Keyboard

I have now applied my laser cut keyboard base to the model. Due to slight changes to size when laser cut, I decided to add 0.2mm larger offset so that I could just sand the acrylic slightly till it fits, which worked very well. I will now work out how to produce the keys and lettering marks.

Update!!>>

I have been looking at the best way to produce the keys for the keyboard and how the letters will be done. I looked into rub-on decals, such as http://www.decal-paper.com/rubon.html but as my model may be picked up and played with by prospective clients I have decided to get each key laser engraved and cut. Then once they have been stuck in and painted, I will be able to paint into the engraved letters using a watered down solution of black acrylic paint. Or use Plastisol (ink used for screen printing) ink to rub over the engraved parts.

Update!>>


Here is a photo of my Adobe illustrator file used on the laser cutter. I had to experiment with the engrave power to produce an engrave deep enough to apply the black acrylic paint for the lettering and symbols.

Update!>>>



With the keyboard finally cut with a high power of 80, I applied it to the base of my model. A dab of superglue per key was perfect for keeping the buttons in place. I used fine polyfiller to seal the gaps between the base and acrylic keyboard area and sanded down. With some final fine sanding i applied two fine layers of white primer and proceeded with one final fine sand. I then applied my final 2 coats of my chosen colour. Due to not having any colour swatches given by the designer I had to make the colour as close as possible from images I have. I think I was quite successful, but I may add a fine gloss coat to add the aesthetics.