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 the Guidelines for Producing Accessible 3D Prints at its annual conference in May 2024. They are now available for download in print and braille.
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
- 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
- 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
- Accessibility of 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 [email protected].
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.
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