March 5, 2024
Description
This is a simple fidget switch that uses an array of three magnets to create a very clicky bistable mechanism that snaps sharply to either side. I used magnets instead of a mechanical detent because magnets don't wear out, whereas 3d printed plastic tends to wear out over time. There are two different sizes, small is about 40x20mm and large is about 50x30mm. Each size has three different slider options, a single indent, a double indent, and a ridged indent. Personally I like the double indent the best.
These can be annoyingly loud when printed in PLA, so if that bothers you, you can print it in TPU, which dampens the noise considerably. However, printing in TPU means the magnets and case have to be glued, rather than just pressed in place, and the slide should be lightly greased since TPU is a bit grippy.
The parts are toleranced perfectly for my bambulab p1s, and should work on any well tuned printer, but I've included the step files if you want to adjust the tolerances in the models.
These use four 5mm cube magnets per device, three pressed into the core with alternating north-south-north facing up, and one in the slider oriented such that the slider sticks to the two outer core magnets and repels from the center one. The magnets I used are these, but they're out of stock at the moment. I imagine these cheap 5mm cube magnets are all the same, so these ones should work ok, but no guarantees.
As with all my original models, if you want to make and sell these, go for it, just leave a link back to this page somewhere in the listing.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution