The American Thermoform thermoform machines—EZ-Form Brailon® Duplicators and Maxi-Form Brailon® Duplicators—are used to accurately reproduce braille and tactile graphics. These machines allow consistent, cost-effective duplication from a single master, supporting both educational and production environments.
Both models are designed for safe, reliable operation while delivering consistent, high-quality results.
How the Thermoforming Process Works
The process begins with a master containing the braille or tactile graphic to be reproduced.
A sheet of Brailon® is placed over the master and secured. Heat and pressure are applied, forming the material precisely over the raised surfaces. Within seconds, the formed sheet is removed, producing an accurate and durable duplicate.
The process is fast, repeatable, and maintains the detail of the original master.
EZ-Form vs. Maxi-Form
Both the EZ-Form and Maxi-Form Brailon® Duplicators use the same thermoforming process and produce consistent, high-quality braille and tactile graphics.
The primary difference is forming size:
- EZ-Form – suited for standard-size materials and everyday use
- Maxi-Form – larger forming area for maps, charts, signage, and higher-volume output
This allows organizations to match forming capacity to their production requirements.
What Is Brailon®?
Brailon® is a material developed specifically for thermoforming. It has been used for decades to produce durable braille and tactile graphics with consistent detail.
Brailon® provides:
- a matte surface that supports readability
- moisture resistance
- a non-toxic composition suitable for classroom use
- durability for repeated handling
These properties allow accurate duplication while maintaining long-term performance.
Common Applications
Thermoforming is used wherever durable, repeatable tactile output is required.
Common applications include:
- tactile maps and diagrams
- educational materials and teaching aids
- braille document duplication
- charts, graphs, and signage
- recipe cards
A single master can be reused multiple times, allowing consistent reproduction across each copy.
Final Thoughts
EZ-Form and Maxi-Form Brailon® Duplicators provide a reliable method for reproducing braille and tactile graphics with accuracy and consistency.
By combining speed, durability, and repeatable output, thermoforming remains a critical part of producing accessible materials across education and production environments.