Braille World Map

A 3D-printed map of the Earth with Braille labels solves accessibility issues for visually impaired individuals by providing a tactile way to explore geography, improving education, spatial awareness, and navigation. It bridges gaps left by traditional and digital maps, supports multisensory learning, and offers a durable, customizable tool for schools, libraries, and public spaces. By promoting inclusive design, it enhances independence and understanding of global geography for those who rely on touch rather than sight.

PLA filament

Change the settings in Autodesk Fusion from mm to inches to allow a more detailed feel for the visually impaired.

Open Fusion 360 and create a new design.

Go to the "Insert" menu (found in the toolbar at the top).

Select "Canvas" → This allows you to insert an image into your design.

Choose a face or plane to place the world map image.

Click "Select Image" and browse to the world map image on your computer.

Adjust the position and scale as needed.

Click "OK" to place the image.

1. Go to the "Create Sketch" menu.
2. Select the plane where your image is placed.
3. The sketch environment will open.
4. In the Sketch tab, select "Fit Point Spline".
5. Click along the outlines of the map to create smooth curves.
6. Adjust the control points to refine the shape.
7. Continue placing spline points until you've traced the entire outline.
8. Press Enter when done.
9. Select the spline and drag the control points to refine the curves.

1. Select the Sketch Profiles

1. Ensure your base sketch and continent sketches are visible.
2. Click on "Create" > "Extrude" (or press E on your keyboard).
3. Select each continent's closed sketch profile to prepare for extrusion.

2. Set the Extrusion Parameters

1. For Africa & Europe:
2. Enter 0.06 as the extrusion distance.
3. Set Operation to Join (so they merge with the base).
4. For All Other Continents:
5. Enter 0.08 as the extrusion distance.
6. Ensure Operation is set to Join to attach them to the base.

3. Confirm & Adjust If Needed

1. Click OK to complete the extrusion.
2. To modify:
3. Locate the Extrude feature in the Timeline (bottom).
4. Right-click and choose Edit Feature to adjust the height or operation.

1. Determine the Braille Layout

1. Use an online Braille alphabet to find the dot pattern for each letter.
2. Count how many circles (dots) you need for each continent's name.

2. Sketch the Braille Dots

1. Select the continent's surface and click "Create Sketch" to add the Braille.
2. Use the Circle tool to draw dots, typically 0.06 in diameter.
3. Space the dots 0.08 apart (center-to-center), adjusting as needed to fit within each continent.

3. Extrude the Braille Dots

1. Select all the Braille circles for a continent.
2. Click "Create" > "Extrude" (or press E).
3. Set the extrusion height:
4. Africa & Europe → 0.1 to make them more visible.
5. Other continents → 0.08 for consistency.
6. Set Operation to Join to attach them to the base.

4. Final Adjustments

1. Click OK to complete.
2. If needed, adjust the dot size, spacing, or position for readability.

Step 1: Exporting the Model from Fusion 360

1. Open your Fusion 360 project.
2. Ensure your model is fully designed and ready for export.
3. Click on File > Export.
4. Choose STL as the file format.
5. Select High refinement to maintain model accuracy.
6. Click Save and store it in an easily accessible location.

Step 2: Preparing the Print in Bambu Studio

1. Open Bambu Studio (the slicer software for Bambu Lab printers).
2. Click Import and select your exported STL file.
3. Choose your printer: Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (0.4 nozzle).
4. Set the Plate Type to Textured PEI Plate.
5. Choose Filament: Select Generic PLA (ensure it's loaded in the printer).
6. Set Process to 0.20mm Standard @BBL X1C.
7. Confirm Layer height is 0.2mm, and Initial Layer Height is 0.2mm.
8. Under Seam, ensure Seam position is Aligned.
9. Enable the advanced setting Only one wall on top surfaces → Top surfaces.
10. (Optional) Check other settings like infill, supports, and adhesion if needed.
11. Click Slice and preview the print to ensure everything looks correct.

Step 3: Printing on Bambu Lab X1 Carbon

1. Click Send to Printer in Bambu Studio.
2. Make sure the printer is connected and has the correct filament loaded.
3. Start the print and monitor the first few layers to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Wait for the print to complete and carefully remove it from the Textured PEI Plate.