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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: NUDEcnc on Mon, 17 November 2014, 13:15:30

Title: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Mon, 17 November 2014, 13:15:30
This is my version of MX Cherry cut-outs. This is optimised shape for CNC machine. Tool 1 mm endmill.
Why CNC can be your choice??
Well accuracy. CNC machine is about 5 times more accurate (0.01 mm mine )  then water jet or laser (0.05 mm).

This is just prototype :)

(http://i.imgur.com/Qg7gBjq.jpg)

Please comment.

Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 17 November 2014, 13:18:34
GON does his plates through CNC because of the accuracy and people seem very happy with that. I think it costs more for that accuracy though.

And a render and a drawing is a prototype? You haven't cut one yet?
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Mon, 17 November 2014, 14:02:38
GON does his plates through CNC because of the accuracy and people seem very happy with that. I think it costs more for that accuracy though.
By improving cutouts shapes for machining you can improve quality and cycle time = saving money :)
What I can see Gon is making simple square cutouts (number 1 or 2 on picture).
I want cut this in way that cutout will be usable like nr 3. U will be able to change switch types, springs on plate.

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=59837.0;attach=68795;image)

Quote
And a render and a drawing is a prototype? You haven't cut one yet?
Not this version. Hope to have final test part on the end of the week.


Soon CNC machined case for 25-30 $$$ . Interesting? 
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 17 November 2014, 14:04:21
Have you tried these cutouts with MX switches yet?

And what materials for the CNC machined case? Need more information.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: ConscienceDrop on Mon, 17 November 2014, 14:07:07
what a wonderful time to be alive, very exciting project!
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Mon, 17 November 2014, 14:22:24
Have you tried these cutouts with MX switches yet?
Yes and this is revision of firs prototype.

Quote
And what materials for the CNC machined case? Need more information.
(http://eyobberhane56.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/patience-1.jpg)

End of the week :)
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: byker on Mon, 17 November 2014, 14:42:56
Oooh. That is pretty cheap! Details details details!  :-*
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Evo_Spec on Tue, 18 November 2014, 01:13:32
Nice stuff!
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 18 November 2014, 09:07:17
I have previously suggested losing the corners and going for a straight H-shape. That would allow you to use an even larger bit and fewer cuts which I suspect could save money if you are getting it commissioned.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Wed, 19 November 2014, 10:36:35
I have previously suggested losing the corners and going for a straight H-shape. That would allow you to use an even larger bit and fewer cuts which I suspect could save money if you are getting it commissioned.

4 flaps on side are made for modification. This will allow to change switch types while they're on board.

 :-[ correct ??
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 19 November 2014, 10:45:16
I have previously suggested losing the corners and going for a straight H-shape. That would allow you to use an even larger bit and fewer cuts which I suspect could save money if you are getting it commissioned.

4 flaps on side are made for modification. This will allow to change switch types while they're on board.

 :-[ correct ??

Yes. The flaps cannot open if you have the usual metal walls on the sides blocking them.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 19 November 2014, 10:52:18
I have previously suggested losing the corners and going for a straight H-shape. That would allow you to use an even larger bit and fewer cuts which I suspect could save money if you are getting it commissioned.

4 flaps on side are made for modification. This will allow to change switch types while they're on board.

 :-[ correct ??

But those 'H' style cuts that Findecanor proposed work just as well, and are easier to machine with a bit.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59837.msg1375621#msg1375621
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Wed, 19 November 2014, 15:37:33
I have previously suggested losing the corners and going for a straight H-shape. That would allow you to use an even larger bit and fewer cuts which I suspect could save money if you are getting it commissioned.

4 flaps on side are made for modification. This will allow to change switch types while they're on board.

 :-[ correct ??

But those 'H' style cuts that Findecanor proposed work just as well, and are easier to machine with a bit.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59837.msg1375621#msg1375621

Yes, the only difference will be that in this one the button will be supported by long flap on each side. I wanted to inc. corners as a support as well, but It won't make much difference.
As I'm using CAM is not much extra work for me or the machine.

Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 19 November 2014, 16:04:14
I have previously suggested losing the corners and going for a straight H-shape. That would allow you to use an even larger bit and fewer cuts which I suspect could save money if you are getting it commissioned.

4 flaps on side are made for modification. This will allow to change switch types while they're on board.

 :-[ correct ??

