Keyboard Repair From TechShop

by techshop_android in Workshop > 3D Printing

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Keyboard Repair From TechShop

keyboard_00.jpg
Purpose: repair common, plastic household items

Tools: digital calipers, Rhino, 3D printer
Materials: Spool of ABS or PLA plastic

Digitize

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An occasional issue among gamers is the nerd rage where headsets, keyboard, and mice bear the brunt of your wrath.  But to be fair, those little feets under your keyboard are flimsy!

The first real step is to regain your composure and chill the eff out.  Also, don't worry about buying a new keyboard (and good luck trying to get just a single component from the manufacturer).  All you really need are digital calipers.   Measure out your broken buddy, or better, remove the intact one depending on damage inflicted.

I personally prefer Rhino, but any 3D modeling software should be fine as you need an STL file at the end.  You can also use our 3D scanner or AutoDesk Catch if you aren't as comfortable with modeling software, but it won't be quite as precise.

Print

keyboard_02a.jpg
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3D printers are easy to come by these days: MakerBot, Up!, RepRap, Cubify, whatever you want to use.  For my small print at 100% fill it only took four minutes and about 18ยข of plastic, so I decided to print a matching pair.  As a bonus, the digital file is always available if I need another print.

That's it, you're done!  Next time though, go easy on your equipment...

For more resources, tools, and training, head over to TechShop!


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