A A contribution to braille text production using 3d printing

Abstract

The quality use of the Braille system for individuals who are blind is fundamental to their access, participation, and independence in various daily activities. The introduction to the use of Braille for visually impaired individuals begins in school, unlike sighted individuals who experience written language from an early age in different social settings. Consequently, the first ones’ experience is often private or limited compared to individuals with sight. In this regard, this present work proposes a way to contribute to access to Braille texts by utilizing 3D printing technology to produce labels in a format closely resembling the Brazilian normative standards for such texts. This work is part of a master’s research project that sought to identify best practices for 3D printing through web resources and consultation with professionals in the field. Initially, digital models of Braille labels were created using 3D modeling software, followed by the production process using ABS and PLA filaments with a GTMax 3D A1V2 printer. The results indicate that it is possible to approximate standardized Braille text using 3D printing, ensuring quality and readability. However, it is
important to note that 3D printing is subject to various contextual factors, including climate and the equipment and materials used, which may affect the outcome. Therefore, further exploration of this activity in different contexts is necessary for effective implementation. For future research, it is recommended to develop/improve a system that can automatically generate Braille text labels following the standards set by the Ministry of Education.