper Braille dot height and spacing, along with optimal print quality.

Process Summary:

1.       1. File Preparation in Adobe Illustrator

2.       2. Set Media Height on the MO-240

3.       3. Load Files into VersaWorks

4.       4. Configure Print Settings

5.       5. Print Using Grouped Jobs

Step 1: File Preparation in Adobe Illustrator

1. Create a new document (e.g., 8” x 8”) in Illustrator.

2. Add the tactile text (uppercase, sans serif, min. 5/8” height). Place no less than 1” above the bottom of the artboard.

3. Duplicate the text box and paste directly below the original, 3/8” to 1/2” below.

4. Change the font of the second text line to 'Braille Normal'.

5. Set the Braille font size to 24pt and line spacing to 29pt.

6. Ensure all Braille is lowercase unless representing proper names, acronyms, or part of a number.

7. Add graphics only to the top 6” of the sign if needed.

8. Save the file as a High-Quality PDF.

Step 2: Set Media Height on MO-240

1. Secure media on the flatbed and press [PAUSE/VACUUM].

2. Close front cover and press [SETUP].

3. Adjust height using [UP] or [DOWN] until gap sensor is just above material.

4. Add 0.040” to this height to allow for embossed layering.

5. Press [ENTER] to confirm setup.

Step 3: Load Files in VersaWorks

1. Load the signage file twice if doing color print with Braille.

2. Load the file three times if producing clear Braille with no color.

3. Use the file: Training Room 6x6 CMYK WH GL.pdf

Step 4a: Print Settings – Color Braille

Pass 1: Matte Embossing (7 Overprints)

 - Media Type: Special Effects

 - Mode: Matte Embossing (v)

 - Quality: Standard, Uni-Directional, Nearest Neighbor

 - Halftone: Dither

 - Check: Generate Special Color

Pass 2: White > CMYK

 - Media Type: Generic

 - Mode: White > CMYK (v) 12p, 720x900 dpi

 - Halftone: Dither

Step 4b: Print Settings – Clear Braille

Pass 1: Embossing (4 Overprints)

Pass 2: Embossing (3 Overprints)

Pass 3: White > CMYK

Use same quality settings as Step 4a with updated overprint counts.

Summary: Design & Print Standards

- Raised characters and Braille required for room identification

- Non-glare finish with high contrast

- 6” pictogram field; Sans Serif uppercase characters only

- Text height: 5/8”–2”, with 1/8” spacing

- Minimum 3/8” margin around tactile/Braille elements

- Braille height: 0.025”–0.038”; dot spacing: 0.09”–0.10”

- Grade 2 Braille required (use translation software)