geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: NilKeebs on Thu, 18 February 2021, 12:28:37
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Hi everyone,
Just wondering if 3D printing a keycap is a viable process compared to creating it using other methods?
I have a friend who has a 3D printer and I wanted to know if it's cost effective and if it will work at all?
Thanks!
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yes, caps have been made in various profiles with varying success. check thingiverse or similar, sure you'll find a handful.
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Its possible, I've done it, but the finish wasnt that great. It's usefull for prototyping, but casting it is obviously better. If your friend has a UV printer then the finish will be a bit better, but youll need to paint it for UV protection.
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Yes, it can be done, but it;s not so easy on an common FDM to get the fit right and the finish isn't great as mentioned.
A resin printer will do a better job but may not be what you're expecting.
In all cases it's quite a lot of work for something you can buy in better quality in more colors, with or without legends for the price of a roll of plastic. You can more than likely order and recieve them from Amazon faster and cheaper than you can print them.
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Thanks everyone! I'll skip 3d printing for now then cause it seems that the cons outweigh the pros for now. ;D