TACTILE GRAPHICS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED

PEOPLE USING 3D PRINTING

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by
AKASH R (310618114006)
DHANUSHKUMAR K (310618114022)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

EASWARI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, CHENNAI

(Autonomous Institution)
affiliated to

ANNA UNIVERSITY:: CHENNAI - 600025

MAY 2022

i
 EASWARI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, CHENNAI
(AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION)
AFFILIATED TO ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI 600025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “TACTILE GRAPHICS FOR VISUALLY

IMPAIRED PEOPLE USING 3D PRINTING” is the bonafide work of
“AKASH R (310618114006), DHANUSHKUMAR K (310618114022)” who
carried out the project work under my supervision.

Dr. M. VETRIVEL SEZHIAN, M.E, Ph. D Ms. K. K. NAGACHANDRIKA, M.E

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
Professor Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
Easwari Engineering College Easwari Engineering College
Ramapuram, Chennai 600089 Ramapuram, Chennai 600089

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Submitted for Semester Examination held on ____________

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

ii
 ABSTRACT

This project looks at using a 3D printer in order to provide useful

knowledge to people who are visually impaired. It aims at printing the tactile

graphics and braille language using 3D printing technology and also testing by

using different 3D printing materials on different types of paper. Conducting

surveys for visually impaired people to study the 3D printed tactile graphics

and collect the feedback. The primary aim of our project is to simplify the

learning process to provide better understanding of non-textual information

and to discover a new method of printing Braille language.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTERS TITLE NO.

ABSTARCT ii

LIST OF TABLES v

LIST OF FIGURES vi

SYMBOLS vii

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BRAILLE 1

1.1.1 BRAILLE STANDARDS 2

1.1.2 BRAILLE PUNCTUATION 5

1.1.3 EXPANDING THE CODE 6

1.2 3D PRINTING 7

1.2.1 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES 8

1.2.2 STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SL) 9

1.2.3 DIGITAL LIGHT PROCESSING (DLP) 10

1.2.4 JETTING 11

1.2.5 MATERIAL EXTRUSION (FDM) 12

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 1.2.6 SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING 13

1.2.7 SHEET LAMINATION 14

1.3 3D PRINTING MATERIALS 15

1.3.1 PLASTIC 15

1.3.2 POWDERED MATERIALS 16

1.3.3 RESIN 17

1.3.4 METAL 17

1.3.5 CERAMICS 18

1.4 TACTILE GRAPHICS 19

1.4.1 TACTILE TEACHING AID 19

1.4.2 3D PRINTED TACTILE TEACHING AID 20

1.5 INFERENCE 21

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION 22

2.2 LITERATURE SURVEY 22

2.3 INFERENCE 26

3 3D PRINTING COMPONENTS

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 3.1 PRINT MATERIAL 27

3.1.1 PLA (Polylactic Acid) 27

3.1.2 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) 28

3.1.3 PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) 28

3.2 PAPER MATERIAL 29

3.2.1 PRINTING PAPER 29

3.2.2 BOND PAPER 30

3.2.3 GLOSS COATED PAPER 30

3.2.4 CHART PAPER 31

3.3 3D PRINTER 31

3.3.1 SLICING SOFTWARE 34

3.4 INFERENCE 34

4 TESTING OF PRINT MATERIAL ON PAPER

4.1 INTRODUCTION 35

4.2 PLA (polylactic acid) 35

4.2.1 PLA ON A4 SHEET 35

4.2.2 PLA ON CHART PAPER 36

4.2.3 PLA: SAMPLE SURVEY (Chart paper) 37

4.3 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) 38

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 4.3.1 TPU ON GLOSS COATED PAPER 38

4.3.2 TPU ON BOND PAPER 39

4.3.3 TPU: SAMPLE SURVEY (Bond paper) 40

4.4 PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) 41

4.4.1 PETG ON BOND PAPER 41

4.5 INFERENCE 42

5 3D PRINTED TACTILE GRAPHICS

5.1 INTRODUCTION 43

5.2 3D MODEL OF TACTILE TEACHING AIDS USING 43

CRAFTWARE

5.3 3D PRINTED TACTILE GRAPHICS 45

6 FEEDBACK

6.1 FEEDBACK 48

7 CONCLUSION

7.1 CONCLUSION 49

REFERENCE 50

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 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE TITLE PAGE

NO. NO.

1.1 Specification 800, February 2008, Section 3.2 3

1.2 Braille specifications 4

1.3 Braille punctuation 5

3.1 Printer specification 33

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 LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE
NO.

1.1 Braille alphanumeric 2

1.2 Braille standards 4

1.3 Braille dots 5

1.4 Braille contractions (a) 6

1.5 Braille contractions (b) 6

1.6 Stereolithography 9

1.7 DLP 10

1.8 Binder jetting 11

1.9 Material jetting 11

1.10 FDM 12

1.11 SLS 13

1.12 Sheet lamination 14

1.13 Braille embossed dots on paper 19

1.14 Handmade tactile handouts 20

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2.1 (a) A teacher and student using a 3D printed 22
tactile map in the fifth grade of Seoul National
School for the Blind, (b) 3d printed Braille pattern,
(c)Tactile map, (d)3D printed ancient relic

2.2 Working of FDM 3D printer 23

2.3 3D printed medications having Braille and moon 24

patterns

2.4 3D printed tactile map 25

2.5 3D print (left image) of neuromuscular junction 25

slide (right image)

3.1 Bond paper 30

3.2 Gloss coated paper 30

3.3 Chart paper 31

3.4 ENDER-3 Pro 3D printer 31

3.5 Dimension of ENDER-3 Pro 32

3.6 Craftware slicing software 34

4.1 PLA on A4 sheet 35

4.2 PLA on chart paper (a) fruit, (b) tactile outline of 36

India, (c) arithmetic operators

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4.3 1st sample survey 37

4.4 TPU on gloss coated paper 38

4.5 TPU on bond paper (eye) 39

4.6 TPU on bond paper (elephant) 39

4.7 2nd sample survey 40

4.8 PETG on bond paper 42

5.1 3D Layout of study material (fruits) 43

5.2 3D Layout of study material (arithmetic operators) 44

5.3 STL file of study material (tactile map of India) 44

5.4 STL file of study material (arithmetic operators) 45

5.5 ENDER-3 Pro 45

5.6 3D Tactile graphics (Outline of Indian tactile map) 46

5.7 3D Tactile graphics (Body part – eye) 47

5.8 3D Tactile graphics (arithmetic operators) 47

6.1 Feedback of 3D printed tactile graphics 48

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BRAILLE
Braille is a touch-based universal reading and writing device used for the
visually impaired. It is made up of dots arranged to form letters, numbers, and
punctuation marks. Braille was named for its inventor, Louis Braille, a
Frenchman who lost his sight as an infant in an accident. As an improvement on
night printing, he created a code for the French alphabet in 1824, when he was
fifteen years old. In 1829, he released his method, which later included musical
notation. The second edition, published in 1837, developed the modern era's first
binary method of writing.