But those 'H' style cuts that Findecanor proposed work just as well, and are easier to machine with a bit.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59837.msg1375621#msg1375621

Yes, the only difference will be that in this one the button will be supported by long flap on each side. I wanted to inc. corners as a support as well, but It won't make much difference.
As I'm using CAM is not much extra work for me or the machine.



Please pardon my crude MS Paint skillz. The only areas you lose with the 'H' hole cuts are the areas in red, and you gain back the areas in blue. And the holes look much cleaner, IMO.

(http://i.imgur.com/uRPcO4V.jpg)
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Wed, 19 November 2014, 16:17:58
Quote
The only areas you lose with the 'H' hole cuts are the areas in red
Yes I wanted to keep support faces marked by red arrows. That's only reason why I made cut this way.

There is no support in place where are blue arrows - there is cutout on switch in this place. I made this cutout (blue ) so I would have space for milling tool for red arrowed face  ( 1mm end mill). 
Corners can't be grater then 0.3mm rad according to MX cherry spec.



Anyway I will test both versions, and see which one will be better.   ;D





Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 20 November 2014, 06:17:13
Quote
The only areas you lose with the 'H' hole cuts are the areas in red
Yes I wanted to keep support faces marked by red arrows. That's only reason why I made cut this way.

There is no support in place where are blue arrows - there is cutout on switch in this place. I made this cutout (blue ) so I would have space for milling tool for red arrowed face  ( 1mm end mill). 
Corners can't be grater then 0.3mm rad according to MX cherry spec.



Anyway I will test both versions, and see which one will be better.   ;D

I agree with you. The side parts of the corners help index and locate the switch and make it fit more solidly to the plate. I like your hole design a lot :) Can't wait to see a machined test piece.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: lxrogers on Tue, 25 November 2014, 19:28:39
I'm CNCing my Cherry Mounting plate soon. Really interested to see how this turns out! I'm also going to laser cut some 1/16 acrylic with the CNC cutout to see how that works out, if you don't get to machining before I do I'll let you know how it goes.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Sun, 07 December 2014, 17:12:11
Hi
Back to project!!!
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....
Let me know what YOU think :D

"NUDE cut" ;) v.1
(http://i.imgur.com/cbICvBx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DVzjd1F.jpg)

and after correction
"NUDEcut" ;) v.2
(http://i.imgur.com/fbPABds.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/x6Hlzfh.jpg)

And one from side:
(http://i.imgur.com/W0XDtIQ.jpg)

Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Evo_Spec on Sun, 07 December 2014, 17:33:03
Hi
Back to project!!!
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....
Let me know what YOU think :D

"NUDE cut" ;) v.1
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/cbICvBx.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DVzjd1F.jpg)


and after correction
"NUDEcut" ;) v.2
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/fbPABds.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x6Hlzfh.jpg)


And one from side:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W0XDtIQ.jpg)


First of all, these photo's are amazing!!!

and i'm not experienced with actually building a board but these cuts look like they turned out extremely well.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: MOZ on Mon, 08 December 2014, 13:03:16
Photo's are truly amazing, however my question is how is the switching holding up in the cutout, is it wobbling at all?
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: lxrogers on Mon, 08 December 2014, 14:31:30
I just CNC'd my own mounting plate. You can see more details in my build log: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65882.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65882.0)

But here is what I went with:
design:
[attach=1]

prototype (laser cut 1/16th acrylic) :
[attach=2]

aluminum:
[attach=3]

I'll be making a video for my build log eventually but thank you for inspiring my (inferior) design! I was about to CNC with the box shaped cutouts before I saw your thread.

--LXR
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 08 December 2014, 14:40:15
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....

Photo's are truly amazing, however my question is how is the switching holding up in the cutout, is it wobbling at all?

The pictures look great and your work seems to look good. But I have the same question as MOZ.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: dorkvader on Mon, 08 December 2014, 22:43:07
Plate might be too thick, I notice the cherry switches are not fully "clipped" into it.

Suggest adding some divots like what GON does on his plates.
(http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/164-thickbox_default/universal-frameplate-for-60.jpg)


This allows the use of a thicker plate but the MX switch will also clip in properly.

