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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: BlindShadow on Fri, 06 March 2015, 23:48:26

Title: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: BlindShadow on Fri, 06 March 2015, 23:48:26

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

http://imgur.com/9pkj7ni (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 ?

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: nubbinator on Fri, 06 March 2015, 23:50:39

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.


(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14771894215_b8d6ab584b_k.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/qjVQ1Ri.jpg)

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: DrHubblePhD on Sat, 07 March 2015, 00:19:28

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  :thumb:

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: BlindShadow on Sat, 07 March 2015, 12:19:41

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

(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 ^^

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: Asininity on Sat, 07 March 2015, 18:23:14

Quote from: BlindShadow on Sat, 07 March 2015, 12:19:41

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

(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 ^^

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

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: sirisaac1982 on Sat, 07 March 2015, 20:27:30

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

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: Fusion on Sun, 08 March 2015, 00:29:46

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:

Title: Re: DIY Metal Key Caps
Post by: Asininity on Sun, 08 March 2015, 18:13:00

Quote from: Fusion on Sun, 08 March 2015, 00:29:46

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.

(http://i.imgur.com/xEp91yJ.jpg)

It's so close!