These characters are made up of rectangular blocks known as cells, which

have tiny bumps known as raised dots. The number and location of these dots
distinguishes one character from another. Since the various braille alphabets
began as transcription codes for written text, mappings (sets of character
designations) differ from language to language, even also within one; in English
Braille, there are three levels of encoding: Grade 1 consists of a letter-by-letter
transcription used for simple literacy; Grade 2 consists of the addition of
abbreviations and contractions; and Grade 3 consists of numerous non-standard
abbreviations and contractions.

Louis will be very proud to recognise that his invention has provided
reading to countless numbers of people over the years. As a result, blind people
will appreciate all the written word has to say just like anyone else. The influence
is extremely inspiring, assisting them in achieving success in school and in their
professions. Early braille instruction is critical for blind people's literacy,
education, and jobs. However, due to improvements in education policies and
screen reader applications, braille use has decreased in recent decades, despite the

fact that innovations like braille screens have made braille more available
and realistic.

1
 Braille cells aren't the only thing that can be used in braille text. There may
be embossed diagrams and tables, with lines that are solid or made up of a set of
larger-than-braille dots, arrows, bullets, and so on. A single braille cell has six
raised dots divided into two columns of three dots each. Numbers one through six
are used to identify the dot positions. There are 64 different variations, including
no dots for a word space. A cell may represent a letter, digit, punctuation mark,
or even a whole word.

Figure 1.1 Braille alphanumeric

1.1.1 BRAILLE STANDARDS

Any major braille-producing nation has guidelines for the scale and
placement of embossed braille on paper. The values outlined in the Library of
Congress's National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped's
Specification 800, "Braille Books and Pamphlets," have become the de facto
standard in the United States and Canada.

Specification 800 (Braille Books and Pamphlets), February 2008, Section

3.2 reads as follows:

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 Table 1.1 Specification 800, February 2008, Section 3.2
Section Size and Spacing

3.2.1 The nominal height of braille dots shall be 0.019 inches [0.48 mm]
and shall be uniform within any given transcription.

3.2.2 The nominal base diameter of braille dots shall be 0.057 inches [1.44
mm].

3.2.3 Cell spacing of dots shall conform to the following:

3.2.3.1 The nominal distance from centre to centre of adjacent dots

(horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally) in the same cell shall
be 0.092 inches [2.340 mm].

3.2.3.2 The nominal distance from centre to centre of corresponding

dots in adjacent cells shall be 0.245 inches [6.2 mm]

3.2.4 The nominal line spacing of braille cells from centre to centre of
nearest corresponding dots in adjacent lines shall be 0.400 inches
[1.000 cm].

The American National Standards Institute published similar standards in

“American National Standard: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities:
2003: Standard and Commentary” in 1998 and revised them in 2003. Again, the
proportions for braille characters intended for braille on signs are much greater
than those usually used for braille on paper, but in these standards, a variety of
sizes rather than a precise value is defined. Chapter 7: Communication Elements
and Features includes products for sharing knowledge to people who are deaf or

3
blind. Section 703 covers signage requirements, while Section 703.4 addresses
braille in general and Section 703.4-3 discusses braille specifications.

Table 1.2 Braille specifications

Measurement Range Minimum in Inches

Maximum in Inches

Dot Base Diameter 0.059 (1.5mm) to 0.063 (1.6mm)

Dot height 0.025 (0.6mm) to 0.037 (0.9mm)

Distance between two dots in the same 0.090 (2.3mm) to 0.100 (2.5mm)
cell

Distance between corresponding dots in 0.241 (6.1mm) to 0.300 (7.6mm)

adjacent cells

Distance between corresponding dots 0.395 (10.0mm) to 0.400 (10.2mm)

from one cell directly below

Figure 1.2 Braille standards

4
 The six dots are generally referred to by their location in the cell, which is
indicated by a number.

Figure 1.3 Braille dots

1.1.2 BRAILLE PUNCTUATION

In English Braille, the following basic punctuation marks are used:

Table 1.3 Braille punctuation

Comma Semicolon Apostrophe Colon Hyphen Decimal

point

Full stop Exclamation Open quote, Close Bracket Slash

point question quote
mark

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1.1.3 EXPANDING THE CODE

To make sentences shorter, Braille employs special characters such as

contractions. We use contractions like "don't" to shorten two words like "do" and
"not." There are 180 contractions in braille! Using these contractions saves paper,
which is important because braille books are far bigger and longer than print
books.

Some contractions represent a whole word. When the whole cell, for
example, is used as a contraction, it means "for." Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 form the
word "and," while dots 2, 3, 4, and 6 form the word "the."

Figure 1.4 Braille contractions (a)

Other contractions represent a set of letters inside a single word. The

contraction "ing" (dots 3, 4, 6) is used in the word "sing" and as an ending in the
word "playing" in the following example.

Figure 1.5 Braille contractions (b)

Aside from contractions, the braille code also incorporates short-form words,
which are abbreviated spellings of common longer words. In braille, the words
“tomorrow”, “friend” and “little” are spelled as “tm,”, “fr,” and “ll.” respectively.

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1.2 3D PRINTING

3D printing is a method of creating a real structure from a three-

dimensional digital model by laying down several successive thin layers of a
substance. It converts a digital object (its CAD representation) into a physical
object by inserting materials layer by layer.

