3D Printed Tactile Model

A physical, three-dimensional object produced by additive manufacturing (for example fused deposition modelling or stereolithography) that is designed to be explored by touch rather than sight. 3D printed tactile models are used in accessibility contexts to convey information that 2D tactile graphics cannot represent clearly, such as depth, volume, limb relationships in body poses, topography, molecular structure, architectural form, and artefact shape for blind museum visitors. Compared with refreshable tactile displays they offer high spatial resolution and permit simultaneous two-handed exploration, but they are static and must be re-printed to change. Reference markers, bases, and scale are critical design variables: models that are too small lose detail, and those that are too large cannot be apprehended with two hands.