Reliefs
Since decades the DZB gained experiences in producing very different kinds of relief for blind people. In the sixties the first tactile atlases were released, in the eighties started the production of wall calendars. Also a big variety of tactile teaching aids were developed in the DZB. Not to forget the tactile representation of architectural monuments like recently the Cologne cathedral. Last but not least are to mention the very popular greeting cards for almost all occasions.
Our relief meet the highest standards. They are made of a very durable plastic, the forms are clearly shaped so that they can be easily distinguished by the touching fingers.
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Manufacturing Techniques
First a drawing from the motif that shall be adapted for the blind user is done. In the eyes of sighted people this draft may look “a kind of raw”, because for the adaptation it is necessary to “pass on” the small details. To receive information of a tactile image characteristic lines and contours have to be displayed. Different materials are used to create different surfaces that are distinguishable ones from another. To build a relief from such different motifs as flowers, geographical maps or fairy tale figures requires a profound knowledge about the nature of materials and a lot of imagination and creativity.
All the different parts that form the relief are fixed on a zinc plate. If necessary braille letters can be added to the zinc plate as well. The stencil is now ready for the vacuum thermoforming process. It is covered by a PVC-film that is heated. Then the air is vacuumed by a pump so that the heated film is pressed upon the stencil and adapts its forms. That way you receive a stable and durable relief.
Geographical Maps
The production of geographical maps began already in times of the GDR. As the political surface of the world has changed a lot since then, the DZB started with a new production line of geographical maps in the nineties.
Architectural Monuments
DZB produced the first guide for blind and partially sighted people on one of the most important cathedrals in Germany, the Cologne cathedral. The guide contains relief, braille and large print. Master builder of the cathedral Barbara Schock-Werner explains the history of the famous cathedral and some of its most important pieces of art. Relief printings illustrate the plan of the cathedral, the Western facade, gothic window forms and the Gero-cross. The guide comprises also an audio-CD with more information about the Cologne cathedral. Up to now the guide of the Cologne cathedral is available only in German.
Calendars
Since 1981 we have produced wall calendars. Every year the DZB offers a wall calendar consisting of relief and underneath large print. Also pocket diaries in contracted and non-contracted braille and large print are available.
If you are interested in this product, please consider our German website.
Greeting Cards
The DZB presents a selection of greeting cards for all occasions. With coloured relief combined with braille and print letters you can send a nice greeting to everybody. Some cards contain also little audio-CDs.
If you are interested in this product, please consider our German website.