CNC Mechanical Switch Opener

As an amateur mechanical keyboard enthusiast and an amateur machinist, it seemed like a perfect project to try and mill my own aluminum switch opener. I am unable to show off a finished product yet, (endmills are on the way), but I will post photos after I make one. For now, see the 3D printed test fit piece ^

As a student of Franklin High School, I will be making this switch opener using the school shop's Tormach 1100m.

• Access to a CNC capable of milling aluminum
• 1/8" Flat Endmill
• 1/8" Ball Endmill
• Rectangular Aluminum Stock: 1.7"x1.7"x0.65"
• Access to Fusion 360 (free or paid)
• Permission from you teacher!

1. Downloaded the attached .f3d file and open Fusion 360.
2. Click "Upload" and choose the file you just downloaded, then open it.
3. Open the tool library.
4. In the tree, choose "Setup2".
5. Double click on the flat endmill and enter the desired feeds and speeds in the "Cutting Data" tab.
6. If desired, change the tool number in the "Post Processor" tab.
7. Click "Accept", and update the operations to use the new feeds and speeds if prompted.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for the ball endmill.
9. Close the tool library.
10. Right click on the "MX_Pocket1" operation and choose "Create NC Program".
11. Enter a name/number.
12. Choose an output folder.
13. Click "Post".
14. Repeat steps 10-13 for the other two operations.
15. You should now have three .NC programs!

The paths are designed to be run in sequence after the stock has been faced first. The default work offset is the center of the top face of the stock. As previously mentioned I have not had a chance to mill it yet but I will update this guide after I do.