Making print tactile and revolutionising accessibility

When CBB, a pioneering organisation focused on making information accessible to blind and partially-sighted individuals, sought to expand its offerings, they faced a challenge: how to scale high-quality, tactile products while maintaining precise standards. Specialising in audio products, braille, large print, and tactile materials such as books, games, greeting cards and signage, CBB needed more than traditional printing methods, which lacked the precision and versatility required. They needed a solution that could bring their innovative ideas to life with accuracy and efficiency. Canon's Arizona flatbed printers became the answer, revolutionising their mission to create a barrier-free world.

After thorough research and collaboration, CBB, already equipped with an Arizona 1300 series printer, decided to purchase a second one and upgraded to the new PRISMAelevate XL software. This enhanced setup allowed them to not only meet but exceed their production goals. The Arizona printers delivered unmatched precision in braille printing, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards down to hundredths of millimeters. Moreover, the PRISMAelevate XL software enabled the creation of intricate embossed designs up to 4mm high, adding a new dimension to their products—literally.

The impact was immediate and profound. CBB's ability to produce braille, large print, and embossed products with exceptional clarity and detail transformed their product offerings. The introduction of tactile books for joint reading, which combined braille, large print, embossing, and audio, became a flagship product, setting a new standard in accessible media. Additionally, the efficiency of the Arizona printers allowed CBB to scale production without compromising on quality, making tactile art, photos, and even custom-designed audio players accessible to a broader audience.

One of the applications they are excited about is making moulds on the Arizona using PRISMAelevate XL software. With the Arizona they print a positive and negative mould and these are cut to the right size on the Zünd/ProCut table. The moulds are then placed in the Heidelberg press. Next, the paper is pressed between the 2 moulds and in that way tactile dots are created in the paper. The moulds have to be very precise, because the dots have to line up exactly with the print that was made on the paper.

For CBB, Canon's Arizona printers have been more than just a technological upgrade—they've been a catalyst for innovation, allowing the organisation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in accessible media. The partnership continues to flourish, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and accessibility, ensuring that information remains within reach for everyone, regardless of their abilities.