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Electronics => Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff => Topic started by: challie2 on November 06, 2019, 09:06:40 pm

Title: Need help with a project
Post by: challie2 on November 06, 2019, 09:06:40 pm

Hi all I really need some help!

I have 3D printed a case for a PCB Device that uses a small SMD tactile button switch as the power on/off.
The issue I have is
The original switch pusher (As I do not know the actual name of it) is long gone. I need the new plastic piece that is usually a component of the case, that presses down on the push button switch, similar to the xbox or playstation controller buttons but slightly larger, currently I am using a rubber nib on a pencil to operate the device through the 10mm hole. Any ideas what these plastic button switch pushers are actually called and also where to find them?

Thanks

Jamie

Title: Re: Need help with a project
Post by: Apollyon25_ on November 06, 2019, 10:55:36 pm

Measure up what you need, design it, print it???

Title: Re: Need help with a project
Post by: challie2 on November 07, 2019, 08:33:10 am

I tried that, but I fancied a metal button with a solid feel. You can get metal filament but they are a bit naff and Im using the best filament money can buy at £300 per spool!

What I can do is re-design the hole to fit an off the shelf (switch pusher). But I need to know where I can find them.

Title: Re: Need help with a project
Post by: beanflying on November 07, 2019, 08:59:15 am

Try "tactile switch cap" for a search on evilbay or this one on Aliexpress  this is actually a section for them   :) https://www.aliexpress.com/category/200215992/switch-caps.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.785c242cRDe291 (https://www.aliexpress.com/category/200215992/switch-caps.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.785c242cRDe291)

Chromed plastic is available but I only have 6mm diameter (flange is 9.25mm) ones so I am not sure if there is a 10mm diameter.

Edit: Quick search found these 10mm ones eBay auction: #264289143215

Title: Re: Need help with a project
Post by: Gyro on November 07, 2019, 10:02:36 am

If you get the dimensioning and holes size right, stainless steel ball bearings can be very effective. I've seen them used on HiFi products.