Producing one's own calculator keys?

[blackjetrock]

(07-26-2023 06:53 AM)n3mmr Wrote:  Blackjetrock, that is fascinating!

You must have a lot of interesting machines in your workshop!

I have a few 3D printers and a CNC engraver that is capable of cnc machining softer metals, albeit quite slowly. That's not been a problem, though, as I set it up and let it run while I do something else. At times I've had 2 3d printers and the CNC engraver running simultaneously. Quite a time multiplier.

I think my best option (as I don't have a resin printer, and don't really want one due to the resin aspect) is to machine the shape of the keys out of nylon or acrylic and engrave the top in one go. I didn't do that for the MK52 as I didn't have the CAM software available. I usually use either tools I've written or freeware and at the time neither could do what I needed. I think I could update one of the tools I created to do what I need now, though. The problem with CNCing the keys is if you need an undercut. The machine I have is only 3D (plus a turning option, but that doesn't really help) so can't do an undercut.
I'll have to have a go sometime.