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Welcome to the tactile graphics wiki! If you're looking for instructions on how to 3d print tactile diagrams, you've come to the right place. This wiki contains research and materials relating to generating single layer 3D prints for blind and VI readers. Feel free to contribute and join our slack channel! Everything here is licensed open source, even though you are not required to, please include a link or citation to our wiki or GitHub page if you use any of our work and contribute your results back to the project.
- How to print tactile diagrams
- Simulink model to 3d printed tactile diagram
- PDF to 3d printed tactile diagram
- Printing Tips
- Design considerations for creating a tactile-graphic diagram
- Adding Braille to tactile graphics
- BANA standards for tactile graphic see Best practices for creating a tactile-graphic diagram under the Tips and Tricks section of the wiki for an indepth discussion and distillation of the aforementioned.
- BANA standards for braille sizing and spacing
- TODO: List other resources (e.g., organizations, examples, guides) here.
Currently, tactile graphics can be produced uniformly with one of several methods: micro-encapsulated (swell) paper, embossing and vacuum forming machines. While each method has a set of unique advantages and disadvantages, they all have two things in common, they are costly and specialized. Each machine is designated for making tactile graphics or embossed materials and cost anywhere from $1,394.99 for a Swell paper forming machine with each graphic costing $1.25 to $2.46 to more than $4000 for a new embosser. Currently, one can purchase a 3D printer for less than $250 online as well, 3D printers are already being utilized for a variety of different tasks in most modern academic environments and many professional environments. As 3D printers have become cheaper and more widespread, it is important to begin exploring them as a viable alternative to costly embossers and swell paper heating equipment.
There has been exploration into 3D printing objects for blind and VI readers, however these objects are multilayered and usually take a large amount of time and plastic to produce. Using a paper substrate and single layer printing technique, we cut the cost and time to less than 5 cents and 1 hour with most graphics taking less than 10 minutes and costing less than 1 cent. As well, using a single layer technique does not require 3D design skills. When we specify 3D printed tactile graphics we are referring to single layer prints not 3D printed objects.
3D printed tactile graphics also allow for more design opportunities than embossed or swell graphics. One is not limited to certain line/area widths or colors. Theoretically, any color of plastic could be printed on any color of paper in any shape or size. This allows for tactile graphics to be made for students who are still using their vision to access learning media.
Preliminary testing has also demonstrated that 3D printed tactile graphics have just as good if not better longevity than swell paper and embossed graphics. Using the information contained in this wiki, one can 3D print a tactile graphic that adheres strongly on paper and does not come off even after repeated use and flexing.
- Determine efficient and user friendly process to generate tactile graphics for 3d printing
- Limit design tools to current tactile graphics toolset so user does not need to know how to design 3d models and can get by with minimal understanding of 3d printing
- Determine robust 3D printer slicer settings for tactile graphic and braille generation
- Determine design parameters and best practices for 3D printed tactile graphics.
- Explore and collect feedback on pros and cons of 3D printed tactile graphic generation in comparison to current most used methods (swell paper and embossed tactile graphics)
Chris Correll - assistive technology teacher at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, maker @correll_design, and electrical engineer
Tyler Smith - research scientist at Adventium Labs, author, snowboarder, and mountain biker. Github smithdtyler.
Jim Allan - Accessibility Coordinator, former teacher, Space Camp (SCIVIS) attender (25+ years), tinkerer.
Todd Carpenter - chief engineer at Adventium Labs, rockets, and horses
Wesley Callahan - 3D printer guru
Craig E Moore
Sue O'Brien