Use case / CFK + DB

CFK + DB: Mass-customized braille signs for the visually impaired 


The challenge

Visually impaired people need tactile support to navigate Deutsche Bahn's train stations. DB hired CFK GmbH initially to design and produce 1,480 custom aluminum handrail signs to be installed in 89 train stations across Germany. Each sign's unique length and custom braille inscriptions made manual design impractical.

The outcome

CFK and trinckle worked together to develop a scalable custom application to automate the design of braille signs using a spreadsheet as an input. Once generated, designs were 3D printed in aluminum using industrial techniques.

Key features of trinckle's custom solution included:

  • A fully automated workflow converting spreadsheet content into 3D geometry

  • Automated translation from the Latin alphabet to braille

  • Automated segmentation into printable sizes and preparation for print jobs

The success of the project led to an additional contract for CFK, with over 30,000 signs produced in total.

CFK-DB-hero

Location

Kriftel, Germany

Industry

Industrial manufacturing

Size

300,000+

Product

Custom solution

100%

automated workflow

Data input as a spreadsheet and transformed into 3D geometry

99.9%

time savings

An automated workflow eliminates time-consuming manual CAD tasks

30,000 +

signs produced

Installed in train stations across Germany

Increased design output

Station names, sign quantities, and shapes (round or flat) were entered into a spreadsheet. This CSV file was uploaded into a custom design application by trinckle. The application used the data to generate braille signs, adjusting a standard design to fit different word lengths.

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interface

Algorithms do the design work

The sign configurator application had several advantages:

  • Easy to use without CAD expertise

  • Automatic braille translation

  • Direct visual feedback

  • Real-time competitive pricing

  • Short lead times of 5-7 working days

  • Guaranteed reliability with industrial 3D printing

The application could integrate with ordering systems and add elements like company logos. This flexibility allowed DB to easily order additional signs as needed.

Produce more for less

So far, over 30,000 signs have been produced and installed across DB's rail network in Germany. Manual design would have taken years and been too costly to make the project feasible. Thanks to design automation, mass customization is now possible, enabling new applications, approaches, and business models.

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