A 3D printed object can be created using a variety of techniques. 3D

Printing introduces two basic innovations: the modification of materials in their
digital medium and the development of new forms by material inclusion.
Additive Manufacturing in conjunction with Digital Manufacturing

It is generally assumed that 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM)

has a high potential to become one of these innovations. The most fundamental
and distinguishing feature of 3D printing is that it is a form of additive
manufacturing. And this is crucial because 3D printing is a fundamentally new
production process built on modern technologies that makes up components
additively in layers at the sub-millimetre scale. This is radically different from all
other conventional production methods that are currently in use.

Traditional design and manufacturing processes place a range of

unacceptable restrictions on many uses, including the costly tooling, fixtures, and
the need for assembly for complicated components. Furthermore, subtractive
manufacturing processes such as machining will waste up to 90% of the original
material block. 3D printing, on the other hand, is a method of physically
constructing structures by

applying content layer by layer in a number of ways, based on the technologies

used.

3D printing is an enabling technology that promotes and stimulates

creativity by providing unparalleled design freedom while reducing prohibitive
costs and lead times. Components with complicated geometry and sophisticated

7
features can be produced at no additional expense to escape assembly
requirements. 3D printing also has an advantage of lighter and stronger
construction.

Smaller 3D printers, which were formerly the property of large, global

companies owing to the size and economics of buying a 3D printer, can now be
purchased for less than 75,000 rupees, which has made the technology available
to a much larger audience.

1.2.1 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) created a series of
guidelines that categorise additive manufacturing processes into six groups. They
are as follows:

1) Vat Photopolymerization

a) Stereolithography (SLA)

b) Digital Light Processing (DLP)

c) Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP)

2) Jetting Technique

a) Binder Jetting

b) Material Jetting

3) Material Extrusion

a) Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

b) Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

4) Powder Bed Fusion

a) Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

b) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

c) Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

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 5) Sheet Lamination

6) Directed Energy Deposition

1.2.2 STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SL)

Figure 1.6 Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SL) is generally regarded as the first 3D printing
technique, and it was undoubtedly the first to be commercialised. SL is a laser-
based process that uses photopolymer resins that react with the laser and cure to
form a solid in a very precise manner, resulting in very consistent components.
The photopolymer resin is stored in a vat with a movable platform inside, which
is a complicated operation. A laser beam is focused in the X-Y axes through the
surface of the resin in accordance with the 3D data supplied to the unit (the .stl
file), causing the resin to harden exactly when the laser strikes the surface. As the
coating is over, the platform inside the vat decreases by a fraction (in the Z axis),
and the laser traces out the next layer. This process is repeated until the whole
object is finished and the platform can be lifted out of the vat for removal. Many
items 3D printed with SL must be washed and cured as part of the post-processing
process.

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 Stereolithography is widely regarded as one of the most precise 3D printing
techniques, with excellent surface finish. However, the post-processing steps and
the stability of the materials over time are limiting factors.

1.2.3 DIGITAL LIGHT PROCESSING (DLP)

Figure 1.7 DLP

DLP, or digital light processing, is a 3D printing technique that uses
photopolymers, much like stereolithography. The primary distinction is the cause
of illumination. DLP employs a more traditional light source, such as an arc lamp,
in conjunction with a liquid crystal display panel or a deformable mirror system
(DMD), which is extended to the entire surface of the photopolymer resin vat in
a single pass, making it faster than SL.

DLP, like SL, produces highly precise parts with superior resolution, but it
still has the same standards for support systems and post-curing. However, one
benefit of DLP over SL is that only a shallow vat of resin is needed to enable the
operation, resulting in less waste and lower operating costs.

10
1.2.4 JETTING

Figure 1.8 Binder jetting

Binder jetting: It is a method in which the substance being jetted is a binder that
is selectively sprayed onto a powder bed of the component material to fuse it a
layer at a time in order to create/print the appropriate part. When a coating is
filled, the powder bed lowers incrementally and a roller or blade smooths the
powder over the surface of the bed prior to the next run of the jet heads with the
binder for the subsequent sheet to be shaped and fused with the previous layer, as
with most powder bed structures.

Material jetting:

Figure 1.9 Material jetting

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 A 3D printing method in which the real construction materials (in liquid or
molten form) are selectively jetted from several jet heads (with others
simultaneously jetting support materials). The fabrics, on the other hand, are
usually liquid photopolymers that are cured with a UV light transfer as each layer
is deposited.

1.2.5 MATERIAL EXTRUSION (FDM)

Figure 1.10 FDM

The most popular and visible 3DP process is extrusion of thermoplastic
content. Because of its durability, the most common name for the method is Fused
Deposition Modelling (FDM), although this is a trade name registered by
Stratasys, the corporation that invented it.

The procedure involves melting plastic filament, which is then deposited,

one layer at a time, onto a build platform using a heated extruder and the 3D data
provided by the printer. When it is deposited, each layer hardens and binds to the
previous layer.

For its FDM process, Stratasys has produced a number of patented

industrial grade materials that are suitable for certain production applications.
Materials are more restricted at the lower end of the market, although the selection

12
is expanding. ABS and PLA are the most common materials for low-cost FFF 3D
printers.

For any programme of overhanging geometries, the FDM/FFF processes

necessitate the use of support systems. For FDM, this involves the use of a
second, water-soluble substance that allows support systems to be washed away
reasonably quickly after the print is finished. Breakaway support materials, which
can be manually snapped off the component, are another option.

The FFF method yields far less reliable models at the entry-level, as can be
thought, but things are continuously improving.

For certain component geometries, the process can be long, and layer-to-
layer adhesion can be an issue, resulting in sections that are not watertight. Again,
Acetone post-processing will help to address these problems.

1.2.6 SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING

Figure 1.11 SLS

Laser sintering and 3D printing of powdered materials are synonymous
terms. The laser is traced in the X-Y axes over a powder bed of closely compacted
powdered material using 3D data fed into the system. When the laser interacts
with the surface of the powdered substance, it sinters, or fuses, the particles
together, forming a solid. When each coating is filled, the powder bed drops

13
incrementally, and a roller smooths the powder over the surface of the bed before
the next pass of the laser to shape and fuse the following layer to the previous
layer.

