3d printed keycap durability

[The Mick-a-nator]

Does anyone have 3d printed keycaps for flair? I wonder how they stack up against regular ABS/PBT keycaps in terms of lifetime, especially the powder deposit printed plastics like Shapeways use. Do they cope with being pulled off or (heaven forbid) rough treatment?

[Pdub]

I print my masters from shapeways. I have sold some 3D printed caps too. They hold up just as well as other caps if designed correctly. It's almost a none argument of quality. Some people just don't seem to be fans. Also you have to be careful with 3D prints. Not everyone does a good job with the stems.

[27]

I print my masters from shapeways. I have sold some 3D printed caps too. They hold up just as well as other caps if designed correctly. It's almost a none argument of quality. Some people just don't seem to be fans. Also you have to be careful with 3D prints. Not everyone does a good job with the stems.

The issues with the stems are usually people failing to account for warping and growth.

[The Mick-a-nator]

The issues with the stems are usually people failing to account for warping and growth.

Could you expand on this a little? I want to try and print a keycap but I don't want to make a dud.

[27]

The issues with the stems are usually people failing to account for warping and growth.

Could you expand on this a little? I want to try and print a keycap but I don't want to make a dud.

It's all trial and error for that. Different materials and methods have different tolerances, and will behave in different ways. Even 0.2mm can make the difference between a tight or loose stem.

[KeypressGraphics]

My experience is that 3D-printed Nylon keycaps are almost indestructible. Frosted plastic can be fragile if dropped, but will be completely durable under normal keyboard use unless the design itself is particularly delicate - like say there are tiny, tiny antennae on an insect's head which can be snapped off, that sort of thing.

Generally both materials will hold up as well as ABS or PBT I would think.

[Tangtawan]

i have a 3D printed keycaps, and i feel that its much more stronger than even thick PBTs; but it depends on the materials you're using as well.

I have Zortrax M200, and i use this Z-Ultrat material. Its designed to be a working part in machine; so i guess its durability should be beyond any regular keycaps.
https://zortrax.com/products/z-ultrat-new-filament-from-zortrax/