As an alternative to swell paper and heat fuser to generate tactile graphics, computer-generated tactile graphics can be produced using 3D printing methods.

3D printing a graph directly onto paper using contrasting colour filament. Image courtesy of Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

These instructions will enable you to create a single layer tactile graphic (all one height) using a FDM 3D printer. Refer to the research paper by Barros, Correia & Texeira (2023) for further details.

1. 1. Prepare your image file. You can use any drawing software that you are most familiar with.
      1. Set the size of the image to match the size of your printing area.
      2. Design the image in a similar manner to a swell paper diagram:
         • Standard line thickness 2.25 point
         • Rounded corners
         • Braille font size 24-26 point
      3. Save as PNG format. If the software does not provide the option to save as PNG, convert it using a free tool like Inkscape.
   2. Prepare the paper. Braille paper works well as its thickness means that it does not bend too much after printing.
      1. If adding print labels for sighted/low vision users, do this now.
      2. Cut the paper to the size of the build plate.
   3. Secure the paper to the build plate
      1. Bulldog clips are a quick and easy method for securing the paper to the build plate and they do not cause damage. The more the better!
      2. If the paper is thicker than 180gsm, the build plate height may need to be adjusted.
   4. Convert the 2D .png image to a 3D .stl file.
      OPTION 1: Import the .png file directly into Cura.
      1. Specify that black areas should be raised
      2. Choose a maximum height that is equal to your initial layer height. 0.25mm is recommended.
      3. Set the base height at 0 so that the image will print directly onto the paper

OPTION 2: If your slicer does not accept image files, use the Cowlicks automated tool.

1. 1. 1. Go to https://cowlicks.github.io/
      2. Upload your .png image
      3. Check and download the resultant .stl file
   5. Slice.
      1. Ensure that the print size is the same as the original image size.
      2. Check the maximum height of the initial layer in your slicer. 0.25mm is recommended.
      3. Build plate adhesion type should be set to “none”.
   

   3D printing a tactile graphic using black filament on white paper. Image courtesy of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

   6. Print
      1. For best results, use a flexible filament that will not peel off the page when it is bent. TPU filament works well. PET-G and nylon are other good options. However, note that flexible filaments work best on printers with a feed mechanism close to the print head. Ultimaker printers are not recommended for this type of filament.
      2. Use clear filament if you are 3D printing on top of an ink printed image, otherwise use a high contrast colour to assist users who have low vision.

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   Last updated: June 3, 2024 at 15:47 pm