Design And Development of Braille Printer.

Project  Description:

This professional project, conducted at Fablab Nepal and IHK, aimed to develop a desktop Braille Printer from scratch to print Braille script for visually impaired people. The primary objective was to create a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to assist visually impaired individuals in accessing written content through Braille. The project involved utilizing a range of tools and techniques, including Gcode, mechanical engineering design, 3D printing, and engineering analysis techniques.

Project Type: 

Professional Project @Fablab Nepal, IHK.

Objectives:

• Develop a desktop Braille Printer capable of printing Braille script

• Create a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for visually impaired individuals

• Utilize Gcode, mechanical engineering design, 3D printing, and engineering analysis techniques

• Address the accessibility needs of visually impaired people through technology

Methodology/Approach Used:

The process began with brainstorming and idea generation for the Braille printer design, during which various concepts and possibilities were explored to lay the groundwork for subsequent steps. Following the brainstorming phase, the printer components were designed using SolidWorks, a CAD software, to create detailed and precise digital representations. This phase ensured that every component of the printer was accurately modeled and ready for further development. 

Subsequently, fabrication of the printer components commenced using advanced manufacturing technologies. These technologies, included 3D printing, CNC machining, or molding, allowed for the precise and efficient production of the printer parts according to the CAD designs. Following fabrication, the printer underwent rigorous testing and validation to ensure its functionality and performance met the desired standards. Various tests were conducted to assess factors such as print quality, speed, accuracy, and reliability. Any issues or discrepancies identified during testing were addressed and resolved to ensure the printer's optimal performance.

Gcode was utilized to control the operation of the printer. Gcode instructions were generated to dictate the movements and actions of the printer components during the printing process, ensuring smooth and accurate execution.Each step in the process contributed to the development of a high-quality and reliable Braille printer.

Brainstorming and Idea Generation for Printer Design

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CAD Design of Printer Components using Solidworks

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Utilization of Gcode for Printer Operation

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Fabrication using Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

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Testing and Validation of Printer Functionality

Tasks Completed :

• Brainstorming and idea generation for printer design

• CAD design using Solidworks

• Utilization of Gcode for printer operation

• Fabrication of components using 3D printing technologies such as FDM, SLA.

• Laser cutting to design housing components.

• Use of stepper motors and controllers such as TinyG to develop the printer. 

• Debugging and testing all the systems.

Milestones Reached:

• Successful CAD design and fabrication of printer components

• Integration of Gcode operation for printer functionality

• Testing and validation of printer performance

• Deployment and user feedback collection

Outcomes and Results:

• Desktop Braille Printer capable of printing Braille script.

• User-friendly and cost-effective solution for visually impaired individuals

• Documentation and User manual for the machine

Technologies/Tools Used:

• Gcode for printer operation

• Mechanical engineering design principles

• Solidworks for CAD design

• Microsoft Office for documentation

• Advanced manufacturing technology such as 3D printing and CNC laser cutter

Lessons Learned:

• Enhanced understanding of accessibility needs for visually impaired individuals

• Proficiency gained in CAD design, Gcode operation, and project management

• Importance of user-centered design principles in technology development