Devices
Devices for Embossed Graphics
Embossed diagrams can be useful to some blind persons for communicating
graphical information. There is a need for systems for producing maps
and diagrams for the blind as well as systems for drawing by the blind.
The choice of method of production will depend on the ultimate use of the map or diagram and on financial considerations. Traditionally copies have been made on manila paper, but this material imposes physical limitations on the design; there is a limited range of discriminable symbols, relatively low height of embossing, and paper is not suitable for outdoor use in wet climates. Many of the systems developed in recent years have employed vacuum forming of plastic sheets, which are more durable and capable of better symbol definition.
It has been found desirable to use more than one height of embossing, but many production systems are limited to a single elevation. The optimum elevation of symbols will depend on whether the copies are monolithic, whether the map is for outdoor use, and the tactual sensitivity of the user. If the production system requires an accurate visual master for each elevation of embossing, then the maps will be very expensive when only a few copies are required.
Raised line drawing kit
These kits have been designed for drawing by blind persons or by teachers who need to produce a map or diagram quickly. The most usual method is to use a ballpoint pen on Mylar or Melinex, which puckers under the pressure of the pen. This system can produce only one type of line, and Braille cannot be added easily.
Metal foil
A master for vacuum forming is made by embossing a sheet of aluminium foil. The map has to be drawn in mirror image on the back of the foil, which is then placed on a rubber mat; the lines are embossed with a spur wheel. Textured areas can be produced by gluing sandpaper to the front surface of the foil. A variant of this system is to use a device incorporating a motor-driven hammer which embosses the metal foil or a sheet of plastic.
String master
This method involves building up a master on transparent cellulose. Various thicknesses of string are used for line symbols; sandpapers, linoleum and fabrics are used for textures.
Wire master
Similar to the previous method except that solder wire is used in place of string. Solder can be rolled to give solid, dotted or dashed lines with a triangular cross-section.
Solid dot
Screen printing with a foaming ink works better under laboratory conditions than in a production environment. The system can produce multicoloured maps but the maximum elevation is low and there is poor control over dot profile.
Embossed metal plates
A system, based on the traditional method of printing Braille books, involves embossing a pair of metal plates on a special machine. The plates are used in a press for making copies on manila paper. This system is usually limited to producing maps in a punctate form with only one elevation of embossing.
Photocopier
Wet ink is dusted with a fine resinous powder or sand that adheres to the wet ink as a raised symbol when heated. A more recent technique is to use capsule paper; the image is photocopied onto the special paper which is then heated, the black areas absorb more heat and swell up. The technique gives limited control over the elevation of embossing.
Photoetching
A photographic copy of the map is placed on top of a sheet of photosensitive plastic that is exposed to ultravoilet light, and the master is chemically etched to the required depth. It is necessary to repeat the process for each different elevation on the map.
Photolathe
A lathe is controlled by a photoelectric scanner; the system is limited to a single elevation. A similar system is where the lathe is replaced by a solenoid; this will produce diagrams only in punctate form.
Computer-aided system
These systems use computer-aided design techniques for the input and editing of the data. One possible output is on a numerically-controlled machine tool which makes a master, and copies are vacuum formed; the quality of the resulting map or diagram is high but the capital cost of the equipment is also high. A less expensive method is to output in print and then reproduce using capsule paper.
Table comparing products and prices
ABTIM
Augustastrasse 84, Wuppertal, D-42119, Germany.
Tel: +11 49 202 427 582
Fax: +11 49 1212 511 689 734
VideoTim
2-part device showing what is on a printed page by activating a 16-by-16 array of pins. The user slides a small camera across the printed page and feels the array of pins to understand the shape of letters or objects. Ideal for embossed graphics.
Price: US$9,500
Last updated: 12/06/2006
American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue, PO Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085, USA.
Tel: +1 502 895 2405
Fax: +1 502 899 2274
Email: info@aph.com
Web: www.aph.org/
Aluminium Diagramming Foil-Roll
Aluminium foil roll which is sprayed on one side with matt
off-white paint which readily accepts pencil or ink. Sold in roll form.
For use with the Tactile Graphics Kit.
Width: 279mm Length: 46metres (approx.)
Ref: 1-04120-00
Price: $80.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Aluminium Diagramming Foil-Sheets
Aluminium foil which is sprayed on one side with matt off-white paint
which readily accepts pencil or ink. Sold in 30-sheet
packages. For use with the Tactile Graphics Kit.
Length: 279mm Width: 279mm
Ref: 1-04090-00
Price: $23.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Chang Tactual Diagram Kit
Tactual aid for teachers of orientation, mobility and other curricular
areas. The kit consists of 104 geometric forms of 27 different shapes
and sizes, 27 varied lengths of hook/loop material, 2 moulded stick people
and a baseboard laminated with interlocking hook/loop. An instructional
guide is included. Recommended age is 6 years and older.