The build chamber is fully sealed since a precise temperature close to the
melting point of the powdered material of choice is needed during the process.
When done, the whole powder bed is removed from the unit, and the remaining
powder is removed, leaving only the ‘printed' bits. One of the primary benefits of
this procedure is that the powder bed acts as an in-process support system for
overhangs and undercuts, allowing complicated forms that would not be feasible
otherwise to be produced.

Parts made using this method are much better than those made with SL or
DLP, but the surface finish and precision are not as high in general.

1.2.7 SHEET LAMINATION

Mcor Technologies developed and manufactures Sheet Lamination, a
patented 3D printing technology. Using traditional copier paper, this 3D printing
technique builds parts layer by layer. Each new layer is adhered to the previous
layer with an adhesive that is added selectively based on the 3D data provided to
the system. This ensures that a much higher density of adhesive is placed in the
region that will become the component, and a much lower density of adhesive is
added in the surrounding area that will act as the reinforcement, allowing for
relatively quick "weeding" or support removal.

Figure 1.12 Sheet lamination

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1.3 3D PRINTING MATERIALS

Owing to the ease of processing and handling polymeric materials, 3D

printing has traditionally relied on polymers for printing. However, the process
has rapidly developed to print not only polymers but also metals and ceramics,
making 3D printing a flexible manufacturing choice.

1.3.1 PLASTIC
Plastic is the most commonly used raw material for 3D printing today.
Plastic is one of the most versatile fabrics for 3D-printed toys and home
furnishings. Plastic filaments are sold on spools and can have a matte or glossy
finish. They are available in transparent and vibrant colours, with red and lime
green being especially common.

FDM printers are often used to create plastic objects, in which

thermoplastic filaments are melted and formed into form layer by layer. Plastics
used in this process are usually made of one of the following materials:

● Polylactic acid (PLA): Polylactic acid, one of the most environmentally

friendly 3D printer materials, is derived from renewable sources such as
sugarcane and corn starch and is therefore biodegradable. Plastics made
from polylactic acid, which are available in soft and hard shapes, are
expected to dominate the 3D printing market in the coming years. Hard
PLA is the most durable and therefore more suitable substrate for a wider
variety of goods.

● Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): ABS is a common material for

home-based 3D printers because of its strength and protection. The content,
also known as "LEGO plastic," is made up of pasta-like filaments that give
ABS its firmness and versatility. ABS is available in a variety of colours,
making it ideal for items such as stickers and toys. ABS is becoming

15
 increasingly popular with crafters, and it is often used to produce jewellery
and vases.

● Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate, which is less often used than the

other plastic forms, can only be used in 3D printers with nozzle designs
and that run at high temperatures. Polycarbonate is used to produce low-
cost plastic fasteners and moulding trays, among other products.

● Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a

polyester-family thermoplastic polymer resin. It is made up of two
monomers and is found in nearly everything, from bottles to clothing. This
is the substance that is known to pollute our seas.

● Polyethylene terephthalate Glycol (PETG): PETG differs from PET in

one character, "G," which stands for Glycol, which is applied to the
substance. It is a transparent amorphous thermoplastic that strengthens and
extends the life of PET, resulting in the growth of PETG.

1.3.2 POWDERED MATERIALS

Powdered materials are used to make products in today's more advanced

3D printers. The powder is melted and deposited in layers within the printer until
the desired thickness, texture, and patterns are achieved. Powders may be derived
from a variety of sources and materials, but the most famous are:

● Polyamide (Nylon): Polyamide, because of its strength and stability,

enables high degree of detail on a 3D-printed object. The material is
particularly well suited for linking and interlocking parts in a 3D-printed
model. Polyamide is printed on everything from fasteners and handles to
toy cars and figures.

● Alumide: Alumide powder, which is made up of polyamide and grey

aluminium, produces some of the strongest 3D-printed versions. The
16
 powder, distinguished by its grainy and sandy texture, is suitable for
production models and prototypes.

1.3.3 RESIN

Resin is one of the most restrictive and hence less-used components in 3D

printing. Resin has less resilience and hardness as compared to other 3D-
applicable materials. Resin, which is made of liquid polymer, reaches its final
state when exposed to UV radiation. The material comes in the following three
categories:

● High-detail resins: Often used for miniature models that need intricate
detail. For example, four-inch figurines with intricate clothing and facial
features are often printed with this grade of resin.

● Paintable resin: Resins in this class are notable for their visual beauty and
are often used in smooth-surface 3D prints. Fairy figurines with rendered
facial images, for example, are often made of paintable resin.

● Transparent resin: This is the best resin class, making it ideal for a wide
variety of 3D-printed objects. Styles that must be smoother to the touch
and appear transparent are often used.

1.3.4 METAL

Metal is the second most used material in the 3D printing industry, and it
is used in a method called direct metal laser sintering, or DMLS.
Manufacturers of air-travel equipment have also adopted this technology,
using metal 3D printing to speed up and simplify product part construction.
Metal will provide a more robust and, arguably, more varied range of daily
objects. The metals that can be used for the DMLS technique are as varied as
the different 3D printer plastic types:

17
 ● Stainless-steel: Printing utensils, cookware, and other things that can come
into contact with water is ideal.
● Bronze: Can be used to produce vases and other decorative items.

● Gold: Printing rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are all good
options.

● Nickel: Coin printing is possible with this material.

● Aluminium: This is ideal for thin metal products.

● Titanium: The preferred one for heavy-duty fixtures.

Metal is used in the printing process in the form of smoke. To achieve

hardness, the metal dust is shot. This enables printers to avoid casting and use
metal dust directly in the formation of metal pieces. Following the completion of
the printing process, these pieces can be electro-polished and published to the
industry.

When metal dust is used in 3D printing, the technique allows for fewer
pieces in the final product. For example, 3D printers have created rocket injectors
with just two components, while a comparable unit welded traditionally would
usually have more than 100 individual bits.

1.3.5 CERAMICS

Ceramics are a modern class of products that can be used for 3D printing
with varying degrees of performance. It is important to remember that after
printing, the ceramic parts must go through the same processes as any other
ceramic component produced using conventional methods of manufacturing,
including firing and glazing.

