- cross-posted to:
- retrocomputing@lemmy.sdf.org
- cross-posted to:
- retrocomputing@lemmy.sdf.org
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/18681689
RP2040, KMK, Laser cut and painted Masonite, and DIY dye-sub (I checked by sawing some keycaps in half… it’s kinda crappy, but it’s real dye-sub) keycaps. “Mid height” Outemu black, “JWK” low profile keycaps from Aliexpress.
I would be very careful with laser etching plastic unless you know exactly what the material is and if you have a really good venting system in place. The fumes from some plastic can be very toxic and once you have symptoms it’s already too late to reverse/heal the damage.
I am personally comfortable with this particular process, but the point is well taken. I am running a 5W diode laser at 2% power on material that I am confident is PBT, a polyester-based plastic. It’s open frame, but in a large garage with a decent sized fan directing airflow away from me. No zapping PVC here, or even any intentional material removal here. The color comes from an infusible ink marker.
Glad you’re keeping safe!