FABRICATION OF TACTILE GRAPHICS USING

3D PRINTING AND TESTING

A PROJECT REPORT
(PHASE – I)

Submitted by
SHREERAAM G 301619114082
YUGESHWARAN G 310619114111
DINESH B 310619114309

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

DEC 2022

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 EASWARI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, CHENNAI
(Autonomous Institution)

AFFILIATED TO ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “FABRICATION OF TACTILE GRAPHICS

USING 3D PRINTING AND TESTING” is the bonafide work of
“SHREERAAM G – 310619114082, YUGESHWARAN G – 310619114111,
DINESH B - 310619114309” who carried out the project work under my
supervision.

SIGNATURE
Dr. M. VETRIVEL SEZHIAN, M.E., Ph.D.
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
PROFESSOR
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Easwari Engineering College
Ramapuram, Chennai – 600089
SIGNATURE
Mrs. NAGA CHANDRIKA KK, M.E., (PhD)
SUPERVISOR
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Easwari Engineering College
Ramapuram, Chennai – 600089

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

Submitted for the Semester Examination held on __________

PROJECT COORDINATOR

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We convey our sincere thanks to Dr. R. Sivakumar, our beloved
Chairman and Mr. S. Niranjan, our beloved Co-Chairman for their blessings.

We are grateful to Dr. R. S. Kumar, Principal, for providing us and

excellent environment to carry out this project work. We are deeply indebted to
Dr. M. Vetrivel Sezhian, Professor and Head, Mechanical Engineering, for his
continuous support at every stage of our project.

We convey our sincere thanks to Mrs. K. K. Naga Chandrika, Assistant

Professor and our Supervisor for his technical support and guidance in our
project. We would like to thanks Dr. K. Thavasilingam, Assistant Professor and
our Class Coordinator, for his support. And finally, we extend out thanks to Mr.
Praveen Kumar, Assistant Professor for project coordination.

Our sincere thanks to all the faculty and staff members of our department
for their valuable guidance at various stages of our project development.

The project team wishes to thank the Faculty and student members of
Sethu Baskara Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai – 600053,
for their valuable time and feedback to carrying out this project.

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United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals:

Our Project work towards 17 SDG’s is mapped as follows

Target 4.5: Eliminate all discrimination in education

By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure

equal access to all levels of education and vocational training
for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities,
indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.

Target 10.2: Promote universal social, economic and

political inclusions

By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and

political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability,
race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

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 ABSTRACT

Individuals who are visually challenged could be benefited from tactile

AM based products as touch is the main gateway for them to access information.
Using 3D Printing technology specifically FDM and different types of materials
in printing the specimens, the aim of this project is to find up to what extent
different papers (like writing sheet, Bond sheet, etc.,) and printing materials
(PLA, ABS, etc.,) is strong in their adhesive property and simplify the learning
process of visually impaired students by providing them better understanding of
non- textual information.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAHPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

ABSTRACT 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6
TABLE OF SYMBOLS 7
1 INTRODUCTION 8
1.1. 3D PRINTING 8
1.2. BRAILLE 12
1.3. TACTILE GRAPHICS 14
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 15
3 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW 24
4 RESEARCH GAP 25
5 OBJECTIVES 26
6 METHODOLOGY 27
7 SUMMARIES OF WORKS COMPLETED 28
REFERENCES 36

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 TABLE OF SYMBOLS
SI. NO SYMBOL NOMENCLATURE
1 AM Additive Manufacturing
2 FDM Fused Deposition Modeling
3 PLA Polylactic Acid
4 ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
5 PET Polyethylene terephthalate
6 PETG Polyethylene terephthalate Glycol
7 TPU Thermoplastic Polyurethane
8 ASA Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
9 cc Cubic centimeter
10 SLA Stereolithography
11 STL Stereolithography (File format)

