3D printed Ergo kb parts: SLA vs. FDM? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by mptsounds@lemmy.world to c/ergomechkeyboards@lemmy.world

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Hi All,

I'm planning to print a plate & case for a handwired 46-key split kb. I have access to both SLA & FDM printers at a fab lab, so wondering which printer tech would be best to print various parts such as keycaps, plate, case etc. Function's more important than looks for me.

I'm allowed to use PLA or TPU for the FDM, and the default resin (ABS-like?) for SLA.

I'm thinking:

Keycaps: SLA (I want really thin keycaps)
Plate: ?? (not sure what's better for a thin & durable plate that allows a bit of flex when typing)
Case: FDM (Due to costs, and easy to embed screws & magnets)
Wrist rest (if any): FDM? Would TPU wrist rest be clean or comfortable?
Gaskets, extra layers (if any): FDM (cuz TPU)

What do you think?

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[-] shaysub@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

No post processing on any of this. The case and plate were just with my standard printer settings, nothing special. For the keycaps, I printed them at an 80° angle so the stems would be stronger and used organic supports. 0.1mm layer height and oriented so the layer lines are along the finger travel direction so you don't notice the layer lines in use very much

[-] wjrii@kbin.social 1 points 1 year ago

Do I see fuzzy skin on the plate at least?

[-] shaysub@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

It isn't fuzzy skin as set in the slicer, but it is texture imparted on the switch plate by using a textured PEI build plate.

this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2023

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