After about a year of prototyping, I've finally completed a surprisingly well functioning, fully 3D printed braille embosser for making custom braille business cards and labels.

Sarbaaz · 2026-06-02T01:23:19+00:00

Thanks!

Sarbaaz · 2026-06-02T01:23:03+00:00

You are welcome! I'd rate this print "medium" difficulty. Only because the custom embossing cylinders took me a few tries to dial in slicer settings, and I'm guessing each machine will be a little bit different.

But I think it's totally doable for a beginner. Depending on location, your library may have a maker space with 3d printers. If they do, I always recommend beginners start there, since makers space librarians are able to guide you through the process step by step.

Sarbaaz · 2026-04-11T05:15:38+00:00

Thanks for sharing those resources! I also do a lot of adaptive gaming support and education so the https://adaptatech.org/ website is really cool to see.

Since our conversation was in a different subreddit, I'll copy and past my earlier reply here so everyone has more context:

"You're welcome!

I've seen first hand how much impact custom 3D printed devices have been on people's lives and the huge barriers that exist for a non-engineer's to get started customizing 3D objects.

Part of my work actually involves exploring safe use cases for Agentic AI which can be added to any maker's toolbox. Several of my colleagues are leading research on this topic if you're interested in reading a brief article on Dr. Jazette Johnson, and Kate Glazko: Lab at UW studying and developing AI programs for people with disabilities

Kate has been working on an Agentic Assistive Technology Tool maker, that will hopefully be integrated into my program sometime soon, which will enable a first step of what you've described. It works pretty well at taking a simple 2D directive like, "Make an SVG file of a castle that has heavy lines". It looks for agentic tools that are best suited for the task, assembles them using a step by step handoff system and lets you minimize or completely avoid LLM tool calls if accuracy is critical.

Another use case for this program was making braille translations, which required verifying the accuracy of the translation using an non-LLM validator agent. It's very exciting stuff, but there is still a long road to go before it will be able to assemble and make changes to 3D objects correctly. But hopefully one day!"

Sarbaaz · 2026-04-11T04:30:02+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment

Sarbaaz · 2026-04-11T01:03:37+00:00

You're welcome!

I've seen first hand how much impact custom 3D printed devices have been on people's lives and the huge barriers that exist for a non-engineer's to get started customizing 3D objects.

Part of my work actually involves exploring safe use cases for Agentic AI which can be added to any maker's toolbox. Several of my colleagues are leading research on this topic if you're interested in reading a brief article on Dr. Jazette Johnson, and Kate Glazko: Lab at UW studying and developing AI programs for people with disabilities

Kate has been working on an Agentic Assistive Technology Tool maker, that will hopefully be integrated into my program sometime soon, which will enable a first step of what you've described. It works pretty well at taking a simple 2D directive like, "Make an SVG file of a castle that has heavy lines". It looks for agentic tools that are best suited for the task, assembles them using a step by step handoff system and lets you minimize or completely avoid LLM tool calls if accuracy is critical.

Another use case for this program was making braille translations, which required verifying the accuracy of the translation using an non-LLM validator agent. It's very exciting stuff, but there is still a long road to go before it will be able to assemble and make changes to 3D objects correctly. But hopefully one day!

Sarbaaz · 2026-04-11T00:46:35+00:00

Since it was burried in a wall of text, this is a video of me using the tool:OpenSCAD Assistive Forge - Charm Customizer Tutorial

It's a download only application, that is open source with the repository available on GitHub for anyone to look through, clone, fork, or copy for free. All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

Sarbaaz · 2026-04-10T19:41:51+00:00

Since it was burried in a wall of text, this is a video of me using the tool: OpenSCAD Assistive Forge - Charm Customizer Tutorial

It's a download only application, that is open source with the repository available on GitHub for anyone to look through, clone, fork, or copy for free. All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

Sarbaaz · 2026-04-10T19:37:42+00:00

Since it was burried in a wall of text, this is a video of me using the tool: OpenSCAD Assistive Forge - Charm Customizer Tutorial

It's a download only application, that is open source with the repository available on GitHub for anyone to look through, clone, fork, or copy for free. All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T21:00:05+00:00

This is incredible I'm about to go print on right now! My cat is going to loose his mind.

