News, American Thermoform, Assistive technology for the blind

ATC HISTORY

In 1961, Robert H. Dasteel, then owner of American Thermoform Corporation (ATC), developed the thermoform duplicator for the purpose of providing a means for schools, government agencies and organizations to produce Braille.

At that time, the thermoforming of Brailled material was a revolutionary concept and immediately embraced by the blind community.

The procedure was a simple one. Using Brailon®, ATC’s specially formulated plastic-like paper; blind students using a master copy could produce one sheet of Braille at a time creating pages of homework and graphics. Many ATC customers even now recall using thermoform duplicators in the classroom.

Gary S. Nunnelly purchased ATC from Bob Dasteel in 1985. It was at about this time that the industry was beginning to change. Braille Embossers were now being shown at conferences, and though still not 100 percent reliable, they began to take hold.

These Embossers, for the most part, required the use of continuous form Braille paper. Just as when Dasteel saw the need for Braille production, Nunnelly saw and filled the need for Braille Embossing paper. ATC began manufacturing Braille paper in standard and letter size formats. Customers had the choice of plain (with tractor pin holes only), or with 19 extra holes for easy binding. This was the first of several innovative moves ATC would initiate in the ensuing years.

In addition to filling paper requirements, ATC also developed a continuous type of labeling material named Embossables. This material enhanced the paper line, which now included Braille Paper (Final Edit) for printers, Braillables and Perkins paper for use in both Perkins Braillers and other Braille Writers. This was all in keeping with the ATC mission of providing the best in equipment, paper and supplies to the blind market.

ATC is not a forms company with interests outside of Braille production. This is not a Johnny-Come-Lately type of business. ATC’s roots go back many years and to many long-term customers, some of which still use, purchase, and swear by our thermoform machines.

Braillo’s production printers were added to ATC’s product line nearly 20 years ago. These interpoint printers are well known, with the 200 making its mark as the best in its field both here and abroad. Information and specifications on these and all of our other printers can be found on our website.

Patrick N. Nunnelly, son of owner Gary S. Nunnelly, joined ATC in 2007. As a graduate of USC, a family tradition, Patrick is looking forward to an active role with the Company that began nearly 50 years ago, and is still the leader in Braille production printers, Braille paper, supplies, and customer service.

Braille embossing paper • Continuous form Braille paper • Brailon paper for thermoform machines • Swellform Graphics for tactile images • Thermoform machines for Braille reproduction • Label paper used in Perkins Braillers • Braille paper used in Perkins Braillers • Braille/print using one machine • Swelltouch paper for tactile images