It is with no doubt that this is the era to become a keyboard enthusiast. This is important because it makes those who take their keyboard seriously have more access to so many fantastic options ever than before. This is made possible by CNC machining. Irrespective of your field including and not limited to being a programmer, a gamer, graphic designer, and architect there are vast varieties of CNC keyboard for you in the market.
The use of the milling keyboard offers vast varieties of benefits for users including personally customized options, fast typing, and many more. For more information, RapidDone here presents you with the most comprehensive guide based on our manufacturing experience here. This can be really helpful when you have a purchasing requirement.
What is a CNC Keyboard?
A CNC keyboard case is referred to as a customized physical casing manufactured from a process of CNC machining built with keycaps on it. The case is the physical housing that contains the keyboard keys. This complete physical keyboard is then referred to as a device that serves as a means of communicating with your computer. Therefore, it is important to note that the keyboard casing is as important as the keyboard itself.
Why Use a CNC Keyboard
When it comes to the use of keyboards, most people out there are familiar with the traditional generic plastic casing keyboard. However, we have a state-of-the-art machined keyboard that offers varieties of advantages over generic plastic casing keyboards.
Having said this, considering an appropriate CNC machined keyboard for personal use can somehow be stressful. Therefore, where to start is the option of considering the machined keyboard case. The advantages of the selection of keyboard cases include and are not limited to the following;
Beauty
The option of CNC machining gives your housing a facelift. The process helps to maximize and beautify your keyboard case. Once anodized, the machined case offers an excellent scratch resistance as well as varieties of colors that can enhance the keyboard’s beauty.
Durability
CNC machining over varieties of casing material ranging from aluminum, copper, stainless, and titanium. These materials offer keyboard casing that is far durable than the generic plastic keyboard casing in the market. Based on our review of the aforementioned casing materials, they are have proved to stand the test of time while they remain sturdy.
Rust Resistance
In combination with the durability of the keyboards, they are also resistant to rust. For example, CNC aluminum keyboards are highly resistant to rust. The aluminum material reacts with air to form an anti-rust layer to prevent potential rust.
Heat Control
Materials used for the manufacture of CNC machining keyboards help in dissipating heat compare to the generic casing material. For example, aluminum is mostly used for CNC milled keyboard casing because it dissipates heat faster than other metals. The essence of this is that the keyboard can be used anywhere.
Recycling Ability
Materials for manufacturing are easily recycled. It means that you need not worry about the environmental hazards they may cause since they can be easily recycled. You can also re-use them when the need arises. In short, they are eco-friendly.
The Typical Raw Materials
There are vast varieties of materials available for the manufacturing of CNC machining keyboards. Each of these materials offers a vast variety of advantages over one another. The most widely used material for milled keyboard cases is Aluminum. This section will consider different materials that can be used.
You can also talk to RapidDone’s team if you want to know other material options.
√ Aluminum Material
Aluminum exists in a different form of alloys which makes it applicable for use in milling a keyboard case. Some of the widely used forms of aluminum alloys for crafting keyboard cases include;
Aluminum 6061
This alloy form of aluminum is considered the best because of the combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and good surface finishing it offers in making keyboards.
Aluminum 6063
While its properties are similar to that of aluminum 6061, it’s a good option for a keyboard case due to the impressive surface finishing it offers. It is also perfect for exterior and interior designs of a milled keyboard case.
Aluminum 5052
The 5052 aluminum feature a perfect finishing and corrosion resistance for keyboards. However, while it is a bit difficult to machine it cannot be heat treated.
Other uncommon useful alloys include 5053, 6053, and 7075.
√ Copper Material
Copper is can also be used as a material. The preference for copper is due to its high resistance to corrosion, weatherproof, durability, and machinability.
√ Stainless Steel Material
Stainless steel is another metal that offers impressive properties for keyboard cases. It offers high-quality alloys such as 304 stainless steel. This alloy is a perfect choice since it is dustproof, machinable, waterproof, vandalism resistant, durable, and can easily be cleaned with soapy water and disinfectant agents.
√ Titanium Material
Titanium is another material that can be used for keyboard machined housings. Titanium is sometimes preferred because of its inert nature. As a result, they are highly corrosive resistant. They also provide impressive surface finishing.
Manufacturing Process for CNC Keyboard
The manufacturing progress is the same as other typical custom CNC machined parts in our factory. They have design progress, manufacturing progress, post-machining, and finishes progress.
√ Designing Stage
We also call this Layout Designing (Prototyping).
Before any action is taken, the designing of the keyboard case is firstly done with CAD or 3D printing as well as the key layout. You can supply us with a CAD and if you are confused about that, our experts can help you in the design of an impressive keyboard case. The use of prototypes can help to test the design out and to check matches with keyboard PCB installation.
√ Machining Stage
Building of Programming Per Structure
Here, the designed case is then taken for programming per structure.
Machining of The Upper and Bottom Case
After all the designs have been tested out, the program is then handed over to the CNC technician in the CNC workshop. This process involves machining the upper and bottom of the keyboard case, and it also includes the engraving of the desired logo on the case.
The milling process of the upper and bottom of the keyboard case can be done using two different milling machines which are 3-Axis and the 5-Axis CNC Milling Machines. In most cases, the 3-Axis CNC machine is used due to the simplicity of the shape. However, the 5-Axis CNC Milling Machine is used when the desired shape is complex.
√ Post-machining
Deburring
After the keyboard case has been machined out of the metal products into the desired form, then it is then ready from deburring. This process is used for removing the small imperfections known as burrs and many more defects on the milled keyboard case.
Polishing
After the deburring process is followed by the polishing process. This involves the use of abrasive particles and polishing tools or other polishing media on the surface of the CNC milled keyboard case. This process makes the surface of the milled keyboard surface bright and smooth. Methods used for polishing include mechanical, chemical, electrolytic, ultrasonic, and many more.
√ Finishings for Machined Keyboard
Anodizing （for Aluminum)
Anodizing is a process by which the keyboard machined case is given a better surface finishing. This method is peculiar to Aluminum which transforms the keyboard case into the desired form. It makes the outer surface of the case stronger, resistant to scratch, protects it from peeling off, and prevents rusting by stopping oxidation.
The process of anodization offers vast varieties of color to the keyboard case including red, green, black, gold, brown, blue, purple, black, grey, and many more.
Painting for Other Materials
For other materials, there are other ways to add colors which include:
Electrolytic Coloration
This involves immersing the desired parts into a solution containing the corresponding metallic salt. This use of the salt helps to fill the holes on the metallic surface which in turn provides a strong coating.
Dip Coloration
This method also involves immersing the milled keyboard into a die tank where the die is absorbed into the pores. After absorption, the surface of the part goes through boiled deionized water to prevent further reaction.
Conclusion
Having gone through our comprehensive guide, the aforementioned information can help you make a better choice. Once you are ready for your keyboard housing project, we are here to help you out. We are known for being a top machining manufacturer with a great specialty in the machining of the keyboard case.
Contact RapidDone for more information if you need a quote or technical support. No matter the quantity needed, we offer a corresponding cost-effective solution for it. Patronize us today – a trial will convince you.