18
1.4 TACTILE GRAPHICS

Tactile graphics are images of elevated textures that a visually impaired

person can feel, such as tactile objects, tactile diagrams, tactile charts, and
tactile graphs. Maps, paintings, tables, and diagrams are examples of non-
textual knowledge that is conveyed using them.

Tactile graphics are a subset of images that can be accessed. Images can be
made available to the visually disabled by a variety of means, including verbal
interpretation, vibration, and haptic (tactual) feedback.

1.4.1 TACTILE TEACHING AID

Figure 1.13 Braille embossed dots on paper

Tactile teaching aid involves any method that uses sense of touch to
analyse, understand and acknowledge the learning material that is been presented
to the learner. The tactile methods include strategies such as sand trays, elevated
line paper, puzzles, tactile maps, tactile diagrams, braille embossed dots provided
the learner knows braille language.

19
1.4.2 3D PRINTED TACTILE TEACHING AID

There are numerous methods through which tactile materials can be

produced that involves collage, thermoform, capsule paper, embosser. Even
though these methods prove to be useful they cannot be trusted over certain limit
especially when it comes to educational manuscripts for visually impaired
students that are used every day over years of learning.

In order to provide rigid, reliable, efficient tactile teaching aids 3D printing

methods have a better chance of producing them according to various literature
reviews that have been discussed in the upcoming chapters.

We collected the conventional study material from the blind school and
analysed the study material to efficiently produce enhanced 3D printed teaching
aids.

Figure 1.14 Handmade tactile handouts

These traditional methods have various disadvantages starting from the

braille embossed dots getting compressed over a period of time to absence of

20
diagrams or any other pictorial representation, where the students only visualise
the diagrams through audio description of the teacher.

Therefore, these conventional methods limit the learning ability of the

visually impaired learner, finding a solution to this problem is the main reason to
execute this project to produce rigid, efficient and reliable 3D printed tactile
teaching aids.

1.5 INFERENCE

Chapter 1 gives the detailed introduction towards braille language, its

standards, formatting, punctuation and core idea of how braille helps as a learning
medium to the visually impaired people. This chapter also gives the detailed
information towards 3D printing and tactile graphics, different types of 3D
printing technology used around the world, materials used for 3D printing,
traditional teaching methods in blind schools and how 3D tactile graphics can be
a perfect substitute.

21
 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter the literature review about the previous works done by
other researchers, which has been used as a reference source, support and back
ground for this project are detailed. The papers with more significant
contribution to the field are discussed here.

2.2 LITERATURE SURVEY

• Jang Hee I, Rachel Ananda Harianto and et al. (2016)

As the importance of visual aids increases, textbooks are including more
figures and images to help with students understanding. These visual aids
enable students to learn concepts more effectively by hearing and feeling
them simultaneously. 3D printing can be a powerful tool to make tactile
patterns or objects related to textbooks.

Figure 2.1(a) A teacher and student using a 3D printed tactile map in the
fifth grade of Seoul National School for the Blind, (b) 3d printed Braille
pattern, (c)Tactile map, (d)3D printed ancient relic

22
• Dr. D. N. Raut, Dr. D. K. Shinde and et al. (2017)
This is a research paper on 3D printing and the various materials used in
3D printing and their properties which become a notable topic in
technological aspects. The process of 3D printing and what materials used
in the manufacture of 3D printed objects and select the best materials
among them which are suitable for our 3D printing machine.

• B.D.Parmar and et al. (2012)

A review of the research work on FDM is presented in this
paper. Researchers have used different types of statistical methods for the
analysis of the experimental results.

Figure 2.2 Working of FDM 3D printer

23
• Koray Özsoy, Ali Erçetin and et al. (2021)
Additive manufacturing with the FDM method is widespread due to its
advantages such as easy-to-use features, low cost, flexibility in material
options, and less processing after printing. The samples obtained were
subjected to mechanical tests to determine their mechanical properties.

• M Šljivic, A Pavlovic and et al. (2019)

This study aims to compare the accuracy offered by 3D Software in
printing end-use parts inside a FDM of Additive Manufacturing. The
CURA software proves to create the 3D models with significantly better
accuracy and quality support.

• Atheer Awad, Aliya Yao, Sarah Jand et al. (2020)

Printlets were designed with Braille and Moon patterns on their
surface, enabling patients to identify medications when taken out of their
original packaging. Despite the presence of the patterns, the printlets
retained their original mechanical properties and dissolution
characteristics.

Figure 2.3 3D printed medications having Braille and moon patterns

24
• Raša Urbas, Matej Pivar and et al. (2019)
The aim of the research was to produce tactile floor plans for blind and
visually impaired people for the use in the museum. For the production of
tactile floor plans 3D printing technique was selected. Development of
different elements of tactile floor plans are described in the paper.

Figure 2.4 3D printed tactile map*-0

• Michael A. Kolitsky (2016)

This paper provides a «proof of concept» for the idea of more widespread
production of tactile learning objects mirroring the design of virtual
learning objects, especially in STEM disciplines where there is heavy use
of images from microscopes, telescopes, and satellites.

Figure 2.5 3D print (left image) of neuromuscular junction slide (right

image)

25
2.3 INFERENCE

Based on the literature survey we can definitely say that the project will
satisfy the needs of the user as well as enhance the learning ability, because the
enhancements made on the tactile graphics as a learning medium revamp the
traditional way of teaching in blind schools and provide a far better learning
platform through the 3D printed tactile graphics. Another added advantage is the
production cost being economically feasible allows the access of these 3D printed
educational scripts to reach every visually impaired student to get their hands on
the enhanced learning medium.

26
 CHAPTER 3
3D PRINTING COMPONENTS

3.1 PRINT MATERIAL

PLA (Polylactic Acid), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), PETG

(Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) and print materials were used in the testing
process. Based on the properties and advantages the material has been selected.
Also, these materials are cheap, easily available and can be used in almost all
types of 3D printers.

3.1.1 PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA, also known as Polylactic Acid, is a popular thermoplastic polymer

produced from natural sources such as corn starch or sugar cane.

