Access to nature and botany remains limited for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This diploma thesis aimed to explore methods of designing, 3D-printing, and post-processing tactile plant reproductions for the blind and visually impaired. The reproduction was limited to two plant species: Inula hirta and Eryngium alpinum. The theoretical part presents the tactile perception of blind and visually impaired individuals, 3D-printing technology and approaches to designing and post-processing 3D-printed tactile models. In the experimental part, we reproduced the inflorescence of Inula hirta using two methods – digital sculpting and AI-generated depth maps. The reproducted model of the inflorescence and bracts of Eryngium alpinum was created by using a combination of both approaches. The stem leaves of Inula hirta were modelled from a custom-made grayscale image. The models were printed with the use of a PLA filament and post-processed in different ways depending on the desired surface properties. Methods to achieve smoothness of the model included everything from sanding, matte spray coating, to the use of elastic-effect varnish. To create a soft surface for the stem leaves, we used sanding, velvet powder, and moss-effect paste. To ensure the models were suitable for the visually impaired as well, we painted them with acrylic colours and applied a plastic primer underneath. The tactile reproductions were successfully created using 3D-printing and post-processing, resulting in positive feedback from blind and visually impaired participants during tactile testing.
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