Control panel hardware buttons

blazini36 wrote:

These look pretty good for matrix keys, could whip up a custom PCB fairly easily.
 

Depending if you're going for the retro-look, that style would do well. However I'd advise you to source them from a supplier who spec "chemical resistance" , those aren't and will start melting after 50touch.

While you're at it you might as well bump the modern HMI look a bit and go for membrane switch panels, i.e. industrial controller hmi. Safer, cleaner, and chem-resist. We use jrpanel.com for our prototypes but also used their services for a production/line unit a few years ago. 

I thought about a membrane panel, problem there is I want these buttons to be universal. Capped buttons are easily labeled with a clear label under the caps. Maybe spumco can chime in on how those buttons are holding up, not sure if these are the same but I don't mind the look at all.

Any idea what those membrane panels cost? that might be something I look into in the future.

blazini36 wrote:

What PCB mount switches are you using on yours? Are they the kind you can pull the caps off and add a label to?
 

Yep.

Mine dont have built-in LED's, but they have removable caps with clear covers and are 12mmx12mm.  Pin spacing is set for 0.1" pitch perf board.

The clear covers probably aren't resistant to real solvents, but they're holding up so far to a bit of water-based coolant and some IPA.  Plus they're dirt cheap and easy to replace if they get buggered.

blazini36 wrote:

Any idea what those membrane panels cost? that might be something I look into in the future.
 

We all have different views on valuation. Some could say they're near free considering what they can pack and enable (professional grade hmi). Ol'style analog buttons floating over a pcb ain't dust and fluid proof my friend (hazardous). That was accepted back in the 1960's when membrane weren't optional, but not anymore. 

ps. about the resistance to chems; if it's not specified in their spec/datasheet I guarantee you (101%) they are not. Consumer low-grade composites...

For quote prep. (mind you there are several others offering similar prototyping services). 
www.jrpanel.com/img/images/JRPanel_Membrane_Switch_Sample.pdf

 

  
We all have different views on valuation. Some could say they're near free considering what they can pack and enable (professional grade hmi). Ol'style analog buttons floating over a pcb ain't dust and fluid proof my friend (hazardous). That was accepted back in the 1960's when membrane weren't optional, but not anymore. 
 

Not sure what you mean by "analog" buttons. How many LinuxCNC users use a normal PC keyboard next to their machine? Tormach doesn't supply anything special with a $30k machine.

I'm gonna put the matrix buttons on an easily removeable panel like spumco's. Personally I don't spray my mill with paint thinner so if they hold up reasonably well to some WD40 or water soluble coolant for a while I'm happy. If not I can whip something else up that will fit in it's spot.

unless the 7i73 firmware can be modified I'm thinking of using ArduinoConnector

I was under the assumption that a few/many was planned, as in a commercial unit. Speed-reading habit, apologies. If your project is a one-off (for personal use) then all/anything goes really... a.k.a  no warranty claims, injuries, legal, claims, etc etc.