Advantages of PLA:

● Low printing temperature: PLA has a lower printing temperature than other

thermoplastics (for example, PLA's optimal printing temperature is around

180°C, while ABS's is around 250°C). As a result, PLA is less likely to
warp and clog the nozzle during printing.

● Ease of use: PLA is one of the most user-friendly content filaments for 3D

printing. The material adheres readily to a number of surfaces and does not
require a heated print bed, which contributes to its usability.

● Variety of colour and blending options: PLA is readily pigmented and

available in a wide variety of colours and blends. The substance can also
be combined with wood, carbon, and even metal, and pigments can be used
to produce luminescent or glittery filaments.

● Easy post-processing: PLA prints can be quickly sanded, cleaned, and

coloured, resulting in a better surface finish with minimal effort.

27
 ● Biodegradable: PLA is an environmentally sustainable material since it is

biodegradable, non-toxic, and takes less resources to 3D print while

emitting less greenhouse gases than petroleum-based products.

3.1.2 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU material) is a flexible, abrasion resistant

thermoplastic. It’s being used in a number of manufacturing processes for both
consumer and industrial use.

Advantages of TPU:

• It can be vacuum-formed or solution coated. TPU is suitable for a wide

variety of fabrication methodologies.
• TPU can be coloured. It has to go through a number of processes for the
colouring to take place but the colouring is better than any other
thermoplastic elastomer.
• It has a unique structure that allows for greater versatility and has high
resilience, good compression set, resistance to impacts, tears, abrasions,
weather and hydrocarbons.
• Thermoplastic polyurethane does not use plasticizers. The material gap is
bridged between rubbers and plastics with TPU. It can be used as both a
hard rubber and a soft engineering thermoplastic.
• Thermoplastic polyurethane is able to be sterilized and easily processed.
It can also be welded, painted, printed and die-cut.

3.1.3 PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, known as PETG or PET-G, is a

thermoplastic polyester that delivers significant chemical resistance, durability,
and formability for manufacturing.

28
Advantages of PETG:

• PETG’s strength and impact resistance means it is ideal for glazing and
high-strength display units. It is also ideal for 3D printing products,
displays and signage.
• PETG is safe for use for food containers and bottles for drinks. It is also
fully recyclable, which reduces waste and the potential negative
environmental impact.
• PETG is both vacuum and thermo formable and can withstand high
pressures without cracking. It can be injection moulded into a variety of
shapes or extruded into sheets.
• PETG is naturally transparent, which allows for unique effects, but it can
also easily be coloured and blended to create different appearances.
• PETG is non-toxic and odourless during 3D printing, making it perfect
for both home and office use.

3.2 PAPER MATERIAL

Printing paper (A4), chart paper, bond paper, and gloss coated paper were
used in the testing process. It is very important to choose the right paper material
as it determines how strong the filament can stick to its surface and thus leads to
long life and easy usage of the finally printed sheet containing Braille language.

3.2.1 PRINTING PAPER

This paper is most widely used for printing and comes in a variety of sizes.
It is easily available and cheaper compared to other paper materials. A4 is the
most widely used scale.

29
3.2.2 BOND PAPER

Figure 3.1 Bond paper

Bond paper is a type of paper that is strong, resilient, and long-lasting. This
paper is heavier and more robust than standard sheet paper. It is mainly composed
of rag pulp rather than low quality wood pulp.

3.2.3 GLOSS COATED PAPER

Figure 3.2 Gloss coated paper

Gloss coated paper is most widely used for picture printing because it has
a lot of gloss and therefore has a greater contrast and colour gamut than other
papers. This coating is ideal for full-colour photographs where the colours need

30
to stand out. This coating provides a really good finish and a professional
appearance.

3.2.4 CHART PAPER

Figure 3.3 Chart paper

Chart paper, also referred to as recording chart paper, is used in chart
recorders that monitor a variety of conditions. It is thick in size which is mostly
used for drawing purposes.

3.3 3D PRINTER

Figure 3.4 ENDER-3 Pro 3D printer

31
 Figure 3.5 Dimension of ENDER-3 Pro
ENDER-3 Pro 3D printer is used for the entire printing process from testing
to printing final product. It uses the FDM (fused deposition modelling) method.
The Ender 3 Pro is that it is a fully open source – this means that, if you’re an
experienced user, you could improve your printer and even share these changes
with the wider community of users. It has an aluminium extrusion for the Y-axis
base – this makes the printing surface much more stable.

It also has a C-MAG magnetic printing bed – flexible and removable, it

allows you to remove your completed projects from the build plate with ease,
avoiding the issue of the project sticking to the work surface. 220*220*250 mm
is the size of the bed.

PLA (Polylactic Acid), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and PETG

(Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) were used as print filaments.

The Below table is the specification for the 3D printer used for printing

32
 Table 3.1 Printer specification

Model Ender-3 Pro

Printing Method FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)

Printing Size 220*220*250mm

Printing Speed ±0.1mm

Nozzle Diameter 0.2 to 0.4mm

Print resolution ±0.2 mm

Bed Temperature ≤110°C

Extruder temperature 220°C

Working Mode Online or SD Card Offline

File Format STL, OBJ, X3D, 3MF, BMP, GIF, JPG, and PNG.

Slice Software Craftware, Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify3D

Output Gx/G files

Power Supply Input: AC 100-120V/6.8A 200-240V/3.4A 50/60Hz

Output: DC 24V 270W

Filament 1.75mm PLA, ABS, Wood, TPU, etc.

Machine Size 440*440*465mm

Net Weight 6.9kg

33
3.3.1 SLICING SOFTWARE

Figure 3.6 Craftware slicing software

We have used standard Craftware software. Craftware standard is a free
and open-source 3D printer slicing tool.

Craftware functions by layering the user's model file and creating printer-
specific g-code. When completed, the g-code can be submitted to the printer to
be printed.

The open-source software, which is compatible with the majority of

desktop 3D printers, can work with files in the most popular 3D formats,
including STL, OBJ, X3D, and 3MF, as well as image file formats, including
BMP, GIF, JPG, and PNG.

3.4 INFERENCE

This chapter gives a detailed information about the 3D printing components such
as the print material , paper material and the type of 3D printer used.

