Examining visually impaired people’s embossed dots graphics with a 3D printer: Physical measurements and tactile observation assessments

Abstract

Objective and significance: This study examines embossed dots graphics produced with a 3D printer. Tactile graphics are materials created for the purpose of providing graphical information to visually impaired people. They are usually made with a braille embosser as embossed dots graphics. Using 3D printing to produce tactile graphics has two benefits. First, tactile graphics made with a 3D printer retain the advantages that literally solid models are hard to achieve. Namely, they are (1) limited in volume and can thus be easily stored (2) can be compiled into books and communicate content that is closely tied to written information. The second is the ability to make use of our cumulative assets in tactile graphics production: techniques and production tools.