Hi guys, been reading around a number of threads here specially on Keycap molding/casting and decided to try it for my own.
Im still in the process of perfecting the ways to mold correctly and create a bubble free cast.
Due to limited supplies here in Malaysia, or i just dont know how to search properly, i am only using silicone rubber for molds and epoxy resin for the casting. Since i dont have experience yet, i can only rely on the internet for instructions and hopefully able to create a cast with my own design.
First wasted design
- Used stock abs keycap from ducky shine 3
- Used polymer clay as design base (uncooked)
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This is wasted due to incorrect molding and since the polymer clay is uncooked, it broke down after taking it out of the unusable mold.
2nd design
- Used the same materials
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This came out ok but the key wall is too thin and i put too much clay under the cap which made it unusable again and would not fit deep enough in the switch.
Now i am in the process of recreating the male part mold using a bit thicker wall cap and thinner clay under the cap which should atleast give me an idea of the basic requirement of a keycap.
Next is knowing how to have a clean mold as it sticks, after curing, to the keycap when removing and creating blemishes in the outer walls. (I think because the cap is ABS and shiny which made it stick). ALso need to know how to create a bubble free resin as my cast cap have micro bubbles in it.
Will be using this thread for any future updates on my casting and hope to get better soon. ALso maybe get some insights from the community here who already have experience in doing this stuff.
