Swell Form Machine for Tactile Graphics
Previously known as the ZyFuse Heater
The Swell Form machine transforms content printed, copied, or drawn onto Swell Touch paper into durable tactile graphics in seconds. Trusted by educators, accessibility professionals, and organizations worldwide, it provides a fast, reliable way to create tactile maps, diagrams, educational materials, artwork, and accessible materials using standard printers, copiers or hand-drawn artwork.
The Swell Form machine is designed specifically for use with Swell Touch paper, Zychem’s proprietary swell paper, also commonly referred to as microcapsule paper or capsule paper. Together they provide a simple, reliable solution for producing tactile graphics.
How the Swell Form process works
The Swell Form process makes creating tactile graphics simple, fast, and reliable. Print, copy, or draw onto Zychem’s specially developed Swell Touch paper using black and color inks or toner, then pass the paper through the Swell Form machine. As the paper moves through the machine, controlled heat causes the black printed or drawn areas to expand into raised tactile graphics, while colors remain flat to preserve visual detail and contrast.
The result is a durable tactile graphic that can be both read by touch and viewed visually, making it ideal for maps, diagrams, educational materials, artwork, and a wide range of accessible documents.
Free pre-made tactile graphics are available from TactileLibrary.com, or users can create custom graphics using a computer and printer or copier, or by drawing directly onto Swell Touch paper with Swell Touch markers.
Simple tactile graphics production
Creating tactile graphics with the Swell Form machine is quick and straightforward. Print, copy, or draw onto Swell Touch paper, pass it through the Swell Form machine, and your tactile graphic is ready to use in seconds. No specialized equipment or extensive training is required, making it easy for educators, accessibility professionals, organizations, and families to produce high-quality tactile materials whenever they are needed.
Safe for any environment
The Swell Form machine is designed for safe, dependable operation in classrooms, offices, production environments, and homes. Its compact design fits easily into a wide range of workspaces, while precise temperature control and heavy-duty cooling fans deliver consistent results. Automatic shut-off protection and reliable paper handling help ensure safe operation and dependable performance during everyday use.
Learn how Swell Form machines create tactile graphics using Swell Touch paper.
Want to understand how the Swell Form process compares to American Thermoform’s EZ-Form and Maxi-Form thermoform machines? Read our guide Swell Paper vs. Thermoforming for Tactile Graphics.
Request Swell Form Machine Pricing:
To order or request pricing, contact us and we’ll connect you with a local distributor.
Electrical:
- Voltage:
- Standard: 120V or 240V
- Optional: Dual Voltage (120V and 240V)
- Power: 12.5A (120V), 5A (240V)
Measurements:
- Height: 6” / 153mm
- Width: 5” / 127mm
- Length: 20” / 508mm
- Weight: 5 pounds / 2.27kg
Standard Warranty
This product comes with a 3 year warranty on parts
Extended Warranty
While these machines are built with the most up-to date-parts and care, sometimes unforeseeable problems occur and your machine needs to be fixed. At American Thermoform we offer Extended Warranty options for that additional comfort in knowing that your machine will be protected longer and repaired quickly. Our goal is to repair your machine within 2 business days to minimize your down time.
Each Extended Warranty option includes:
- One way shipping
- All replacement parts
- Complete inspection & cleaning of machine
- Any applicable firmware/software upgrades
- Free 30 minute diagnosis (labor is then charged at normal hourly
- rates should repair time take longer)
- Swell-Form Graphics Machine
Contact us for further details.
Need a specific image, diagram, graph or drawing? Or want to share yours? Choose one from the Tactile Library. The Tactile Library is a free tactile art library with a community that shares downloadable art and tips.