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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: zeney on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:19:04

Title: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: zeney on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:19:04
Hi everyone, first message here :)

So I've been wanting to start printing images and symbols on keycaps. I have been researching all day about it however I'm still a bit confused on how I should go about it.

What method should I use?
dye sublimation, laser etching, pad printing etc etc

Where do I get the right equipment?
I've been looking around alot but I can't really find equipment to print on keycaps, anyone have some tips on where I can buy?

I've been checking this forum as best as I've could for answers so please don't hate me if the information was right infront of my nose :)

Thanks!
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:23:20
Only thread that I can think of off the top of my head where someone did DIY keycap printing is this one (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35873.0). Not quite sure how feasible it is to do it at home if you were to do laser etching or UV. But I think pad printing, dye-sub, and engraving are all possible.

Are you looking to make your own caps or just print something on existing caps?
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: Zentaaa on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:24:22
I pretty sure the equipment isnt cheap! But as for how i am as clueless as you :P
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: zeney on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:44:52
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:23:20
Only thread that I can think of off the top of my head where someone did DIY keycap printing is this one (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35873.0). Not quite sure how feasible it is to do it at home if you were to do laser etching or UV. But I think pad printing, dye-sub, and engraving are all possible.

Are you looking to make your own caps or just print something on existing caps?

I'm looking to print on existing keycaps, I do have a garage workshop so I guess that would be where I would do it.

Which method do you think would be cheapest?
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: zeney on Thu, 07 August 2014, 13:55:30
I wonder if something like this would work xD

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/3d-printer-sublimation-heat-transfer-design-heat-press-machine-3d-sublimation-3D-Vacuum-Sublimation-Heat-Transfer/1595219087.html
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: zeney on Fri, 08 August 2014, 06:28:42
ok so now after some more research I've decieded to go with dye sub.

now I'm just looking for some equipment. any tips?
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: Binge on Fri, 08 August 2014, 06:55:36
Quote from: zeney on Fri, 08 August 2014, 06:28:42
ok so now after some more research I've decieded to go with dye sub.

now I'm just looking for some equipment. any tips?

From what I know... there is a lot of customizing of the equipment needed to print on keycaps.

You will have to speak with a manufacturer to make sure their machine can do what you need.
Title: Re: where to start ( keycap printing )
Post by: zeney on Sun, 10 August 2014, 13:25:32
Ok found alot of information in the thread CPTbadass linked.

Prices for a dye sub printer in a pretty small size are around 250-350$ it seems. (anyone that can recommend a good printer for this pricerange?)

will use this: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/A4-size-transparent-film-for-3D-blank-phone-case-sublimation/735699_1489636166.html

then I get an oven. maybe something like this: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wholesale-Digital-3D-Sublimation-Transfer-Machine-For-Phone-Cases-Mug-Cup-Plate-Tiles-Printing-3D-Vacuum/1850109472.html
I sent a message to the seller. He said it can't print on keycaps but I can't see any reason why it won't work if I create the form myself out of silicone rubber.

Another option seems to get a flat shirt heat press. Can't find anyone who tried it so it seems a bit unsure if it would work.