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3D printing parameters for high-relief tactile 2D images: enhancing perception for users with visual impairment
Gutenberg Xavier da Silva Barros1, Alana Elza Fontes da Gama2, João Marcelo Teixeira3
1Design, DACS, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Optimizing tactile comprehension for visually impaired individuals involves specific design parameters. Contour line height between 0.2-0.4 mm and texture density of 10-50% (or 10-90% with combined textures) significantly improve tactile image understanding.
Area of Science:
- Haptics and Tactile Perception
- Assistive Technology Design
- 3D Printing Applications
Background:
- Visually impaired individuals often rely on tactile graphics for information access.
- 3D printing offers a novel method for creating high-relief tactile images.
- Understanding optimal design parameters is crucial for effective tactile communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate visually impaired individuals' perception of 3D-printed tactile images.
- To identify key design parameters for enhancing tactile comprehension.
- To inform the design of improved tactile learning materials.
Main Methods:
- An experiment involving 28 visually impaired participants was conducted.
- Tasks assessed scanning, discrimination, comprehension, and copy finding skills.
- Tactile images were 3D printed with varied contour line height, width, and texture density.
Main Results:
- Optimal contour line height was determined to be between 0.2 and 0.4 mm.
- Texture densities between 10-50% (alone) or 10-90% (combined) improved performance.
- Line width did not significantly impact results, but schooling affected task performance.
Conclusions:
- Specific design guidelines for 3D-printed tactile images can enhance comprehension.
- Recommendations include form simplification and encouraging bimanual exploration.
- These findings contribute to the development of more effective tactile materials for the visually impaired.