It's hard to tell for sure though. In the shadow of the last picture it sort-of looks like it's properly clipped in. Even if so, the GON method is something to consider, as you can have a much thicker plate except for those clips for less wasted material, possibly a little faster machine time and especially higher plate rigidity (though it should be pretty rigid already.)
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 09 December 2014, 08:49:51
That method works, I tried something like that for thick acrylic plates with succesful results, however the extra machine time on the laser to engrave off so much of the acrylic meant the costs went into the steel/aluminum plate territory, which would then just be stupid.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Tue, 09 December 2014, 10:20:52
Plate might be too thick, I notice the cherry switches are not fully "clipped" into it.

Suggest adding some divots like what GON does on his plates.
Show Image
(http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/164-thickbox_default/universal-frameplate-for-60.jpg)



This allows the use of a thicker plate but the MX switch will also clip in properly.

It's hard to tell for sure though. In the shadow of the last picture it sort-of looks like it's properly clipped in. Even if so, the GON method is something to consider, as you can have a much thicker plate except for those clips for less wasted material, possibly a little faster machine time and especially higher plate rigidity (though it should be pretty rigid already.)

Yes I want make under cuts similar to GON's. And yes I want to have thicker plate (about 3 -3.5 mm )  :p
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Melvang on Fri, 12 December 2014, 00:15:51
Hi
Back to project!!!
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....
Let me know what YOU think :D

"NUDE cut" ;) v.1
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/cbICvBx.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DVzjd1F.jpg)


and after correction
"NUDEcut" ;) v.2
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/fbPABds.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x6Hlzfh.jpg)


And one from side:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W0XDtIQ.jpg)


These look great.  Just the OCD in me for pointing this out but it appears that your mill may either be suffering from a touch of flex or it isn't perfectly trammed in.  Just judging by the ridges between passes.  I realize the surfaces aren't ground just couldn't let it go.  I had to say something.  Not trying to be a **** but it might help prolong cutter life. 

If you weren't located across the pond from me I might ask you to make my plates for me but using stainless but shipping that much weight that far would put the cost out of reach for me.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Fri, 19 December 2014, 06:05:57
Hi
Back to project!!!
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....
Let me know what YOU think :D

"NUDE cut" ;) v.1
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/cbICvBx.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DVzjd1F.jpg)


and after correction
"NUDEcut" ;) v.2
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/fbPABds.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x6Hlzfh.jpg)


And one from side:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W0XDtIQ.jpg)


These look great.  Just the OCD in me for pointing this out but it appears that your mill may either be suffering from a touch of flex or it isn't perfectly trammed in.  Just judging by the ridges between passes.  I realize the surfaces aren't ground just couldn't let it go.  I had to say something.  Not trying to be a **** but it might help prolong cutter life. 

If you weren't located across the pond from me I might ask you to make my plates for me but using stainless but shipping that much weight that far would put the cost out of reach for me.

Yes you are totally right. Finish is unacceptable :) This was speed test. I just wanted to see how fast 4mm and 1mm tool will go.

This is semi finish cut. It was chemically aged  It still need anodizing and polishing :)

(http://i.imgur.com/2sxPoVA.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ZmkIqz5.jpg)
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 19 December 2014, 06:07:49
I must restate that if I ever do a custom project, I will go through hell and hell to get you to mill my stuff.  :thumb:
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Evo_Spec on Fri, 19 December 2014, 06:09:00
This is semi finish cut. It was chemically aged  It still need anodizing and polishing :)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/2sxPoVA.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ZmkIqz5.jpg)

Danggggg, that looks like it would be a super thick plate!
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 19 December 2014, 08:41:46
Hi
Back to project!!!
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....
Let me know what YOU think :D

"NUDE cut" ;) v.1
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/cbICvBx.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DVzjd1F.jpg)


and after correction
"NUDEcut" ;) v.2
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/fbPABds.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x6Hlzfh.jpg)


And one from side:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W0XDtIQ.jpg)


These look great.  Just the OCD in me for pointing this out but it appears that your mill may either be suffering from a touch of flex or it isn't perfectly trammed in.  Just judging by the ridges between passes.  I realize the surfaces aren't ground just couldn't let it go.  I had to say something.  Not trying to be a **** but it might help prolong cutter life. 

If you weren't located across the pond from me I might ask you to make my plates for me but using stainless but shipping that much weight that far would put the cost out of reach for me.

Yes you are totally right. Finish is unacceptable :) This was speed test. I just wanted to see how fast 4mm and 1mm tool will go.