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 3D Printing
3D Printing also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating
three-dimensional objects layer by layer using computerized design. A digital
object in the form of CAD representation is created as a physical object.
The printing can be done in a variety of processes in which the material is
deposited, solidified under a computer’s control with materials such as plastic,
liquids or powdered grains added layer by layer.
3D Printing Components
Print Bed
The flat surface where the extruder deposits the filament. The bed is heated
up while printing and the temperature is based on the type of the filament or
material. Most beds are made of aluminum and now-a-days glass beds are also
available.
Extruder
The extruder is the part that feeds heated filaments on the bed. This plays
very important role in printing objects. Firstly, in extruder filament exerts then it
is heated. Due to heating filament starts melting and it starts depositing on print
bed. Important part of extruder is Nozzle which also commonly known as named
as tip of extruder. Through the nozzle melted filament deposits on the print bed.
The size varies from 0.25mm to 0.75mm. the most common size of nozzle is
0.5mm. Extruder is of two types namely direct (filament is fed directly to print
bed) and Bowden (filament is fed from a certain distance).
Filament
It is material which is inserts in extruder for making object. Commonly for
3D-printing 1.75mm or 3mm diameter filament is used. This material is in the
form of wire which feed to extruder through motor. The most commonly PLA

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and ABS material used for printing. Filaments available in various types of
material which we will discuss further. PLA and ABS material used for printing.
Filaments available in various types of material which we will discuss further.
Controller Board
The mother board or controller board is brain of the 3D-printer. It directs
the motion of components of 3D-printer.
Working Operation
1 The first step is to draft the 3D object that has to be printed in a CAD software
(like CATIA, Auto CAD, Solidworks, Fusion 360, etc.,).
2 Then these files are to be converted to a STL format.
3 This STL file is now sent to the main board of the 3D printer by connecting
the printer to a computer or by means of a USB drives.
4 When the program is given to the computer as per the requirements, the
material starts to heat in the extruder and the filament starts to melt.
5 The melting materials are deposited on print bed as programmed and the
object is made layer by layer. The layers may be horizontal, cross zig-zag
way with each other.
Printing Techniques
Additive manufacturing process can be grouped into seven different
categories.
Vat Photopolymerisation
This technique uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin, by which the model
is created layer by layer. Ultraviolet lights are used to cure or harden the resin if
required. This technique can be achieved by
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Digital Light Processing (DLP)
• Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP)

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Jetting Technique
The printhead dispenses droplets of photosensitive material that solidifies
under UV light, creating parts layer by layer. Materials used in this technique are
thermoset polymers that come in a liquid form.
• Binder Jetting
• Material Jetting
Material Extrusion
Fused deposition method is a technology where melt extrusion method is
used to deposit filaments of thermal plastics according to the specific patterns.
FDM also consists of printhead able to move along X and Y directions to build a
model.
Power Bed Fusion
The technique fuses parts of the layer and then moves upward in the
working area, adding another layer of granules and repeating the process until the
piece has built up. The techniques include
• Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Sheet Lamination
In some printers, paper can be used as the build material, resulting in a
lower cost to print.
Direct Energy Deposition
This method uses focused energy source such as plasma arc, laser and
electron beam to melt the material which is simultaneously deposited to the
nozzle.
Printing Materials
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
It is the most environment friendly 3D printing material. It can be derived
from sugarcane, corn starch and hence its biodegradable. It is available in both
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hard and soft form. Hard PLA is more durable and therefore the most suitable
material for 3D printing.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
ABS is a common material for home-based 3D printers because of its strength
and protection. ABS is available in a variety of colours, making it ideal for items
such as stickers and toys. ABS is becoming increasingly popular with crafters,
and it is often used to produce jewellery and vases.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polyester based material that combines excellent mechanical, electrical and
thermal properties with very good chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
Polyethylene terephthalate Glycol (PETG)
PETG is a thermoplastic polyester that provides significant chemical
resistance and durability in additive manufacturing.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU is flexible and is abrasion resistant. It is being used in both consumer
and industrial uses. 3D printed parts with TPU are durable and are able to
withstand ambient temperature of 80-degree Celsius.
Nylon
Nylon is flexible and durable which helps in printing thin walls. Its low
coefficient of friction and high melting point makes it resistant to abrasion.
Nylon’s resistance to wear and fatigue makes it superior.
Thermoforming
A collection of manufacturing methods that heat and form sheets of extrude
plastics. Using FDM 3D printing technology, reduce the overall time and cost to
produce thermoformed parts using thermoplastic materials.
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)
Perfect all purpose 3D printing thermoplastic, suitable for many
applications. Its similar to ABS with better mechanical, aesthetic and UV
resistant.

