About American Thermoform

American Thermoform Corporation (ATC) was founded in 1962 with the introduction of a revolutionary product – the Thermoform 55 Brailon Duplicator, also known as the “Thermoform machine”. The Thermoform machine and its specially formulated sheeting material (Brailon), allowed users to create multiple copies of braille in a remarkably quick manner. Prior to the introduction of this product, braille documents were produced one sheet at a time using a Perkins Brailler or slate and stylus.

The Thermoform machine was distributed worldwide, and customers realized it could be used for more than just braille reproduction; it could also be used to produce durable tactile graphics. The Thermoform machine enabled braille textbooks and reading materials to became available at a low cost to the blind and visually impaired community across the world. With upgrades over the years, the Thermoform machine remains the most reliable, cost effective way to produce both copies and originals of braille and tactile graphics.

As high tech, computer-based braille embossers / braille printers were introduced, ATC kept up with these changing times. We developed a specialized braille paper and plastic labeling material that could enhance this new technology. We continue to offer the highest quality and affordably priced braille paper and braille labels, and are the largest worldwide producer of both products.

In addition to the consumables side of the braille business, ATC is also the parent company of Braillo Norway.  Braillo is the manufacturer of the finest production/commercial braille embossers in the industry. ATC sells, supports and maintains these machines across North America, and Braillo has dedicated distributors and support centers throughout the world.  Please visit https://www.braillo.com to learn more about Braillo.

Realizing the importance of tactile graphics in an educational setting, ATC wanted to provide customers with a complimentary product to our Thermoform machine. ATC is also the parent company of Zychem Limited – manufacturer of the Swell Form machine and Swell Touch paper, an award winning and innovative system that opened up a new world of tactile teaching materials for the blind and visually impaired.  Please visit https://www.zychemltd.com to learn more about Zychem and their products.

Since 1962, ATC has pursued one primary goal: to develop and provide quality, affordable products to enrich the lives of the blind and visually impaired. This remains ATC’s goal today and for the future.