I shopped around for inexpensive buttons that could mount to a panel, but the cheapest operators I found were approximately $0.50 each, and they looked like low-quality hardware. I thought about designing something for the 3D printer with copper tape or Velostat, so I could print dozens of switches in any configuration I wanted. Still, a new design would probably have more bugs than I wanted to deal with. Plus, I needed dozens, so I wanted inexpensive and reliable.
I decided to make a printed case for standard tactile switches. I have hundreds already, and they only cost a few pennies each. I want this project to look pretty, so I will hide the operators. Often, these switches reside under a plastic cover, so everyday electronics are filled with them, but you never touch the part. My design will hide them under a shell, and the top will have four plungers with comfortably sized tops that will actuate the switch. Since I am printing these parts, I should be able to make the buttons captive, which means the button pusher will be flared on both ends and cannot fall out.
Semi-transparent button array from two viewpoints
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2021-10-05
I decided to make a printed case for standard tactile switches. I have hundreds already, and they only cost a few pennies each. I want this project to look pretty, so I will hide the operators. Often, these switches reside under a plastic cover, so everyday electronics are filled with them, but you never touch the part. My design will hide them under a shell, and the top will have four plungers with comfortably sized tops that will actuate the switch. Since I am printing these parts, I should be able to make the buttons captive, which means the button pusher will be flared on both ends and cannot fall out.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2021-10-05
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