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1.2 Braille
Braille is a touch based tactile writing system used by people who are
visually impaired. Braille is named after its creator, Louis Braille, a Frenchman
who lost his eyesight in an accident. At his age of 15, he developed braille code
on French alphabets.
Braille characters are formed using a combination of six raised dots
arranged in 3 × 2 matrix, called a Braille cell. There are 64 different variations
including no dots. Each cell may represent a letter digit, punctuation mark, or a
word.

Figure 1.1 Braille Alphabets and Numbers

Braille Standards and Specifications

For braille to be read by a blind person, the dots of each cell must be easily
discernible by touch and the height of the dots must be sufficient to be easily
distinguished from the background.
Specification 800 (Braille Books and Pamphlets) Size and Shaping
• The nominal height of braille dots shall be 0.019 inches [0.48 mm] and
shall be uniform within any given transcription.
• The nominal base diameter of braille dots shall be 0.057 inches [1.44 mm].
• The cell spacing of dots shall confirm the following

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 o The nominal distance from center to center of adjacent dots
(horizontally and vertically but not diagonally) in the same cell shall
be 0.092 inches [2.340 mm].
o The nominal distance from center to center of corresponding dots in
adjacent cells shall be 0.245 inches [6.2 mm].

• The nominal line spacing of braille cells from center to center of nearest
corresponding dots in adjacent lines shall be 0.400 inches [1.000 cm].
Section 703.4-3 details specifications for braille
Minimum – Maximum
Measurement Range
[In Inches]
0.059 (1.5mm) to
Dot Base Diameter
0.063 (1.6mm)

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

0.100 (2.5mm)

Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cell 0.241 (6.1mm) to

0.300 (7.6mm)
0.025 (0.6mm) to
Dot height
0.037 (0.9mm)
Distance between corresponding dots from one cell 0.395 (10.0mm) to
directly below 0.400 (10.2mm)

Figure 1.2 Braille Standards

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1.3 Tactile Graphics
Tactile graphics are a means of conveying non-textual information to
people who are blind or visually impaired, and may include tactile representations
of pictures, maps, graphs, diagrams, and other images. A person with a visual
impairment can feel these raised lines and surfaces in order to obtain the same
information that people who are sighted get through looking at pictures or other
visual images.

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 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
3D Printing Technology, Material used for Printing and its Applications
Authors: Mr. A. A. Shinde, Mr. R. D. Patil, Mr. A. R. Dandekar,
Dr. N. M. Dhawale.
Published: July – 2020
This research paper provides introduction to 3D printing, its history,
components, working principle, operation, technologies, materials used for
printing and various applications of 3D printing in different domains. Various
forms of plastics like PLA, ABS, PVA, PC, powders like nylon and alumide,
metals aluminum, titanium, nickel, gold, bronze and resigns of high detailed,
printable resign and transparent resigns can be used for printing different
components. 3D Printing applications include aerospace – 3D printing contribute
16% of defense equipment and detailed smooth scale models can be
manufactured, food – candies and flat foods like pizza can be manufactured,
automobile industry, medical applications – in creating tissues and bone plates
and in jewelry in decorating minute complex designs. This paper concludes with
an information that high precise and complex designs less time and less cost
without any big equipment can be manufactured.

Evaluation of Infill Effect on Mechanical Properties of Consumer 3D

Printing Materials
Authors: Gabriel A. Johnson, Jesse J. French
Published: December 2017
The author realized that consumer grade 3D printers have significantly
lagged behind from Commercial grade 3D printers in various aspects and
features. Consumer grade printers provide assets to entrepreneurs, small business,
colleges and hobbyists because of their low capital cost and low operational cost.
Commercial 3D printed components have high value for their well-documented
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material properties and print parameters. Samples with PLA, ABS, PETG,
nylons, polycarbonate and ASA filaments were printed on both commercial and
consumer grade printers at different infill percentage from 15% to 100% and
ASTM tensile test (D638) were performed on each samples. MTI 5K bench-top
universal testing system is used to perform the tensile test based on rigid polymer
standards. PC and ABS were the strongest at 15% infill with nylon being less
strength material at that point. At 50% all samples had a tighter range of MPa
ranging from 16 – 30. But at 100% infill nylon being strongest at 69 MPa and
PLA being weaker among all the 7 materials tested. Thus the author concluded
that infill percentage has direct impact on the tensile strength of the material.

