Most 3D printing software and equipment has been designed without accessibility in mind. However, there are some options for people who are blind or have low vision and who want to print or create their own 3D models.

Quick links: Selecting a 3D model; Designing a 3D model; Using a 3D Printer; Return to the 3D printing guidelines overview.

The 3D-Printing-Access listserv on groups.io is highly recommended as a place to ask questions and learn more about all aspects of 3D printing by people with print disabilities.

Selecting a 3D model

When selecting existing models to print, databases of 3D models specifically for touch readers are the best place to search, as listed in 3D model repositories for people with print disabilities. If available, it is always advisable to read any comments from the maker and people who have printed the model to help determine whether the model is suitable.

Refer to Where to find 3D printing designs for further sources.

Designing a 3D model

3D design software for use by people with low vision

Makers Empire is a 3D design software from an Australian company who have incorporated suggestions to make their software more accessible. Text-to-speech is incorporated and a limited braille font is included. Makers Empire has been used successfully by the South Australian School & Services for Vision Impaired (SASSVI) to run a 3D design program with students with low vision.

3D design software for use by people who are blind

OpenSCAD is a free open source online software for creating 3D designs. It is accessible because it is script-based, however this also means that some basic programming knowledge is required for its use. NVDA is the best screen reading software to use with OpenSCAD. Alternatively, the code can be written in a more familiar environment such as Notepad, with OpenSCAD used simply for rendering:

1. Write the code and copy the text to the clipboard.
2. Open OpenSCAD and press Ctrl-N to open a new editor.
3. Paste the text into the editor.
4. Press F6 to render the file. The program will chime if rendering was successful.
5. Press F7 to export the model as an STL file.

OpenJSCAD is essentially the same as OpenSCAD but it used JavaScript programming syntax. Furthermore, OpenJSCAD can be used online. Researchers at the University of Marburg have developed open source software which is paired with OpenJSCAD and a Falcon Haptic Device to provide audio and haptic feedback for blind 3D modelers. Software downloads and instructions are provided at https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb12/research-groups/grafikmultimedia/research/haptic_mesh_inspection.

Checking a 3D design

Regardless of the method of production, checking the model before printing is an important step. Some suggested methods are:

• Take a screenshot and produce it as a tactile graphic, for example using swell paper, embossing or a refreshable tactile display.
• 3D print just a single layer (a slice through the model).
• Take a picture of the design and have it described by AI such as ChatGPT or Seeing AI.
• ShapeShift is a dynamic pin display that can be paired with OpenSCAD to preview models as they are being created, allowing users who are blind to check and modify their designs before printing.
• Open source software paired with OpenJSCAD and a Novint Falcon Haptic Device to provide audio and haptic feedback for blind 3D modelers.

Conversion of a drawing or clay model into a digital 3D model

Another option is to convert from drawings or models created by a blind person into a 3D computer model that can be 3D printed at any size and with durable materials. Some options include:

• Students with a print disability draw the object from four sides and a sighted teacher manually translates their drawing into a 3D printable model.
• Converting a greyscale picture to 3D, as described in Converting from 2D.
• 3D scanning is a more complex process. Begin with a physical sculpture created by the blind maker using modelling clay, blocks or similar. Smartphone apps are available to take a series of images of the sculpture from all angles. This is best done in even light, keeping the camera an equal distance from the object and making sure that the whole object fits in the frame. Note that the resultant 3D file may need further editing before it is able to be 3D printed. Sighted assistance is likely to be needed for the processes of scanning and editing, which may not be accessible for people with print disabilities.

Using a 3D printer

Most 3D printers use an LCD display for operation, however some allow remote printing, making them more accessible for blind users.

Slicing and printing

The following software are recommended at the time of writing:

• Simplify3d (paid) is the most highly recommended slicer as it is much more accessible than other options. Many of the controls and labelled and rotating models, resizing, etc. can be achieved by typing values.
• Slic3r is a free option with some functions accessible using a screen reader, including orienting the 3D model on the print bed by typing in values.
• Octoprint is an Open Source web interface that can be used with most 3D printers. It can be used as a slicer; to monitor, start, pause and stop prints; and to control other printer functions such as temperature, changing filaments, levelling the bed, etc.

When slicing, it is recommended to always use supports in case of unexpected overhangs. Select a support type using organic or tree-like structures that are obvious to feel and easy to break away.

The following 3D printers have been used successfully by blind makers:

• Prusa 3D printers have a sound assist mode that plays a beep when you land on an item and when you reach the top/bottom of a menu as you turn a physical click knob. It is possible to memorize the menu items (or list them beside the printer) and then count to select the desired item using the physical click knob. Prusa Connect is a cloud service for controlling the printer, including uploading and starting prints.
• AnkerMake 3D printers have a touchscreen that can be used by adding a template over the screen. The printer beeps with every action on the touchscreen and the printer beeps when it is ready and when it is finished. The iOS app is mostly accessible but the desktop software is not.
• The Bambu P1P and P1S have buttons rather than a touchscreen and are compatible with Simplify3D slicing software.

Monitoring a 3D print

FDM prints in progress can be supervised non-visually by sound or touch:

• Loose filament tends to move around on the plate, making a high-pitched ticking sound that indicates a printing error.
• Raised corners due to adhesion problems cause a scraping sound when the nozzle passes over that area.
• Depending on the printer, the filament spool may make a noise as it turns, confirming that there is no blockage.
• The filament can be touched as it enters the feed tube to check that it is moving.
• It is safe to pause the print and touch the partially completed model. If well familiarised with the printer, adults may check a print in progress by using one hand to track where the print head is working and the other hand to gently touch a part of the model that is not currently being printed. However, it is generally best not to touch the printing area as the nozzle is extremely hot, the printing head can be easily moved and oils on the skin can interfere with adhesion.

---

Last updated: June 3, 2024 at 16:46 pm