Broken key on QX1

Symptom: the REC key is wobbly.

The key axle were broken and reglued, but the key was wobbling and sometimes sticky.
As too few QX1 were built, no spare key available. So I decided to open the keyboard and repair the key axle.




The axle is a complex piece, made of plastic; too difficult to carve.


I was rather disappointed when I heard on radio 3D printing is 2013 geek's tendancy. Yeah!!
Before printing, I should design and I have no CAD software. Happily, my colleague's husband is currently studying CAD. So I asked her if he could model the piece, and enhancing it (the axle had weak point); "No prob, it's a matter of hours". Cool!!
I then send the file to Fablab Inc in Montreal. Printing the piece took a couple of minutes (I printed 5).



The new axle goes perfectly in place.


Simulating key released.


Simulating key pressed.


Key rassembled.


Resoldered in place.


Looks great, works great.


I printed 4 more, for sell.


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