Analysis of Volumetric Tactile symbols produced with 3D Printing

Authors: Jaume Gual, Marina Puyuelo, Joaquim LLoveras
Published: January 2012
One of the major drawbacks of tactile maps and symbols is that they are
two-dimensional and its graphic nature. As three-dimensional came into
existence as fourth group of elements, volumetric symbols were used at three
different sizes 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 cubic cm sizes with different shapes like sphere,
rectangular prism, cylinder, inverted cone and three alphabets (L, U and V with
volume in it). For more precision and analysis, the author also included inclined
cut and concave cut of the above shapes and got feedback of them too. There was
a total of 80 combinations based on the above categories. The sample was tested
(feedback) by 23 visually impaired people. Their age was from 25 – 55 years.
The results were recorded on a spreadsheet. The simple shape with no cuts was
easier to identify as average accuracy of 80%. When it comes to inclined cut and
concave cut shapes the accuracy of its identification by the people was so poor.
And the size factor 0.25 cc was harder to identify compared to 0.5 and 0.75 cc
shapes with 0.75 being 100% accurate at most shapes and 0.5 cc at 90% accuracy.

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A Study on the Braille Elevator Signage System in Public Buildings: The
QFD Perspective
Authors: Liang Tsenga , Chen-Chen Tangb , Chuan-Jen Sunc
Published: March 2013
Understand the current status of elevator Braille signage systems in the
U.S., examining the difference between systems used in Taiwan and establishing
technical quality elements regarding elevator Braille signage systems. Using the
QFD method to evaluate accessible elevator Braille signage system service
quality and use this as the focus for fulfilling the requirements of the visually-
impaired and improving design; ‚ Provide references for accessible elevator
Braille signage system planning and installation, as well as universal design. By
Quality Function Deployment which represents a multi-level deductive analysis
regarding user's product requirements. This analysis has then converted into
quality engineering technology regarding product design and production
requirements. Basically, by Questionnaire survey the braille standards in Taiwan
are increased which is used to improve the braille standards in elevators.

Tactile Maps based on 3D Printing Technology

Authors: Vit Vozenilek, Alena Vondrakova
Published: May 2014
The author described about three different types of tactile maps based on
3D printing technology. The first type was a usual 3D printed tactile map with
5mm thick base using both positive and negative relief and labelled it with braille.
The second type is inverse form of tactile map printed by 3D printing which is
used in casting the first type. And the third type is a sound tactile map based on
the first type posed onto a box with digital voice of the geoinformation based on
touch on the map’s surface. The principles of material selection include overall
slipperiness of the material surface, concern about health risks of the material
used, suitability of material for touching and hygiene conditions for the tactile
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maps being produced to be purposeful and useful. The printing procedure
respected all tactile model construction (i.e.) surface roughness, touch amenity,
health wholesomeness, washability, etc., The testing is carried out by both adults
and students. The test participants not only presented the samples but also showed
great interest in further development and future possibility of the tactile maps.
The tactile symbols for identifying various areas were also tested based on
roughness, color intensity, cross hatching, shades and various dotted lines.
Guidelines for new type of tactile maps were being developed by the authors
based on the feedback from the users. The results were used by many publics for
decision making with spatial information.

A Study on Design Procedure of Three-Dimensional Printable Tactile

Graphics for Individuals with Visual Impairments
Authors: Chi-Fu Wu, Hsiang-Ping Wu, Yung-Hsiang Tu, I-Ting, Yeh,
Chin-Te Chang
Published: September 2022
Although 3D and 2.5D teaching materials are based on realistic content, no
systematic conversion model for 2D materials exist. The tactile graphics designs
involve height differences, material, operation zones. 19 students with congenital
blindness were the participants for feedback (testing) of the tactile graphics. Time
to identify, accuracy and assessment performance were recorded. Results showed
up was larger area resulted better in identification in less seconds. Large areas
were associated with better intelligent load, physical load, mental load and self-
performance scores. Models with different parameters are named from 1 to 5 with
1 being the accurate while tested. FDM Thermoplastic Elastomer material
showed easier identification and PLA being the cheaper material with better
operating conditions compared to SLA.

