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I'm looking to replace a panel of my computer mouse with a 3D printed part. I don't want to create a permanent bond (such that it can be changed out in the future), so I was considering something like rubber cement or silicone caulking to affix it. Thought I would check with those more knowledgeable as to the suitability of those options/suggestions for others.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. Not my pictures.
Huh. I’m doing the exact same part replacement soon. Wish Logitech just used the same grippy plastic finish that they used to have on models like the G700 instead of this short-lifespan rubber garbage.
I was wondering how the model was sculpted and if it could be extended to replace the entire rubber part, as it would leave some internal plastic exposed as it is, assuming you’re looking at the same STL I was looking at. Perhaps I should just reach out to the author of the model.
I hadn’t committed to an adhesive, but I distinctly remember one or more commenters just using regular double sided tape. It’s not like the tape is load bearing. You can just pull the part off with enough force and patience, especially if you don’t care about salvaging the part.
Yeah, the model not being a full replacement of the rubber part was annoying. I used an Xacto knife to cut the rubber before removing it, leaving it in place where the replacement didn't reach. There is no wear and tear that far up the mouse so it doesn't look half bad.
The Krylon brand makes a thing called Easy-Tack repositionable spray adhesive. It’s a bit like the sticky on a post-it note, and is used for scrapbooking and fabric art that you might need to move around.
Worth a look, I think.
Appreciate it, I'll take a look.
Are the parts both made of PLA? Silicone caulking would be elastic and easy to break but it might also become unstuck on its own since the adhesion to plastics is not great.
Rubber cement would also work in principle but it might not be reversible at all and depending on the solvent and what plastics you used it might damage the plastic parts while the solvent is drying. Acetone can damage ABS plastics for instance.
Would a low-temp hot melt gun work? They can operate as low as 120°C which might be low enough to not destroy the plastic parts.
There's only the one part (replacement part is orange PLA) that affixes directly to the mouse (abs plastic?).
The black part off to the side is the old rubber shell that peeled off.
A glue gun may do the trick - at least it's non destructive enough to give it a try!
Magnets
Some rv silicone sealant would probably work good enough for a "temporary" bond. And comes off fairly easy. Small tube is like 5 bucks at the hardware store.
Is there any possibility of mounting some threaded inserts inside the body and running some screws through the panel?
When you're using the mouse and resting your hand on it, you're going to be putting a lot of pressure at random angles on it. As you move your hand around the plastic will flex and twist - any semipermanent bond is going to work loose pretty quickly. Also if it's gummy or sticky it will pick up dust and crud. Fasteners would be better.
That's an interesting one. My sweaty palms gaming days are behind me, so I'm not super worried about abusing the shell. The level of destructiveness/invasiveness of drilling through the mouse is a bit high for this kind of cheap part replacement.
Hot glue comes off with heat.
I'm in a similar boat for my Corsair iron claw. Next mouse is definitely gonna be full plastic, this rubber compound wears out far too fast, and doesn't have replaceable parts. Definitely my last Corsair mouse.