Printing Braille

Printing braille used in various settings like public buildings, schools, and other facilities is easier than ever with a digital flatbed UV printer.

Print directly onto a variety of different materials, including rigid boards and 3D objects, on a single printing machine. Flatbed printers come in larger sizes too, making it possible to print on large signage or even wall panels. Alternatively, an engraving machine is another great option for producing durable and long-lasting tactile signs.

With a UV flatbed printer, UV light instantly cures multiple layers of specialised ink as they are printed to create raised braille dots on the surface of the material. This provides a tactile representation of the printed text for individuals with visual impairments. An engraving machine creates braille by precisely etching or cutting out raised dots on a surface, following the braille cell patterns.

UV ink is very durable and resistant to most chips and scratches. On outdoor applications, the print will usually last around two years before it starts to fade, but if correctly laminated, it will last even longer. Indoor applications are likely to have a much longer lifespan and will often last the expected life span of the product.

PDF and EPS files are the most flexible format and are compatible with most RIP platforms as they can contain bitmap and vector information. Vectors allow for precise control over the placement and dimensions of braille dots and are especially useful when braille text needs to be integrated with visual content.

Spot UV is a term used to describe the application of a clear ink for highlighting elements of the design. This creates an eye-catching, glossy finish in specific areas, for example on logos or text.

Because the ink is cured instantly at low temperatures, UV printers use much less energy than other technologies which rely on heat to dry the ink. Also, the lamps require no warm-up time, which reduces standby consumption when not in use.