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Assessment to Raster-to-Vector (SVG) Conversion Software and 3D
Printers for Tactile Graphics
Authors: Brian Mac Donald, Robert Hertig
The literature is based on 2 categories one is SVG conversion software and
the other is 3D printers for tactile graphics. However, both are linked to each
other, our project’s main focus in on 3D printing. As 3D printing is current at its
boom with its potential to develop tactile graphics for tests and textbooks,
National Braille Press is researching the speed, quality and various materials that
can be used effectively. Preliminary results indicate that 3D printing could be a
viable solution that saves labour cost and production time. FDM method of
printing is being chosen because of its easy to use, environmental safety and
detailed resolution and a better option for mass production. A circuit diagram was
printed on a 80# braille sheet and for mass production thermoforming materials
were used for testing purposes. PLA and ABS materials were also tried. Colour
seems to behave differently within same type of plastic based on temperature.
NBP looks at plastic extrusions and surfaces to determine optimum combinations.
Time analysis were considered to determine the labour efficient approach of 3D
printed form. Collage method that are limited to laborious and fragile can render
high quality graphics. The molds need to be stored in a climate-controlled room.
Initial results were so promising that NBP got a confidence that 3D printing is
accurate, resolution and unique ability to create substantial height of a graphics.

Study of Additive Manufacturing Techniques to Obtain Tactile Graphics

Authors: J Serrano, G M Bruscas, J V Abellan, R Lazaro
Published: 2021
Tactile graphics make use of relief elements, which should be appropriate
for haptic perception, include different types of lines (thickness, dotted, etc.,),
textures, symbols and literacy braille code. Tactile graphics orientation factors
should also be considered. According to durability tactile graphics can be

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considered as permanent or permanent type and portable type. Portable tactile
graphics products are mostly cheaper, flexible and lightweight. Thermoformed
thin thermoplastic sheets or paper-based techniques van be used to obtain portable
form. Embossed or microencapsulation paper can be used to print. Rapid Tooling
technique of additive manufacturing seems to be very interesting in portable
tactile graphics as is favours from dozens to 100 of parts. Samples with FDM at
0.3mm nozzle diameter and PLA material. And in Powder binder printing
thermoformed sheets are used to obtain the sample. However, the author stated
that FDM printers with less nozzle diameter results in better process control
parameters and better outcomes. Conclusion of the literature is rapid tooling
strategies based on low-cost technologies to obtain moulds of thermoform
portable tactile graphics proves to be perfectly feasible.

Tagalog text-to-braille Translator Tactile Story Board with 3D Printing

Authors: L A D Arbes, J M J Baybay, J E E Turingan, M J C Samonte
Published: 2019
The research specifically aims to provide a platform that transforms 2D
images into 3D models and enable text-to-Braille feature embedded in to the story
board. The main goal of the research is to create 3D tactile story board as a
supplementary learning material for the visually impaired children and their
teachers. The system translates Tagalog and English language into grade 1
Braille. The content of the storyboard will be a short story or riddles. It also allows
the user to have the option of creating and editing of storyboard. As for the design
of the storyboard, it has a default size of 8x6 inches. The target evaluators are
kindergarten students and teachers. The research is composed on 3D printing and
text to braille translator. The approach composed of six phases namely data
gathering, analysis, design, implementation, testing and development. The
software is developed using Java and with an Open-source API of braille. The
system consists of three main functions namely creation of tactile story board,
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text to braille translator and creation of 3D models from 2D images. The
researchers gathered 10 students for testing the board. During the first test six
students scored less than 40% and they were chosen to be a part of the second
test, before which they were taught braille in traditional method. Those six
students performance during the second test was at the average of 60%. However,
this system is limited to less technical knowledge in tactile education.

