An instructor at a talking book and braille library had been using a paper-embossed braille alphabet card in her introductory braille class, and noticed many beginners struggled when only braille was represented. She asked if I could make an alphabet card that included raised print letters along with the braille.

My goal was a better alternative to the paper-embossed card that was also maker-friendly, so others could easily reproduce the learning material. FDM (fused deposition modeling) printing resolution and size limits were the big challenge. Following published research on FDM braille printing, I developed a method of printing the braille vertically to achieve accurate dome shapes, and combined it with horizontally printed raised letters. An interlocking tray system assembles the board without adhesives or specialized hardware.

Because it needs only a commonly available FDM printer and standard PLA (polylactic acid) filament, the board is a very accessible learning tool, and the files are published for anyone to print.

Two versions are available above. The standard version includes a heading title across the top of the board; the “No Heading Title” version drops that header for a cleaner layout or a smaller print. Both share the same letter tiles and interlocking tray.