Braille "Dog" blocks

thingiverse

Following up on the Fittle Fish, I decided to create blocks for a different animal as part of the #RemixChallenge. Print Settings Printer: Monoprice Select Mini Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.0875mm Layer Height, 0.4mm nozzle Infill: 25% Notes: Printed with MG Chemicals Wood filament. Some clean-up required on my print. Stringing of the wood filament and the large nozzle size made reproduction of the braille dots extremely challenging. How I Designed This I researched braille spacing and character set thoroughly. I consulted the Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standard (2003, ICC/ANSI A117.1) which provided some guidelines for the size and spacing of braille dots. Deviating from their recommendations, I used Grade 1 lettering as this is intended as an educational toy for children. The standard specified the following dimensions: Dot base diameter: 1.5-1.6mm Distance between two dots of the same cell: 2.3-2.4mm Dot height: 0.6mm-0.9mm Domed or round shape for the dots. I chose the largest option for each dimension as this range can be difficult to achieve with hobbyist level FDM printers (like mine). Dog Shape The dog outline was created as a quick sketch on a notepad. Later, I imported a photo of the sketch into the design to aid in creating the digital sketch. In addition to the basic concept of multi-part braille "puzzle", I also incorporated specific design elements from the original Fittle Fish. Different shaped pegs on each piece prevent the D block from attaching to the G block. Recessed groove denotes the orientation of the braille lettering. Basic noun at a similar grade level "Flat" object. Fittle's other designs incorporate more 3-dimensionality. I feel like this works well if the braille is on the same plane (the train design), but isn't great when the braille shifts around (the car design) Dimensioning the Braille dots