DIY Metal Key Caps

[BlindShadow]

So i tried making some metal key caps out of Sn - tin

http://imgur.com/9pkj7ni

I ran into some problems with metal flow rate and detail retention, so i figured i would ask if anyone successfully have made metal key caps before ?
if so then what material did you use or what technique did you use ?

Currently i am considering changing the key cap design to better accommodate the material, any suggestions ?

[nubbinator]

I've made some with zinc by sand casting.  Unless you're using a nice metal mold and have a nice foundry, you're going to run into issues.  Figuring out how to do the stem is the hard part.

[DrHubblePhD]

Yeah another possible solution is to use a low melting point metal to first cast a negative, you can find billets on Amazon. Then take the negative and use it to cast a mold out of something more heat resistant 

[BlindShadow]

nubbinator : That's a really nice set of keycaps, did you do the zinc at home ? and what did you use for the stem zinc also ?

DrHubblePhD : Sounds interesting with the billets, i might try that

I wonder, do any of you know if this LEGO part fits on a cherry MX switch stem ? 

http://imgur.com/5saobcv



Would be an easy glew on fixtiure, instead of making the key cap stem part of the mold which is tricky.

I am trying ABS molding later today might give some okay results ^^

[Asininity]

nubbinator : That's a really nice set of keycaps, did you do the zinc at home ? and what did you use for the stem zinc also ?

DrHubblePhD : Sounds interesting with the billets, i might try that

I wonder, do any of you know if this LEGO part fits on a cherry MX switch stem ? 

http://imgur.com/5saobcv

Show Image

Would be an easy glew on fixtiure, instead of making the key cap stem part of the mold which is tricky.

I am trying ABS molding later today might give some okay results ^^

I have some technic stuff at home. I'll look whenever I get home and let you know!

[sirisaac1982]

This is cool.
I've always wanted to make my own ingots. 

[Fusion]

I just tried - the piece does fit bit it's slightly too loose. Might need to stuff it or glue it on or something.


Edit for science:

[Asininity]

I just tried - the piece does fit bit it's slightly too loose. Might need to stuff it or glue it on or something.


Edit for science:

It's a shame that it doesn't work.



It's so close!