Like last week I was able to add another keyboard to my second year portfolio. This 3D printed version was equally comfortable for typing compared to the wooden model but could be reproduced with only a 3D printer, brass pipe, nuts, bolts, washers, wire and tools. The skill level was much lower.
Another project was started and finished this week. Rubber stamps are neat because they allow you to leave intricate symbols quickly and more cheaply than stickers. I’ve looked at buying rubber stamps online and they’re not ludicrously expensive but they’re more than I want to pay for something that is just kind of cool. If I used one every day it would be conceivable. When I concocted a way to make them very cheaply I figured it was worth a shot. This was not a method I had seen done before.
The premise was to 3D print a mold then squeeze a heated rubber eraser into the mold and let it cool there. The eraser should keep the shape of the mold. An OpenSCAD program was written to make a mold with my emblem. It was reversed and printed.
I heated two cups of water in a measuring cup and let the eraser soak for five minutes then pressed it into the mold. When I pulled it out I realized I should not have reversed the mold. This was actually good news because it means that the program doesn’t have to do that step. While it’s not difficult it does simply things.
Another soak in hot water reset the eraser. Or, erased the eraser, if you will.
A new model was made. This time the emblem was not reversed. Inexpensive polymer erasers were purchased to compare to a name-brand eraser. Aside from being slightly different sizes they both performed the same as stamps. The inexpensive erasers were approximately 1/3 the price. At that rate it would be possible to make an entire alphabet.
OpenSCAD had no trouble converting a PNG image file into a mold. In fact nothing had to be done since the image already had a white background. The Instructables’ robot was used as a test image and it worked well. Some of the detail would be lost but the concept was useful.
An Instructable was published but not well received or featured. A catchier name was chosen which reflects the appeal of an inexpensive rubber stand.
It’s been months since I’ve written in my book. I miss it some days but I’ve been busy with other projects and life. Some days the urge is overwhelming though. If you haven’t read any of this book don’t worry, it’s still being written so it is in really rough shape. The premise is about our world, in 2008, where some people have extra-human powers. I’ve even made a kooky graphic for it. Graphic design isn’t really my forte though.
The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com/
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are 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 claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
Finished 3D printed chording keyboard
Hand placement on chording keyboard
Another project was started and finished this week. Rubber stamps are neat because they allow you to leave intricate symbols quickly and more cheaply than stickers. I’ve looked at buying rubber stamps online and they’re not ludicrously expensive but they’re more than I want to pay for something that is just kind of cool. If I used one every day it would be conceivable. When I concocted a way to make them very cheaply I figured it was worth a shot. This was not a method I had seen done before.
The premise was to 3D print a mold then squeeze a heated rubber eraser into the mold and let it cool there. The eraser should keep the shape of the mold. An OpenSCAD program was written to make a mold with my emblem. It was reversed and printed.
Reversed mold for rubber stamp
I heated two cups of water in a measuring cup and let the eraser soak for five minutes then pressed it into the mold. When I pulled it out I realized I should not have reversed the mold. This was actually good news because it means that the program doesn’t have to do that step. While it’s not difficult it does simply things.
Eraser being heated in 2 cups of water
Rubber stamp being pressed into mold
Reversed rubber stamp next to two molds
Another soak in hot water reset the eraser. Or, erased the eraser, if you will.
Reset eraser
A new model was made. This time the emblem was not reversed. Inexpensive polymer erasers were purchased to compare to a name-brand eraser. Aside from being slightly different sizes they both performed the same as stamps. The inexpensive erasers were approximately 1/3 the price. At that rate it would be possible to make an entire alphabet.
Correct mold for rubber stamp
OpenSCAD had no trouble converting a PNG image file into a mold. In fact nothing had to be done since the image already had a white background. The Instructables’ robot was used as a test image and it worked well. Some of the detail would be lost but the concept was useful.
Robot stamp mold
Results of expensive and cheap eraser
An Instructable was published but not well received or featured. A catchier name was chosen which reflects the appeal of an inexpensive rubber stand.
Cover image made for Instructable
It’s been months since I’ve written in my book. I miss it some days but I’ve been busy with other projects and life. Some days the urge is overwhelming though. If you haven’t read any of this book don’t worry, it’s still being written so it is in really rough shape. The premise is about our world, in 2008, where some people have extra-human powers. I’ve even made a kooky graphic for it. Graphic design isn’t really my forte though.
Charged Logo. Until I can get something better
The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com/
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are 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 claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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