Overview

     Braille printers receive data from computer devices and emboss that information in Braille onto paper. Braille printers typically require heavyweight paper to hold the embossed characters. Printing in braille requires much more space than typical printing and are often much slower and noisier. Braille printers come in two styles; single sided and double sided printing. These devices range in price and can be very expensive depending largely on the printer output volume. Other factors that affect price are portability, volume, and printing speed. Paper made specifically for braille printing is available commercially. Some printers require documents to be sent in braille format (for information on text to braille conversion click here), although many modern printers have direct printing with on-board translation from typed text to braille.

​

     Braille printers are much more time and cost efficient than professional conversions. Although their conversion accuracy has been shown to be on par with professional conversion, that is more a reflection of the braille conversion software than the printers themselves.

​

Advantages:

• One printer can be used for multiple users

• More cost effective than professional translation

​

Disadvantages:

• Somewhat loud

​

To Consider:

• Does your printer need to be portable?

• Is printing volume a concern?

• What is the average document size you will be printing?