Mini Mountains

pinshape

Mini Mountains are accurate scale models of landforms from around the globe. Each model is presented in a display case with key information: the name of the landform, its height and location. This information is displayed in clear text on one side and UK Grade 1 braille on the other, raised 2mm from the surface. The idea behind this design was to give visually impaired users a tactile experience of different types of landforms in a classroom environment. It allows blind people to compare various geography; with each model being to scale, the differences in incline, surrounding areas, heights and so on can be shown, bringing the real world to everyone's hands. The topographical model was created using online TopoTopo software, then downloaded and converted to an STL file. After this, the model was sliced using Cura with a 0.15mm layer height at 40mm/s speeds and scaled down to 82mm width to fit in its display casing. A brim was also used to make removing the print easier. The model was printed in white PLA using a RepRap Prusa i3 mendel, despite its intricacy, the final print was of very good quality. Autodesk's Fusion 360 was used to model the casing, making one half of the case and then using the mirror tool. The text panel was angled less than 45 degrees to make printing on the support structure less problematic. A high infill support was used to achieve a smooth face on the back of the panel, which was very pleasing. To design the braille, an array of circles was made on the panel face, each 2x3, which could then be selected in corresponding patterns from a text to braille translator. UK Grade 1 braille was used. The braille was made more tactile by simulating embossed paper type braille with filleted extruded cylinders. These extrusions were also angled for good detail printing. This was printed with a 15mm layer height and 40mm/s print speed, resulting in an ideal first-time print. In the future, it would be great to expand this range to different locations; the possibilities are endless. Landforms like the Grand Canyon, Nubra Valley and Mount Etna are all within reach.