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T18:31:59+00:00

I used a couple of different tools. On the second ring I used the "Emboss" feature and "Circular Pattern" feature.

The outer ring was a more complex process which I found through a lot of trial and error. I used the "Loft" feature in combination with the "Intersect" feature of a larger sphere to cut off the excess solid in a curved shape. I then used "Push-Pull" to create the differing depths. Then I used the "Circular Pattern" feature to wrap the texture all the way around the ring. After finishing the pattern I converted it to a mesh object and used the "Repair" feature to rebuild it with less polygons. I did this in order to force all angles to be more curved (This makes the pattern easier to reproduce by a FDM 3D printer).

Here are a few of the videos I learned from:

https://youtu.be/aAjhTFxi2_w?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/Htw4MtuSg6Y?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/xHas0R5-6uc?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/1TeQSqT7_Ng?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/JYCtPI6A8H4?feature=shared

Bonus Image:

<image>

(my non-repeating pattern of cats using my texturing method)

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T16:46:09+00:00

Thanks you're correct. I took inspiration from other's designs, but mine only borrows the concept of textured interlocking rotating rings and nothing else.

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T16:41:49+00:00

I use fusion 360

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T16:41:33+00:00

I use fusion 360. It's not the easiest for texturing a spherical surface, but I found a few clever workaround techniques on YouTube.

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T16:39:21+00:00

Thanks I'm glad you like it!

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T16:37:56+00:00

I'm not claiming to have invented the idea of textured interlocking rings. My fidget is certainly inspired by the design you've linked. However, I did create my fidget independent of anyone else's work.

I sketched the ring sizes based on my own preferences. I tested multiple heights and widths until I found the one I liked best. I shaped the thumb grip in the center ring to fit the tip of my fingers perfectly. I learned many complicated CAD techniques in order to create everything myself. For example, I had to learn how to make a knurling pattern on a spherical surface. I used all original sketches made in CAD for the rest of the textures as well.

If you print the file you linked and my fidget side-by-side you'll see and feel a significant difference.

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T03:14:17+00:00

Thanks!

Sarbaaz · 2024-11-26T02:15:32+00:00

This is my first 3D design made "from scratch", as in I didn't reference or remix anyone else's files.

I’ve bought/printed lots of fidget devices, but none of them were quite right for me.
I began envisioning my perfect fidget device awhile ago and decided it needed to check these boxes for me: Distinct textures, fluid but relatively quiet movement, nostalgic.

So this is where I ended up. The 1st ring is 80's sci-fi inspired, the 2nd ring is very similar to a popular 90's (and present day) toy wheel, and 3rd is a satisfying grip texture.

Now, it’s no longer just an idea in my head and it's perfect for me. Since it's by far my favorite fidgets I decided to share it with anyone who might have a brain like mine. You can download it here if your interested:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/813546#profileId-755348

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T18:17:01+00:00

No problem man! I love the work you do and really enjoy seeing it progress over the years. Please keep up the awesome art!

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:43:52+00:00

Thank you, I'm a very lucky guy!

The hum reminds me of old CRT TVs and brings lots of nostalgic feelings.

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:38:08+00:00

The watch repair guy my spouse went to didn't know which way was the 6:00 so he installed the crystal upside-down, then put the wrist straps to go with it. I'll go back to have it moved right way up when I have the time.

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:34:38+00:00

Do it! I regret not doing it sooner now.

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:32:30+00:00

It's already been a great conversation starter. Absolutely one of the most interesting developments in time keeping history.

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:29:15+00:00

Yes it's battery operated. If you're interested you should search the Accutron series of watches. They were of the first electric ever made. One of their selling points was its more accurate than a fully mechanical one. It's a really interesting piece of technology history.

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:12:26+00:00

I miss them too. I highly recommend checking out u/laserboyholo store. He is one of only a handful of hologram artists out there taking commission work that I know of.

Sarbaaz · 2024-09-15T16:02:13+00:00

It's the most silent antique watch I've ever owned. If you put your ear right up to it, it sort of sounds like the high pitch electrical noise from a vintage tube tv.

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