Fused Filament Fabrication

A 3D printing technique that creates objects by depositing melted thermoplastic filament layer by layer. FFF printers heat plastic material (commonly PLA or ABS) and extrude it through a nozzle that moves according to digital model coordinates. In accessibility applications, FFF enables low-cost production of tactile models, maps, and educational materials for people with visual impairments. The technology has made custom tactile reproductions feasible for schools, museums, and cultural sites, allowing architectural details, artwork, and scientific concepts to be explored through touch.