34
 CHAPTER 4
TESTING OF PRINT MATERIAL ON PAPER

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Since our project aims at providing tactile teaching aid at an economically

efficient price, we selected four widely used paper types that are economically
feasible they are A4 paper, bond paper, chart paper and gloss coated paper as
discussed above and printed them with three different 3D print material namely
PLA (polylactic acid), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and PETG
(Polyethylene terephthalate glycol). The samples were tested and the results are
discussed below. We may choose a suitable material for printing Braille language
using a 3D printer based on the results of our experiments with various materials.

4.2 PLA (polylactic acid)

PLA is cheap and easily available. It is a biodegradable and eco-friendly

material. So, we have selected it for our testing. For printing PLA, a heat bed may
or may not be required. The extruder temperature is also minimum and ranges
from 190 to 220 degree Celsius.

4.2.1 PLA ON A4 SHEET

Figure 4.1 PLA on A4 sheet

35
 PLA when being printed on the A4 sheet produced perfect arithmetic
shapes as you can see in figure, but on cooling the PLA was unable to settle on
the A4 sheet and started to peel off the paper on cooling. The braille dots written
on the paper also slips off if the paper if handled carelessly due to the low
adhesion between the paper surface and the print material. It also left imprints on
the back side of the paper, making printing on both sides difficult. Therefore,
printing PLA on A4 sheet resulted to be a failure.

4.2.2 PLA ON CHART PAPER

Figure 4.2 PLA on chart paper (a) fruit, (b) tactile outline of India, (c)
arithmetic operators
Chart paper is slightly better than A4 paper. It is cheap, easily available
and there are no imprints on the backside of the paper, thus allowing it to print on
both sides. PLA was found to be greatly adhesive to chart paper on cooling than
A4 sheet.

The shapes were perfectly printed and found to be rigid when hovering the
hand over the 3D printed pattern. Therefore, printing PLA on chart paper resulted
to be successful and can be extended to sample survey.

36
4.2.3 PLA: SAMPLE SURVEY (Chart paper)

Figure 4.3 1st sample survey

The first sample survey of PLA on chart paper was sent to the Sethu
bhaskara matriculation higher Secondary School, Pudur, Ambattur – National
Association for the blind.

Upon the survey conducted from the blind school the students were able to
infer the shapes perfectly with 100% relevance to the true shape but were unable
to infer the Braille language because while printing Braille dots, a thin line is
drawn between the dots. There is no clarity in the Braille dots. This makes the

37
visually impaired people difficult to read. Due to this inaccuracy, we decided to
eliminate the print material-PLA from the further stages of the printing process.

4.3 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) is a highly flexible material therefore

to nullify the flexibility problem faced in PLA we selected TPU in our testing
process. Also, from the previous sample survey conducted the paper material i.e.,
A4 sheet and chart paper the shelf life of these paper material was found to be
lesser than the conventional educational script material. So, we selected Gloss
coated paper and Bond paper for the further testing process.

4.3.1 TPU ON GLOSS COATED PAPER

Figure 4.4 TPU on gloss coated paper

Gloss coated paper is comparatively better than A4 sheet and Chart paper
because of its superior wear and tear properties and extremely smooth surface.
TPU when being printed on gloss coated paper faced the same issue as that of
PLA with A4 sheet , the TPU didn’t stick to the surface of the paper because of
the low adhesive between the material and the extremely smooth surface of the
gloss coated paper. Another reason being the high cost of the gloss coated paper
38
didn’t support the core idea of the project to produce economically feasible 3D
printed tactile graphics. Therefore, the TPU printed on gloss coated paper resulted
to be a failure.

4.3.2 TPU ON BOND PAPER

Figure 4.5 TPU on bond paper (eye)

Figure 4.6 TPU on bond paper (elephant)

Bond paper is better than A4 sheet due to its superior wear and tear
properties compared to that of A4 sheet and chart paper. Bond paper is also

39
cheaper than gloss coated paper thus being economically feasible. The TPU
filament printed on this sheet sticks very well on its surface. It does not have any
imprint on the backside making it suitable for printing on both sides. The Braille
as well as the pictorial patterns were perfectly printed on the bond paper with
great structural clarity in the 3D printed design. Therefore, the TPU printed on
bond paper is extended to further sample survey.

4.3.3 TPU: SAMPLE SURVEY (Bond paper)

Figure 4.7 2nd sample survey

The second set of sample survey of TPU on bond paper was sent to the
Sethu bhaskara matriculation higher Secondary School, Pudur, Ambattur –
National Association for the blind.

40
 Upon the survey conducted from the blind school the students were able to
infer the shapes perfectly with 100% relevance to the 3D printed paper and were
able to flawlessly understand the Braille language.

These 3D tactile teaching aids are in a position to be used everyday at the

blind school but when the TPU is been used everyday for an extended period the
TPU found to be breaking out of its place from the bond paper due to its relatively
short shelf life. Since the project aims at producing long-lasting 3D printed tactile
graphics the print material-TPU is eliminated from the further stage of the
printing process.

Based on this survey the bond paper was found to have longer shelf life as
well as economically feasible thus supporting the core idea of the project. This
brings us to the conclusion on paper material to use bond paper for the final stage
of the 3D printing process.

4.4 PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)

PETG strength is high enough to make it an excellent material for impact

resistance which makes its shelf life longer than TPU. From the failure due to
flexibility on the first set of survey, PETG proves to be a better replacement
because it proves to be flexible than PLA and ABS. The most important part of
printing 3D printed tactile graphics is its necessity to be highly adhesive to the
surface of the paper material and PETG proves to have greater layer adhesion.

4.4.1 PETG ON BOND PAPER

Based on the past sample surveys conducted, the bond paper has been selected to
be the best suitable paper material for the production of the final stage of 3D
printing process. When PETG is being printed on bond paper it produced ideal

41
3D tactile teaching aids where the arithmetic shapes and braille patterns with great
structural clarity.

Figure 4.8 PETG on bond paper

The PETG filament printed on bond paper sticks very well on its surface.
It does not have any imprint on the backside making it suitable for printing on
both sides. As discussed above from the past survey these tactile teaching aids
needs to have longer shelf life, PETG strength is high enough to make it an
excellent material for impact resistance which makes its shelf life longer.