Length: 305mm Width: 610mm Height: 38mm
Ref: 1-03130-00
Price: $170.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Crafty Graphics: Stencil Embossing Kit
Kit contains stencils, embossing tools, and other items needed to create tactile graphics by dry pressure embossing. You supply your own light source to place underneath sheets to be embossed. Can be used to create numerous types of graphic including: graphs, clock faces, cards, flash cards, street maps, flowcharts, etc. Kit includes: Nine Brass Stencils, such as block letters, geometric, and bold plaid stripe, Eight unique stenciling tools, such as stylus with medium and large tips, serrated tracing wheel, and standard braille signage stencil, Twenty whole objects stencils: such as apple, teddybear, heart, etc., Stenciling accessories pack, with items such as soft wire screen, foam pads, clear vinyl sheet, Bold line graph paper, 216mm x 279mm sheets, 6mm inch grid, Wooden braille eraser, Guidebook in large print and on PC-formatted floppy disk. Optional Braille Guidebook available and a carrying case.
Ref: 1-08844-00
Price: $120.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Draftsman Tactile Drawing Board
A versatile tactile drawing board that is used in combination with special film and a stylus to create instant raised-line images. Kit includes: two-ended tactile drawing stylus, tactile inch ruler, 25 sheets of drawing film, instruction booklet and carrying case.
Ref: 1-08857-00
Price: $175.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Embossed Graph Sheets
Standard 100-pound manila sheets with horizontal and vertical lines of
small Braille dots. Co-ordinate axes are represented as solid lines. In packages of 50 sheets. Available in diiferent grid sizes.
Price: $10.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Embossed Graph Sheets - Low-Relief
Suitable for teachers and transcribers to use for making charts and graphs
that require a grid. Grid is embossed on 80 pound Braille paper and measures
292mm x 279mm with margins and comes in four varieties. 25 sheets per package.
Price: $4.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Line-drawing Tool Kit
A set of three tools for drawing tactile graphics on paper and foil.
Ref: 1-008851-01
Price: $64.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Quick-Draw Paper
Picture
Quick-Draw Paper allows for creating instant tactile graphics that are
useful for a wide variety of art, orientation and mobility, diagramming
and educational activities. Its most useful and unique feature is its
quick response to water-based writing and drawing tools. The user draws
on its surface with a water-based marker and the lines will swell instantly
and become tactile. Includes 10 sheets of Quick-Draw Paper, instruction
manual in large print and Braille and two water-based markers. Some suggested
activities: Produce simple maps; Allow children to draw; Practice handwriting;
Make graphs; Teach beginning tactual skills. Recommended ages: 4 years
and up.
Ref: 1-04960-00
Price: $30.00
Last updated: 19/12/2006
Swail Dot Inverter
Includes a metal stylus and 305mm x 305mm rubber pad. Braille paper is placed on top of the pad. The stylus allows dots to be embossed upwards by puncturing the paper on the down stroke and then pulling the dot upwards on the up stroke. Works best with Braillon plastic braille paper. Recommended age
is 5 years and older.
Ref: 1-03610-00
Price: $39.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Tactile Graphics Kit
The kit contains tools and materials for producing diagrams embossed on
heavy gauge aluminium foil which can then be used in a vacuum forming
machine. Kit includes: carrying case, tri-fold tool pouch, Guidebook in large print and CD-Rom formats, durable Delrin line-drawing tools. Extra accessories include a braille slate and stylus, braille eraser, rubber embossing pad, ruler and foil sheets.
Ref: 1-08851-00
Price: $223.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Tactile Graphics Starter Kit
Easy-to-use set of materials for making tactile graphics. Good for those
inexperienced with the process. Pack includes three bottles of craft ink,
tactually distinct fabrics and patterns, paper point symbols, alphabetical index of Braille signs, slate and stylus and print guidebook.
Ref: 1-08839-00
Price: $37.00
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Tactile Marking Mat
A 431 x 342mm textured plastic sheet to be used in
conjunction with soft paper for freehand writing. Texture of the mat causes
wax crayon marks to be tactile, making it useful for marking, drawing,
practising handwriting and creating geometric shapes or simple diagrams.
Comes with 100 sheets of embossed paper and instructions in print and
Braille.
Ref: 1-03331-00
Price: $23.50
Last updated: 09/08/2006
Asian Power Cyclopes
Rochipura, Majra, Dehradun 248171, India.
