Best Practices for Producing Tactile Graphics Using a Swell Form Machine & Swell Touch Paper

Setup

Read the Swell Form Machine Guide in full before starting.
Set up your Swell Form machine in an open, well-ventilated space on a stable, flat surface.
Attach the paper infeed tray to ensure you insert Swell Touch paper correctly.
Ensure there is ample space behind the machine so finished tactile graphics are easy to retrieve.
When you turn on the machine, the fans will start immediately, but the lights will only activate once paper enters the machine.

Temperature Settings

Temperature scale: 0 is the lowest and 10 is the highest.
Thin lines: start around 7; thick lines: start around 4.
Adjust based on room temperature, machine runtime, and graphic complexity.
For large filled-in areas, use a lower setting (around 4) and consider patterning rather than solid fill.
You may run a sheet through the machine multiple times to increase swelling height, but avoid exceeding three passes.
Generally, start with a lower temperature and run the sheet again if more swelling is needed, rather than using a high temperature in a single pass.
Maximum swell height is approximately 6 mm, depending on the ink used.
If raised lines bubble, the temperature is too high, the ink is still wet, or the sheet has been run too many times.

Specially formulated to react with heat and carbon-based ink, raising black lines.
The textured, off-white side is the drawing surface; the smooth white side is the liner and will not swell.
Do not use other types of paper with the Swell Form machine.
Avoid folding or bending the paper.
Some non-black inks (dark gray, dark brown, etc.) may swell slightly if they contain carbon.

Developed for use with Swell Touch paper and Swell Form machines.
Thin line markers need higher temperatures and generally swell less.
Thick line markers need lower temperatures and can achieve maximum swell on the first pass.
For graphics with mixed line types or large filled areas, start at a lower temperature, evaluate the result, and run the sheet again if needed.
Always cap markers to prevent drying.
Other markers may work, but results may vary.

Test first: create one graphic, evaluate the results, then adjust settings before producing multiple graphics.
Turn on the machine, set the temperature, and gently feed your sheet into the input tray. The machine will automatically process the sheet; retrieve it from the exit area.
Allow ink to fully dry before running sheets through the machine.
Use sample sheets provided in the pack or test with your own printer or photocopier.
You may also draw freehand with a Swell Touch marker and test the results.
Keep notes of temperature settings, line thickness, and resulting swell effects for future diagrams.
Always feed sheets one at a time with the drawing facing up.

Keep it simple: tactile interpretation is difficult.
Convey one or two concepts per graphic. Consider using a progression of diagrams before combining multiple concepts.
Include a key to explain line types or textures.
Try to have ample space between the line and throughout the graphic, otherwise the graphic will become a “blob” of black.
Share your work. Zychem supports a free Tactile Library where you can upload or download tactile graphics: www.TactileLibrary.com

Zychem Tactile Graphics Best Practices