3D Printed Tablets (Printlets) with Braille and Moon Patterns for Visually
Impaired Patients
Authors: Atheer Awad, Aliya Yao, Sarah J. Trenfield, Alvaro Goyanes,
Simon Gaisford and Abdul W. Basit

Published: February 2020

The author used 3DP method to print braille and Moon patterns on tablets
to help the visually impaired people to offer additional information of the tablet
such as the medication indication or its dosing regimen. This will reduce the
medication errors and improve medication adherence in patients with visual
impairment. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a powder-based 3D printing
technology in which a laser beam is used to selectively bind powder particles
together to create 3D objects. The printlet braking force were determined using a
traditional tablet hardness tester. According to the type of medication the bind
powders are selected and a correct combination is found and by scanning electron
microscope the surface finish of the tablets is identified which helps the people
with low vision. Using the Selective laser sintering the braille and moon patterns
are printed on the tablets which helps the visually impaired people about the
medication indication or its dosing regimen. The combination in the powder of
making tablets while 3d printing is selected carefully to not affect the patents.
Also, several test on printlets are carried out to find its breaking force, dissolution

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test and Disintegration test are carried out to find its full potential for the use of
visually impaired people.

A Review on Gujarati Braille Character Recognition

Authors: Nancy K. Patel, Krupali J. Patel, Hardik Vyas, Jigna Solanky

Published: November 2015
Basics of braille scripts, Gujarat braille script basics are learnt and
understand by the author. Also Steps to recognize Braille character and Problems
while recognizing it are discussed. They also done literature study for Conversion
of Braille character cells into various languages and found less amount of
research paper is focused on this topic and also till now they didn’t find any
literature for Gujarati Braille character recognition. Now they are in a research
on Gujarati Braille character recognition which will be helpful and beneficial for
the visually impaired people. Their research work mainly focus on the visually
impaired people to know the basics of braille script and basics of Guajarati braille
script and problems faced by the visually impaired people while recognition of
braille script in Guajarati which improves the visually impaired people to learn
braille in their own language.

Development of a 3D Printed Medication Label for the Blind and Visually

Impaired

Authors: Yijun Wong, Yihua Xu, Lifeng Kang and Kevin Yi-Lwern Yap
Published: April 2020

To reduce the dependency of the visually impaired and to avoid

miscommunication between the pharmacist and the Blind and Visually Impaired
this 3D-printed Medication Label is found by the author. In this research they
used fusion deposition modeling FDM for printing and the material use to print

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is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Different variations of format
parameters, inclusive of the label wordings, dosing instructions, and medication
identifiers, were designed and 3D-printed. The label wordings were designed
with reference to format styles recommended by American Foundation for the
Blind (AFB) guideline. They printed with many variations on the print like
spacing, center distance, extrude height, changes in letter writing like bold,
uppercase, lowercase, etc. Also used different shapes and symbols to
differentiate. The things that are 3DP on the label are dose units, frequency of
administration per day, and how the medication would be taken with regards to
food. Each symbol means each medication unit like dosage, administration, when
to take the medicine after or before food are indicated. According to their type of
disease the symbol and shapes are 3DP to avoid confusion while taking the
tablets. These modeling where carried out by using AUTOCAD software and
exported as stl. File for 3DP the models. The variations of the format parameters
were shown to five individuals with normal vision to obtain their preferences for
the 3DP medication label. Their preferences for the parameters were combined to
develop the initial 3DP label prototype, which was then shown to four target users
to obtain their feedback and suggestions for improvement. Finally they did a
prototype which consists of medication name and strength, patient’s name, dosing
instruction, and medication identifier with different sizes and tested with the BVI
patients and according to their review it is further used with the visually impaired.

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3D Printing Technology for Buildings’ Accessibility: The Tactile Map for
MTE Museum in Pavia
Authors: Ferdinando Auricchio, Alessandro Greco, Gianluca Alaimo,
Valentina Giacometti, Stefania Marconi and Valeria Mauri
Published: 2017
This paper focus on the development of devices to improve the accessibility of
buildings and urban spaces for people with disabilities through 3D printing
technology through creating tactile maps. The tactile maps they created mainly
focus on the adequate thickness of the elements, easily identifiable graphic forms,
resistance of the materials, identifiable textures and distinguishable elements,
expressive clarity of figures, order of graphic elements and respect of their
proportions. By these factors they compared various tactile map making
procedures like embossing, thermoforming, dotted design, serigraphy, material
collage, microcapsule paper and found the advantages and disadvantages on each.
After it they proposed the idea with 3DP technique. They created the 3D model
in the CAD software and done partial tests to check and select the best materials,
printer settings, shapes and dimensions of the single map’s elements. They were
guided by Nicola Stilla a blind tutor who helped them to identify the best
materials, levels, heights, shapes, positions, dimensions and textures of the
elements. 4 types of test models are created by each printing machine, different
dimensions, different materials and colors. Each test identified details accuracy,
resistance and durability, touch pleasing, colors management, and speed of
realization of the tactile map which is 3DP and according to their result the best
combination of work is chosen which is used in the museum. Their next steps will
be focused on the realization of other tactile devices with 3DP technologies, to
improve the quality of buildings and places, not only for people with disabilities
but for all.

