Hey everyone Patrik CK here and this is episode three of 3d printing with the monoprice maker
select v2.
In the last episode we went through how to export a SketchUp model into Cura to make
a file ready for 3D printing, allowing us to use my favorite 3D CAD program to make
all the models to come.
In this episode we’re doing a little more testing by seeing how well we can model and
print a Cherry MX style keycap for my Cooler Master Devastator II keyboard, the review
for which you can find at the link below.
While also trying out something new for me, working support structures.
I don’t plan on replacing all the keys on the keyboard, I’m really just interested
in the fine details because we are talking something that is literally only 18 millimeters
or point seven of an inches across.
It also has tiny grooves in the mount that are only 2 millimeters or 0.08 of an inch
wide.
Yes this time I created the model using the metric system from the start to avoid the
problem with importing to Cura from the last episode.
We’re learning!
Starting with the model in the SketchUp I tried to duplicate the exact dimensions of
the standard key cap which in this case is 18mm by 18mm at the base, 13.5mm by 13.5mm
at the top and about 11.5mm tall.
With a letter cut out at the top where any light should emit from.
The exterior of the model was the easy part.
Flipping the model over and working on the functional aspect was a little more tricky.
Creating the grooves in the mount had to be as precise as possible, too wide and the cap
would be too loose on the plunger, too narrow and it wouldn’t fit at all.
Working on scales at this size made duplicating the circular mount of the original keycap
impossible so I opted for a square shape which should provide for some more stability.
We can see the mount is recessed 1mm and there is a structure around the top of the mount
to support it except for directly under the letter.
Because most of the structure is at the top of the keycap I thought printing it upside
down would be the best way to go and two prints later with not the best results I decided
to try it a differant way.
I didn’t mind making a few prints of this model because it only uses .7 meters or 2
feet and 4 inches of filament.
To be able to print this model upright we would have to use a support structure, something
I haven’t messed around with yet.
Now in Cura if you check the box on the top right labeled “Enable Support” the support
structure is automatically inserted into the model and is represented in this Turquoise
color when looking at the layers view.
If you’re not familiar with the term a support structure basically does what the name implies,
it holds up parts of the model that over hang from the main body.
Without these additional structures the hot plastic would simply drip down.
The support structure is printed in such a way to reduce adhesion to the model so that
it can be easily removed once printing is complete.
Just in case you are not aware the support structure simply allows for elements like
over hangs to be printed properly by creating minimal extra layers in the “empty part
of the model” to hold up the elements that would otherwise just drip hot plastic all
over the place.
The support structure is made in way that it can be easily removable once the printing
is done.
I’m curious to see how easily I could remove the support structure when I’m done especially
in this really small model that has some tight spaces.
For this print I did set the quality to high to get as fine a detail as possible with this
printer Let’s print this thing.
As it start to print the adhesion layer you can see the support structure being made here.
Looking at the final print, taking out the support structure wasn’t so bad.
It did take a little finagling with a very small screw driver and strong pair of tweezers
but they ultimately came out more or less in one piece and that is the goal for a support
structure, to separate from the model with as little fuss as possible.
Overall not bad I think.
The hallow letter on top isn’t perfect but a little work with an exacto knife and a small
file should work that out, but the real question is how well will it fit on the keyboard?
The answer, snuggly.
With the backlight off you can clearly make out the letter on top.
With the backlight on you can kind of make it out depending on what angle you look at
from.
I like that the whole keycap has a little glow to it and in the complete dark you can
make out the under lying structure.
Well that is it for episode 3, I think it’s probably time to get out of the micro world
a look at some macro projects, something I can explore using the support structure on
more, maybe a tank, or a spaceship, or something more practical.
I’ll solicit some ideas.
If you want to download the SketchUp SKF or Cura STL file of the keycap model visit my
website the1ck.com at the link in the description, I should have it up there soon.
Well this has been Patrik CK, like and share if you enjoyed this content.
Subscribe to get more videos when they come out and hope to see you all next time, thanks
everyone!