Author Topic: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?  (Read 4252 times)

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Offline rythven

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I extensively use ortholinear, so every keyboard that comes out I need to copy the plate and make my own layout.
Some provide the dxf/plate files available but for new arrivals it's generally not the case.
I'd like some direction on how to have a plate scanned and cut from those of you who have experience.
I'm also more interested in the cheaper plastic materials rather than metals (FR4, POM, PolyCa, acrylic, etc)
so any info on the cost for those services would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help.

Offline nevin

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Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 08:45:35 »
what board are you talking about?
if you or a friend have a flatbed scanner?
- easiest is just to lay it down & scan it
- recreate the outline of your particular plate (the part that interacts with the rest of the case)
- then add your layout to the file, i usually use KeyboardLayoutEditor, Swill's plate builder, and make some manual adjustments if needed

as far as what vendors to use... i'm not sure, i've made a bunch of plate files for other members but haven't ordered any myself.
Keeb.io Viterbi, Apple m0110, Apple m0120, Apple m0110a, Apple 658-4081, Apple M1242, Apple AEK II, MK96, GH60/Pure, Cherry g84-4100, Adesso AKP-220B, Magicforce 68

Offline rythven

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Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 12:25:38 »
I'm not sure if it needs to be a specific type of scanner or something for it to be accurate, and would I need a caliper to measure the thickness?
At the moment, I need a plate file for the new kbdfans d60lite.

Offline nevin

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Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 14:02:28 »
Quote
I'm not sure if it needs to be a specific type of scanner
nope. any flatbed scanner will do, or a multifunction printer sometimes can scan to the computer
lay it on the glass and scan it at 300dpi

thickness.... 1.5 for mx, 1.2-1.5 for alps (1.5 being about the max that they will still clip in, but 1.2 is the standard for alps)

the lite.... ok, that has the little tabs for the gasket mount. not quite the standard 60% plate....
like this right?
272807-0
Keeb.io Viterbi, Apple m0110, Apple m0120, Apple m0110a, Apple 658-4081, Apple M1242, Apple AEK II, MK96, GH60/Pure, Cherry g84-4100, Adesso AKP-220B, Magicforce 68

Offline nevin

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Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 14:10:17 »
to something like this
272809-0

i'm an ortho guy too, so right there with ya.
Keeb.io Viterbi, Apple m0110, Apple m0120, Apple m0110a, Apple 658-4081, Apple M1242, Apple AEK II, MK96, GH60/Pure, Cherry g84-4100, Adesso AKP-220B, Magicforce 68

Offline rythven

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Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 15:00:41 »
Yeah, Im trying to do builds outside of tray mount so plates are gonna be a bit custom for those.. Good to verify about the scanner.
One thing that would really help us ortho guys is more plateless keyboards in the future!
And with the layout, I'm going for a Boardwalk with the 1.5u edges https://i.imgur.com/iPMVNtD_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium


Offline nevin

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  • Location: US
Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 15:11:16 »
ok. that works too.

more tray mount... i hear ya, i definitely prefer plateless myself.
check these out. sony's plateless adapters.... might be exactly what you're looking for.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=111539.0

i had another forum member getting ready to build a new board and sell off their kbtalking pure case. (great, heavy cast aluminum case, standard 60%/poker tray mounts). if you're interested, i'll put you in contact with them.
Keeb.io Viterbi, Apple m0110, Apple m0120, Apple m0110a, Apple 658-4081, Apple M1242, Apple AEK II, MK96, GH60/Pure, Cherry g84-4100, Adesso AKP-220B, Magicforce 68

Offline nevin

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  • Location: US
Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 22 July 2021, 21:37:53 »
Also, if you don't have access to a scanner. You could probably take to a ups store, FedEx office location, or even a camera / photo shop and they should be able to scan it and put it on a thumb drive (you provide).
Keeb.io Viterbi, Apple m0110, Apple m0120, Apple m0110a, Apple 658-4081, Apple M1242, Apple AEK II, MK96, GH60/Pure, Cherry g84-4100, Adesso AKP-220B, Magicforce 68

Offline rythven

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Re: Plate file unavailable, where do I go to have a plate scanned?
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 23 July 2021, 18:01:00 »
Thanks for the response!