DEC frontpanel switch replica!

[Ethan Dicks]

On Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 10:27 PM, Philipp Hachtmann via cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
> On 16.03.2017 03:19, Steve Malikoff via cctalk wrote:
>>
>> For a prototype that looks very nice indeed!

They do indeed.

>> Same for the side holes just using the depression as the centre
>> point.
>
> Side holes? What for? We'll make them without side holes I think. They have
> no function and are nearly invisible.

They aren't structurally functional and they aren't visible, *but*
they have a purpose... when making a large object, the side holes
ensure that the deepest point of the object is shallower than if the
hole weren't there.  This accomplishes two things - the center of the
part cools and hardens faster, plus there's less overall plastic so
the shrinkage factor as it cools is less likely to put a
depression/flaw where it might be visible.

Negative space still has a function.

It's a common thing with injection-molded plastics to consider wall
thickness and body thickness.  It's not about "saving a few cents in
plastic", but it is about less effort to get faithful parts.

> If there's enough demand, I'll probably manage the
> distribution/shipping/ordering.

Cool.  I don't know if folks would want to get 20-30 toggles at 15
Eur, but closer to 5 Eur is in striking range

What is the material, BTW?

> I think that he can make everything glossy. For matte finish, we'd need a
> perfect original or see if we can somehow prepare the mould.

My memory of all the toggles I've handled (no pun intended) is that
they have a glossy finish, not a matte finish.

-ethan