1. Creating Simple Tactile Maps using a 3D Pen
Nick Leon, MA, COMS
Orientation and Mobility Specialist

2. Agenda Background Overview of 3D Pen and Applications
Discussion of Tactile Maps
Techniques for Use and Tips
Potential Applications and Alternative Options
Activity: Demo 3D Pen

3. Background Began working as an Instructional Assistant in 2010
Graduated from WMU in May of 2015
Currently working as an O&M Specialist
Keen interest in emerging technology and how it can impact O&M field
Not as experienced
Humbled
Came across intriguing product and wanted to share it with colleagues, 2 reasons

4. Things you didn’t know existed

5. What is a 3D Pen? A 3D pen uses the same technology as a 3D Printer.
It heats up plastic similar to a glue gun and allows the user to create 3D lines quickly and easily.
The device, originally developed as an art tool, serves many applications in our field including creation of tactile maps.
Show demo video that gives more information on device

6. Video Demo: 3Doodler Pen

7. Initial Applications Intersection diagrams Building floor plans
Tactile maps
Will go into more description about using the pen, first wanted explain how I began using the device
Primary applications is currently for tactile maps

8. What are Tactile Maps? Map accessed through touch...
Can illustrate complex areas and intersections
Often are used for route planning and learning unfamiliar areas
Are not usually used while traveling
(Bentzen et al., 2010)

9. Current Options Wiki Sticks Puff Paint Wheatley Diagram Kit
PIAF or Swell Maps
Thermoform or Braillon
Tactile Town
Tactile Graphics Kit
3D Pens
3D Printers
Not an exhaustive list
Still use many of these devices.

10. Compare and Contrast Consider the Following Factors: Texture
Discriminability
Cost
Equipment Needed
Skill needed
Versatility
Compare and Contrast traditional methods with the 3D Pen

11. Current Limitations Fabric paint dries slowly and is prone to wear.
Some options require costly or bulky equipment.
Diagram kits require multiple pieces and are not always portable.
Drawing kits require skill and practice.
Fine detail can be hard to achieve with some methods.
Still avid user of almost all of these products.
May not be limitations experienced by everyone, but from personal experience.
Limitations that may be solved by 3D Pen.

12. Benefits of 3D Pen Dries quickly Easy to Feel Various Color Options
Durable and Long lasting
Economical
Easy-to-Use

13. Limitations of 3D Pen Does not adhere to everything
Requires access to power
Creating uniform dots can be difficult
Device can jam
It’s not meant to adhere to surfaces, so sometimes that can be a problem.
I found that sometimes when doing lines on maps it can create pointed edges. It’s important to keep fluid lines.
Takes practice to make braille dots consistent in size and shape.

14. Choosing a Pen Variable Temperature Control Variable Speed Control
Can Use ABS or PLA
Ease of Use
Reliability (read reviews)
Important for creating maps

15. Choosing a Filament
ABS - Flexible and Strong; Better for freestanding design
PLA - Adheres better to surfaces, but takes slightly longer to dry
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a common thermoplastic polymer
Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA, Poly) is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch

16. Tips for Use
Plastic filament adheres best to matte surfaces such as cardstock.
A spray adhesive can improve adhesion for most surfaces.
Canvas board is one option for more durable maps and diagrams.
Adhesive Photo Album refills can provide a weather-resistant option for portable maps.
*many surfaces I haven’t tried

17. Potential Surface Materials
Cardstock prepped with Spray Adhesive
Freehand or Using a Map Printout
Adhesive Photo Refill Paper
Canvas Board using a Map Printout

18. Map Printouts Map printouts can be easily traced using the 3D Pen
Can be printed on cardstock and prepped with spray adhesive
Can be matted on canvas board
Can be printed in poster size for larger canvas

19. Map Printout

20. Poster Size Map Printout

21. Video Demo: Map Tracing

22. Other Applications Concept Development
Mathematics and Geometry Instruction
Labeling Appliances
Teaching Letter and Number Shapes
Modifying or Labeling 3D Printed Objects

23. Alternative Options Photopolymer Technology
High temps can be an issue for some
A couple of products offer no-heat options
CreoPop
Polyes Q1
Several videos demonstrating this technology
Alternative option which provides potential for children who are visually impaired

24. Video Demo: CreoPop

25. Resources
3D Pens for Vision Rehab - Facebook group for collaboration on using the 3D pen
3Doodler.com - One of the first devices on the market and offers a variety of resources via their website
Amazon - They offer a variety of 3D pens and plastic filaments
YouTube - There are a variety of instructional videos on this site.
Scribbler3dpen.com - Home site for Scribbler 3D Pen; contains templates and demos.
Lay3r.com - Home site for Lay3r 3D Pen; contains templates and demos.
OfficialRainbowGirl.com - 3D Pen user who gives demos, buying guides, and reviews.

26. Resources
tinyurl.com/3dpens

27. References
Bentzen, B. L., & Marston, J. R. (2010). Orientation Aids for Students with Vision Loss. In W. R. Wiener, R. L. Welsh, & B. B. Blasch (Eds.), Foundations of Orientation and Mobility (3rd ed., Vol. 1, History and Theory, pp ). New York, NY: AFB Press.

28. Thanks!
Any Questions?
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