[TAGS] seeking durable material for tactile maps

Thu Jan 25 16:11:02 UTC 2024

My recommendation depends on size, complexity, and duration.

Polystyrene may not be the best method for several reasons. One, either a thermoform mold, die must be created, or actual raised drawings with likely text and or braille.

Two, polymer signage again depending on size, etc ... Per the second item, its actually fairly easy to create and replicate. Much more durable than Polystyrene. Nor is it overly expensive.

Non-precious metals another alternative.

Happy to discuss and assist with all three.

Randolph Cabral 

Randolph Cabral, President
Kansas Braille Transcription Institute
P.O. Box 48091
Wichita, Kansas 67201-8091
316-265-9692  (Office)  9:00 AM - 5:00CST
316-265-0184  (Fax)
randolphc at kbti.org
www.kbti.org

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." -- Helen Keller

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From: "Matthew Gesualdi via TAGS" <tags at nfbnet.org>
Sent: 1/25/24 9:34 AM
To: Tactile Art and Tactile Graphics Specialist list <tags at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Matthew Gesualdi <matt at tact-ed.org>
Subject: Re: [TAGS] seeking durable material for tactile maps

Hi Cheryl,

If these maps will be handed to people, then a light thermoformed styrene plastic would work well. All the work is up front making the tool, and then thermoforming more as you need them works well.

If these are to be fixed to a display, then I'd recommend two choices. 3D printing works well if the end product is covered with a solvent that smooths the fiber layers so the map is cleanable. You can also add different textures with the same methid.
The second is laser cutting. It makes for a hard, durable material but may require more labor than any other method.

Give me a shout if you want to talk more.

Hope you are well. 
Matt Gesualdi 

Matt Gesualdi
www.Tact-Ed.org (stay tuned for a new name and mission)

On Jan 24, 2024 9:41 AM, Cheryl Fogle-Hatch via TAGS <tags at nfbnet.org> wrote:
Hi everyone.

I am working with a mid-sized historical museum to create tactile maps
for display in their gallery. We are seeking more durable materials
than swell form or other paper products. They have a fabrication
department, and I'm considering recommending wood cut, or laser cut,
or vinyl or 3D printing (plastic).

I'm curious if you have encountered tactile maps made of durable
material, and if so what you noticed, liked, or disliked.

Thanks in advance.

Cheryl

-
Cheryl Fogle-Hatch, Ph.D.
Archaeologist and Museum Professional
(443) 939-8217
c.k.fogle at gmail.com
https://museumsenses.org
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/cheryl-fogle-hatch

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