Tel: +91 135 620488
Fax: +91 135 620961
Email: paritoshgulati@yahoo.com
Diagram Board
Picture
A simple device to teach various material objects to the visually handicapped
by placing small aluminium rivets in the drilled diagram sheet, fixed
on a board with closely formed holes.
Price: US$13.00
Last updated: 04/05/2006
Blista-Brailletec gGmbH
Industriestrasse 11, D-35041 Marburg, Germany.
Tel: +49 6421 8020
Fax: +49 6421 80214
Email: Brailletec@Brailletec.de
Web: www.Brailletec.de
Plastic Foil for Writing and Vacuum-forming
| Item No. | Thickness | Colour | Size | No. of Sheets | Price |
| HW-74310 | 10mm | White | 279 x 292mm | 92 | €6,90 |
| HW-74320 | 10mm | White | 270 x 340mm | 83 | €6,90 |
| HW-74330 | 10mm | White | DIN A4 | 114 | €6,90 |
| HW-74340 | 15mm | Yellow | 270 x 340mm | 51 | €6,90 |
| HW-74350 | 15mm | Yellow | DIN A4 | 82 | €6,90 |
Last updated: 05/12/2006
CareTec
Studenbastei 1, A-1010 Vienna, Austria.
Tel: +431 513 80 81 0
Fax: +431 513 80 81 9
Email: office@caretec.at
Web: www.caretec.at
DraftsMan
Picture
A portable high-quality drawing board. Any line can be drawn with a pointed stylus of any kind. The line is raised above the surface with the use of the board's double-layered rubber surface and special drawing sheets. The drawing board is supplied with 25 sheets, a set of rulers and a carrying bag.
Length: 270mm Width: 210mm
Price: €126.90
Last updated: 19/07/2006
Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH
D-72160 Horb, Germany.
Tel: +49 7451 55460
Fax: + 49 7451 554667
Email: info@handytech.de
Web: www.handytech.de
Graphic Window Professional
Picture
Graphical information of the windows screen are converted into tactile
pictures on 24 x 16 tactile pins. Features include: navigation function;
zoom function; orientation mode; overview mode; structure mode, information
density adjustment; tracking of mouse position. Battery capacity of 20
hours. Combination with Handy Tech Braile displays possible.
Length: 210mm Width: 110mm Height: 75mm
Weight: 1000g
Price: £5,195.00
Last updated: 24/04/2006
Howe Press of Perkins School for
the Blind
175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472,
USA.
Tel: +1 617 924 3490
Fax: +1 617 926 2027
Email: Howepress@perkins.org
Web: www.perkins.org
Tracing Wheel
Picture
Spurred wheel for embossing downwards. Available with two sizes of dots.
Price: $15.75
Last updated: 05/12/2006
Jungle Electronics Ltd.
Brookhills Way, Catherall Industrial Estate Near Chester, Flintshire, CH7 3PS, Wales.
Tel: +44 1244 55 00 22
Fax: +44 1745 561 239
Email: info@jungle-electronics.com
Web: www.jungle-electronics.com
Hi-Touch Clarity Portable
Picture
A manual swell paper fuser will create quality tactile images across all paper sizes. Features include; paper guide mechanism, paper drive mechanism and intelligent fail-safe technology. Supplied in its own carry case.
Last updated: 12/06/2006
Hi-Touch Ultima Plus
Picture
Unique and flexible ability to produce a crisp clear tactile diagrams in approximately 20 seconds direct from your PC.
Using precision thermal inkjet technology and enhanced audio feedback, the Hi-Touch Ultima can produce up to three A4 pages per minute and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh computers. Supplied with: power cable, printer drivers on CD ROM only, Hi-Touch Ink Cartridge, USB or IEEE compliant bi-directional printer cable, and a 1 year return to base warranty.
Last updated: 12/06/2006
Quantum Technology
5 South Street (Cnr Euston), Rydalmere, New South Wales 2116, Australia.
Tel: +61 2 8844 9888
Fax: +61 2 9684 4717
Email: info@quantumtechnology.com.au
Web: www.quantumtechnology.com.au
PIAF
Picture
Acronym for 'pictures in a flash'. Images are drawn or photocopied onto 'swell' paper. This heat sensitive capsule paper is then passed through Piaf which raises the image. The raised images are easy to produce and ideal for communicating graphics and Braille to blind people. Piaf provides quick and easy access to geography, mathematics, all science subjects, orientation and mobility training, and more. Handles paper sizes up to A3 (11x7 inches). An audio indication lets you know when to insert the next sheet; special circuit to extend heater life; easy-grip handle and fold down paper trays.
Ref: 003-070/071
Price: A$1,355.00
Last updated: 25/05/2006
Last updated: 19.02.2008 © Copyright reserved
