An introduction to the use of inkjet for tactile diagram production

Abstract

The three common methods for producing tactile diagrams are mixed-media, swell paper and thermoform. This paper describes a new innovative method for producing tactile diagrams using piezoelectric inkjet technology that overcomes some of the limitations of these methods. A photocuring acrylic polymer ink is repeatedly printed onto a thermoplastic substrate and exposed to ultraviolet light which bonds the ink to the substrate and cures it to a hard state. The speed and precision of the process means that diagrams with fine, yet easily discriminated tactile features will be available to the user relatively cheaply. The process is allied to work in the printed circuit board and rapid prototyping industries, which are using similar inkjet technology to engineer highly toleranced components. It is hoped that the newly available tactile maps will facilitate psychological, psychophysical and cartographic research.