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 CHAPTER 3
SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW
• Basic concepts of 3D printing its working operation, technology, and its
applications in various field
• FDM method is widespread due to its easy-to-use features, low cost and
flexibility in materials.
• Consumer grade 3D printings are less valued in features and printing
parameters compared to commercial grade printers. Based on different
printed materials at different infill combinations Nylon proved to be the
best at 100% infill. And infill percentage has direct impact on the tensile
strength of the material.
• Volumetric shapes of different sizes are tested by visually impaired people
and the results include the shapes must be at least 0.5 cc size for easier
identification.
• Larger the size of the model presented to feedback (testing) the better the
accuracy results.
• Thermoform printing is the efficient method to print samples or models in
large quantity.
• PLA materials has better operating conditions compared to SLS with its
cheaper cost advantage.
• Tactile symbols like surface roughness, cross hatching, shapes and shades
could be used to differentiate tactile maps.
• The 3D tactile printing procedure should follow principles like
slipperiness, smoothness, health risks, hygienic conditions.

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 CHAPTER 4
RESEARCH GAP
• A proper knowledge on tactile graphics has to be gathered as most surveys
are limited to it.
• Correct standards of orientation space have to be followed between the
braille scripts as any change in it leads to improper identification of letters
/ words.
• Nozzle diameter plays a major role in printing as samples made with larger
nozzle diameter are not precise and not good in texture.
• The printing material has to be smooth and not hard as touch is the main
gateway for visually impaired people to learn and their fingers shouldn’t
be harmed.
• Size of the printing material has to be taken into considerations for better
understandability.
• Consumer grade printers are less futuristic compared to commercial grade
3D printers.

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 CHAPTER 5
OBJECTIVES
• To improve the quality of education of visually impaired students by
providing them tactile graphics and braille materials at possible cheap cost
with no compromises in material quality.
• To understand about FDM 3D printing technology and the types of
materials used for printing.
• To understand about different types of paper and their strength and
properties.
• To find the better combination of type of paper with the printing material.
By proper testing of them and by feedback results.
• To find up to what extent the paper and its adhesive property with their
respective printing materials.
• To convert various 3D objects to tactile form and print it as an outcome.

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 CHAPTER 6
METHODOLOGY

Literature review

Finding problem

Study on basics and working of a

3D printing and Braille standards

Material Selection
FDM filaments: PLA, ABS, TPU, ASA, PPSU, etc.,
Paper selection: Glossy paper, Bond Paper, A4, etc.,

Try different
materials &
combinations
Material Combination
[FDM filament with Paper]
Ex: A4 with PLA, ABS with A4, Bond
paper with PLA, etc.,
Try different
materials &
combinations

Printing Samples

No Testing
(Failed)
[Peel Test]

Yes (Passed)

Feedback & Review Negative

Positive

Final Outcome

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 CHAPTER 7
SUMMARY OF WORKS COMPLETED
• Literature review survey: A clear idea of 3D printing, FDM, materials used
for printing, various procedures and standards of braille to be followed
while printing.
• Material selection: Based on the ideas from the literature review and
through material selection progression Glass sheet paper type has been
omitted and other materials were selected.
• Designing: A sample circle and a text “CIRCLE” in braille was designed
using solidworks as shown in figure 7.1. And cura software is used to slice
the STL file which supports the 3D printing is shown in figure 7.2.

