Hi everyone,
Unfortunately, the right button next to the trackball has broken off. I’m going to order a new one from the store, but I’d also like to make a replacement using 3D printing.
The two pins are pretty thin. Does anyone have experience with suitable materials for 3D printing (FDM)?
If you need instructions to remove broken-off tabs from the original keycap from the switch, see here:
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Thanks for the link. Those are really helpful tips, photos, and an interesting discussion.
I currently have PLA and ASA on hand. PETG is also easy to get, though. First, however, I need to remove two stuck nipples. I just ordered a hand drill with the appropriate drill bit set for that.
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Last time I had to remove the stems, I heated up a needle over a candle and stuck the hot needle into the remainders of the stem at an angle and let the needle cool down. After the plastic hardened around the needle again, I can pull out the needle with the stem remains attached to it.
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That didn’t work for me. That’s why I went for the drill bit. Also, if worse comes to worst and you really can’t get the stem out, you can slowly chip away at the plastic with the drill bit until enough of it is gone that you can pull the rest out with needle tweezers.
Good tip! I’ll have to rummage through my wife’s sewing box. Luckily, she doesn’t read this 