4.5 INFERENCE

PETG on bond paper proves to support all the elements of this project to
produce rigid, reliable and economically feasible 3D tactile graphics. So, we
selected PETG as the print material for the final printing process of 3D printed
tactile teaching aids.

42
 CHAPTER 5

3D PRINTED TACTILE GRAPHICS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

First, we have created the 2D model of the braille dots using AutoCAD
2021. Next, we have created a 3D model of the shapes using craftware. The study
material consisted of shapes, maps, body parts with braille naming below them
and those study material files are saved as STL file format. This STL file is used
in craftware which is a slicing software used for 3D printers.

The parameters like extruding temperature, bed temperature, etc for 3D

printer and filament are specified in this software. It is then saved and G codes
are produced by this software. These codes are given as input to the 3D printer
and the study material was printed. The dimension of the paper which is printed
on is 210*210 mm.

We have printed this study material on bond paper by using PETG. We

have selected the print material and paper material based on our above testing and
results.

5.2 3D MODEL OF TACTILE TEACHING AIDS USING

CRAFTWARE

Figure 5.1 3D Layout of study material (fruits)

43
 Figure 5.2 3D Layout of study material (arithmetic operators)
Once this 3D design is completed, they can be saved as STL files and these
STL files are saved as soft copies and can be used for further 3D printing process,
figure 5.3 and figure 5.4 shows the 3D designed STL files.

Figure 5.3 STL file of study material (tactile map of India)

44
 Figure 5.4 STL file of study material (arithmetic operators)

5.3 3D PRINTED TACTILE GRAPHICS

The 3D model is then exported as a ‘.stl’ file for uploading it to a 3D printer for
printing. The study material was printed on an ENDER-3 Pro 3D printer, which
uses the FDM (fused deposition modelling) method. 220*220*250 mm is the size
of the bed. PETG is used as the print filament.

Figure 5.5 ENDER-3 Pro

45
 The 3D printed tactile teaching aid based on the educational script of a 3rd
standard visually impaired student are 3D printed on bond paper as shown below;

• Outline of Indian tactile map

• Body part – eye
• Arithmetic operators.

Figure 5.6 3D Tactile graphics (Outline of Indian tactile map)

46
 Figure 5.7 3D Tactile graphics (Body part – eye)

Figure 5.8 3D Tactile graphics (arithmetic operators)

47
 CHAPTER 6

FEEDBACK

6.1 FEEDBACK

Figure 6.1 Feedback of 3D printed tactile graphics

We visited Sethu bhaskara matriculation higher Secondary School, Pudur,
Ambattur – National Association for the blind. We gave the 3d printed sheets to
get the feedback.

The feedback they gave is that they could easily identify the Braille script
printed. They could easily identify the basic shapes but they took time for some
complex images as they were new to it. They were able to interpret the braille
dots easily and were able to relate the shapes to the braille naming below them.
Due to the 3D printing process some extra pieces would be present at the end of
the print, they said that the extra pieces of 3d made them difficult to read the
braille. They encouraged us to get more prints like this for the students.

Therefore, on an overall conclusion of the survey the visually impaired

people were able to interpret the 3D printed tactile graphics especially the tactile
diagrams better than the conventional traditional teaching methods in blind
schools. This proves that the project provides an enhanced way of teaching
method with the help of 3D printed tactile graphics.
48
 CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION

7.1 CONCLUSION

From the above testing and feedback, we can conclude that printing of
tactile graphics with PETG on bond paper is very effective and easy to read for
the visually impaired people. Another added advantage is the production cost
being economically feasible allows the access of these 3D printed educational
scripts to reach every visually impaired student to get their hands on the enhanced
learning medium.

On the other hand, based on the feedback from the visually impaired
people, the tactile graphics were developed and printed. They were able to read
and interpret the 3D printed tactile graphics. It was useful to easily identify the
basic shapes but they took time for some complex images as they were new to it.

They were able to interpret the braille dots easily and were able to relate
the shapes to the braille naming below them. Therefore, the enhancements made
on the tactile graphics as a learning medium revamp the traditional way of
teaching in blind schools and provide a far better learning platform through the
3D printed tactile graphics.

49
 REFERENCES

1. Abubaker Nooralhoda Ahmed Altayeb and Awab Azhari Abdelgader

Elagib (2020). ‘Build LowCost 3D Delta Printer using Fused Deposition
Modeling Technology’, International Journal of Engineering Research &
Technology.

2. Apurva, P. Thakur and A. Misra (2017). ‘Aiding the visually impaired:

Developing an efficient Braille printer’, Proc. of International Conference
on Advances in Computing, Communications and Informatics.

3. Dhiman Chowdhury, Mrinmoy Sarkar (2018). ‘An intuitive approach to

innovate a lowcost Braille embosser’, International Journal of
Instrumentation Technology.

4. Jonnatan Arroyo, Ramiro Velazquez, Mehdi Boukallel, Nicola

Giannoccaro, Paolo Visconti (2020). ‘Design and Implementation of a
Low-Cost Printhead for Embossing Braille Dots on Paper’, International
Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering Research.

5. Kazunori Minatani (2018). ‘A Proposed Method for Producing Embossed

Dots Graphics with a 3D Printer’, National Center for University Entrance
Examinations, Komaba.

6. M J Samonte, E D Laurente. K M Magno and C Perez (2019). ‘Braille 3D:

using haptic and voice feedback for braille recognition and 3D printing for
the blind’, The International Conference on Information Technology and
Digital Applications.

7. Raša Urbas, Matej Pivar and Urška Stankovič Elesini (2016).

‘Development of tactile floor plan for the blind and the visually impaired
by 3D printing technique’, Journal of Graphic Engineering and Design.

50
 REFERENCES

8. Vít VOŽENÍLEK, Magdaléna KOZÁKOVÁ, Zuzana ŠŤÁVOVÁ, Libuše

LUDÍKOVÁ, Veronika RŮŽIČKOVÁ and Dita FINKOVÁ (2014). ‘3D
printing technology in tactile maps compiling’, Projects of Grant Agency
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