Also Known As:
Technologies: German Film, Mylar, Melinex, Foil, Heat Pen,
Principles: Instant tactile graphics which are very useful to
illustrate a concept on the spot.
How to make free-hand graphics
Depending on the format used, freehand graphics are usually hand
drawn on-the-fly.
- German Film - a fine film which can be drawn upon with a stylus
or pen. When pressure is applied from the stylus, the film creases
to leave a raised line. Textures and lines can also be added
with a spur wheel.
- Aluminium Foil - can be etched with a stylus to form temporary
graphics or used to thermoform.
- Heat Pen - a special pen with a heated tip allows you to draw
directly on to swell paper
and see results without the need to have a fuser. Some heat
pens have battery packs which make their use even more flexible.
- Craft - a sheet of card and scissors can be used to make crude
but fast tactile images.
Where to buy materials and equipment.
RNIB
Techno-Vision
APH
Links to Suppliers Details
Strong Points:
- Easy to draw on-the-fly
- Good for lines and basic shapes
- Relatively cheap
Weak Points:
- Not easily reproducible in bulk
- Typically not durable
- Difficult to create complex images
Back to Making Tactile Graphics
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