This is semi finish cut. It was chemically aged  It still need anodizing and polishing :)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/2sxPoVA.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ZmkIqz5.jpg)


That is awesome! I love the recess cut on the top surface. Very nice work!
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Melvang on Fri, 19 December 2014, 08:44:05
Hi
Back to project!!!
Today I had some time to make test cuts for MX Cherry and.....
Let me know what YOU think :D

"NUDE cut" ;) v.1
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/cbICvBx.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DVzjd1F.jpg)


and after correction
"NUDEcut" ;) v.2
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/fbPABds.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x6Hlzfh.jpg)


And one from side:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/W0XDtIQ.jpg)


These look great.  Just the OCD in me for pointing this out but it appears that your mill may either be suffering from a touch of flex or it isn't perfectly trammed in.  Just judging by the ridges between passes.  I realize the surfaces aren't ground just couldn't let it go.  I had to say something.  Not trying to be a **** but it might help prolong cutter life. 

If you weren't located across the pond from me I might ask you to make my plates for me but using stainless but shipping that much weight that far would put the cost out of reach for me.

Yes you are totally right. Finish is unacceptable :) This was speed test. I just wanted to see how fast 4mm and 1mm tool will go.

This is semi finish cut. It was chemically aged  It still need anodizing and polishing :)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/2sxPoVA.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ZmkIqz5.jpg)


Gotcha, didn't realize that was essentially a roughing cut.  Carry on then. 

Have you tried stainless with that size cutters yet?
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: NUDEcnc on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:39:01
Hi
This is the final "NUDE" cut-out for switch :)

It took me 12 cuts to get this result.  I hope that last picture will give the answer about fitment  :p
There is no play between  switch  case and plate.

Hope you guys, will like it.

(http://i.imgur.com/5EGJ5GS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/HkMiXx0.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CjQ8WRe.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/77qpadr.jpg)
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: codyeatworld on Tue, 13 January 2015, 15:51:07
Super impressive work and photography.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Evo_Spec on Tue, 13 January 2015, 19:02:35
Damn that's nice.....
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Oobly on Wed, 14 January 2015, 04:20:51
That looks perfect :) Holds the switch on all contact points, has the cutouts for removing the tops and the recesses so you can use a 1mm tool. Great work.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 14 January 2015, 04:36:59
Very nice.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 14 January 2015, 06:07:25
That's looking good :).
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: Giorgio on Tue, 20 January 2015, 18:21:19
Sorry for the little OT.. just to tell you how wonderful is this project and how I consider myself very fortunate to have begun to study mechanical keyboards just a couple of weeks ago. I've got the impression that this diy craziness had just started to move not too long ago, maybe that the cost of cnc and pcb printing can explain it.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: FrostyToast on Tue, 20 January 2015, 18:27:43
Sorry for the little OT.. just to tell you how wonderful is this project and how I consider myself very fortunate to have begun to study mechanical keyboards just a couple of weeks ago. I've got the impression that this diy craziness had just started to move not too long ago, maybe that the cost of cnc and pcb printing can explain it.

I believe the keyboard enthusiast community first started in 2006 in Korea, so you're really not far off at all in the assumption that custom boards did get popular only recently.
It's also a matter of fact that unlike many other PCBs, the ones for keyboards can be used for only that single purpose instead of something like an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi.
Therefore, the demand is lower and it's more expensive. Yes, demand should increase prices, not decrease them, but at such low levels such as what we see here, it costs are extremely high compared to what makers have to initially invest, thus prices need to be raised.
I hope I didn't misunderstand what you were trying to say.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: exitfire401 on Tue, 20 January 2015, 18:30:57
Really enjoying seeing you updates. Glad to see you continually making process! Hoping to buy some of your work some day.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: FrostyToast on Tue, 20 January 2015, 18:38:56
Will you ever take requests for plates and cases for custom layouts?
I need this in my life.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: MrRooks on Thu, 22 January 2015, 11:46:11
Beautiful work! Very inspiring. I look forward to one day making a custom plate.
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: tuckie on Sun, 01 October 2017, 14:05:04
Any chance you would share your final dimensions?
Title: Re: MX Cherry CNC plate cutouts -PROTOTYPE
Post by: xondat on Sun, 01 October 2017, 14:14:23
Any chance you would share your final dimensions?

It's in the very first post...