3D printing is a consumer-level technology with the potential to revolutionise accessible formats production through the creation of tactile models that are more inclusive, engaging and easier to understand.

3D printers operate by printing one thin layer on top of another to create a 3-dimensional object. There are many types of printers and materials, but the most common and affordable use a heated nozzle to print with plastic.

Guidelines for 3D printing for touch readers

The Round Table launched its guidelines on producing accessible 3D prints at its annual conference in May 2024. These will be made available on this website for download in print and braille shortly.

This work was conducted  in collaboration with an ARC Linkage Project led by Monash University to investigate 3D printing for access to graphics by people who are blind or have low vision. Thanks are extended to members of the ANZAGG 3D printing group for their contributions to the guidelines.

An abbreviated version of the guidelines are also available online here as a living document that can be updated as 3D printing technologies and our knowledge about 3D printing accessibility progress.

• Organisational support for 3D printing as an accessibility format – NEW!
• When to use 3D printing for touch readers
• Where to find pre-existing 3D models for printing
• 3D printing design software
• Design considerations for 3D printed models for use by people who are blind or have low vision
• The 3D printing process – NEW!
• Other methods for creating 3D models
• Labelling 3D models
• Finishing – Preparing 3D prints for touch readers
• Understanding 3D models through touch
• 3D printing on paper to create tactile graphics
• 3D printing by people who are blind or have low vision

The guidelines constantly being updated in the form of a living document as 3D printing and our knowledge grows. Please contact us if you have suggestions for changes or improvements.

ANZAGG 3D printing group

The Australia and New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group has a working group for professionals involved in 3D printing for touch readers in Australia and New Zealand. We meet monthly by Zoom and share resources, ideas and progress through Microsoft Teams. If you are interested in joining, please contact leona.holloway@monash.edu.

When to use 3D printed models

3D printed models have several advantages over other formats for accessible graphics provision:

• 3D models are often easier to understand than 2.5D tactile graphics
• 3D printed models can be cheaper or easier to obtain than other models
• 3D models can provide touch access to objects that are otherwise too small, too large, too dangerous, too precious or too rare to be touched
• 3D models can also be valuable for sighted peers in an integrated classroom setting

However, there are also some limitations to 3D printing that should be kept in mind:

• 3D printed models can take up to a day to print
• size is limited on most 3D printers
• labelling is difficult on 3D models, meaning that objects usually require accompanying explanations

Refer also to our more in-depth exploration of when to use 3D printing for touch access.

3D printers

3D printers are available for use in some universities, schools and public libraries. A moderate level of technical expertise is required to use and maintain a 3D printer.

We recommend FDM printers, which use plastic filament on a reel, as these are affordable and should meet most of your needs. A heated print bed is highly recommended for FDM printers to assist with adhesion. FDM printers can range in price from around $500 to $5000, depending on build size, output quality and ability to be modified.

3D printing services

There are many options for 3D printing if you do not have your own printer. 

• CraftCloud provides quotes from a global network of providers.
• PrusaPrinters has a community website for 3D printer users around the world. It allows you to connect with individuals who can provide a print-on-demand service. Registration is required.
• NextSense are able to provide 3D prints for touch readers. They are a registered NDIS provider.
• See3D is a not-for-profit organisation providing volunteer 3D printing for touch readers. They are based in the US but can expand internationally.
• Some public libraries have 3D printers available for public use, charging by the hour. Check your local council website.
• Many schools have 3D printers. It may even be possible to request student designs.

Designing your own 3D models

Designing your own models for 3D printing can take anywhere from 5 minutes to a week, depending on complexity. Always look for a pre-existing model first!

Refer to our guidelines on 3D printing software for information on the different approaches to designing 3D models and what software to use.

A free braille font is available at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:74358 and can be used to create custom text via free OpenSCAD software.

Some things to keep in mind when designing a 3D model:

• Vertical heights should usually be reduced so that fingers can easily reach the base of a model. Around 5mm is sufficient for walls on a 3D floorplan.
• Pathways and gaps between objects should be large enough to allow exploration by the fingers. Around 5mm is a sufficient width for an indented road or pathway. A gap of at least 15mm is recommended for doorways.
• Braille prints much more smoothly on the side of objects.
• After printing, it is possible to add texture (for tactile distinction) or colour (for high contrast for people with low vision). Refer to our guidelines on finishing for suggested techniques.

Further resources

• Tactiles 3D Printing for VI European project with guidelines and repository of 3D models
• 3D printing for Education for students with a vision impairment, by DIAGRAM Center

Return to: ANZAGG main page

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With thanks to Monash University, the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching for assistance in development of this page. 

Last updated: September 3, 2024 at 21:59 pm