Figure 7.1 Solidworks part file of the sample

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 Figure 7.2 Sliced Images from Cura Software

• Printing Samples: A total of 10 samples with writing sheet (A4) and bond
sheet has been printed with TPU, PLA, PETG and a picture of those
samples were shown below in figure 7.3

TPU with A4 Sheet TPU with Bond Sheet

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PETG with A4 Sheet PETG with Bond Sheet

PLA with A4 Sheet PLA with Bond Sheet

31
 PLA with A4 Sheet PLA with Bond Sheet

PETG with A4 Sheet PETG with Bond Sheet

Figure 7.3 Samples printed on different combinations

• These samples were reviewed by students and staff members of Sethu

Baskara Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

32
 Figure 7.4 Staff feedback

Figure 7.5 Student Feedback

33
• The feedback questions include
o Comparison between their current embossed materials and the 3D
printed materials.
o Which among the above two do you feel comfortable?
o Is the 3D printed scripts and tactile graphics being easier to identify?
o Is it easy to follow up braille letter one after the another?
o Are the 3D printed braille alphabets ae easier to differentiate?
o Any suggestions would you recommend to improve the 3D printed
scripts?

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 Figure 7.6 Feedback form

• Feedback from students:

o Less sized braille letters are harder to identify compared to their
regularly used embossed materials. Shapes (Circle) in 3D printed
form is easier to identify.
o Spacing between letters is a big problem in 3D printed braille scripts
and it can be easily differentiated by touch feel from their embossed
materials.
o Easier to identify. But space must be reduced between letters for
accuracy.
o As said the above points need improvements and more shapes and
simple body organs and maps can be printed by 3D printing which
will be useful for them.

35
• Feedback from Staff:
o The 3D printings have great potential but the standards have to be
followed.
o Other than the surface finish everything feels comfortable.
o Easier to identify but spacing and standards need to be followed.
o Shapes are much easier to identify.
o Continuity of 3D printing materials has to be improved.
o Spacing between letters should be reduced for better
understandability. As over spacing is little bit confusing.
• Works to be carried out in Phase II:
o To reduce the nozzle diameter and print for increased accuracy.
o To perform peel test and other tests on the samples and conclude the
correct combination of paper and material.
o To gather feedback from other possible blind organizations.
o Printing of final product on the final combination.

36
 REFERENCES
• Mr. A. A. Shinde, Mr. R. D. Patil, Mr. A. R. Dandekar, Dr. N. M. Dhawale.
3D Printing Technology, Material used for Printing and its Applications,
July – 2020.
• Gabriel A. Johnson, Jesse J. French, Evaluation of Infill Effect on
Mechanical Properties of Consumer 3D Printing Materials, December
2017
• Jaume Gual, Marina Puyuelo, Joaquim LLoveras, Analysis of Volumetric
Tactile symbols produced with 3D Printing, January 2012
• Liang Tsenga , Chen-Chen Tangb , Chuan-Jen Sunc, A Study on the Braille
Elevator Signage System in Public Buildings: The QFD Perspective,
March 2013
• Vit Vozenilek, Alena Vondrakova, Tactile Maps based on 3D Printing
Technology, May 2014
• Chi-Fu Wu, Hsiang-Ping Wu, Yung-Hsiang Tu, I-Ting, Yeh, Chin-Te
Chang, A Study on Design Procedure of Three-Dimensional Printable
Tactile Graphics for Individuals with Visual Impairments, September 2022
• Brian Mac Donald, Robert Hertig, Assessment to Raster-to-Vector (SVG)
Conversion Software and 3D Printers for Tactile Graphics
• J Serrano, G M Bruscas, J V Abellan, R Lazaro, Study of Additive
Manufacturing Techniques to Obtain Tactile Graphics, 2021
• L A D Arbes, J M J Baybay, J E E Turingan, M J C Samonte, Tagalog text-
to-braille Translator Tactile Story Board with 3D Printing, 2019
• Atheer Awad, Aliya Yao, Sarah J. Trenfield, Alvaro Goyanes, Simon
Gaisford and Abdul W. Basit, 3D Printed Tablets (Printlets) with Braille
and Moon Patterns for Visually Impaired Patients, February 2020
• Nancy K. Patel, Krupali J. Patel, Hardik Vyas, Jigna Solanky, A Review
on Gujarati Braille Character Recognition, November 2015.

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