Just traded my 2004 LC and replaced it with a 2018 LX 570. Did this soon after replacing the '04 key fob case with one of your LC models. Even though the '18 LX fob is "better" I would love a colored Titanium version. BTW...the 2004 LC product is Excellent! TomR
In the spirit of keeping info/updates flowing, here's the most recent render. Aesthetics are not 100% complete, but are close to done. Thoughts are appreciated. Note the PANIC button will be recessed more than the render leads on.
Now that looks much nicer to me than previous renders. Would you consider adding a radius to that sharp corner in the bottom of that picture, right above the key? It is hard to tell from that perspective, but it looks like there might be a similarly sharp corner at the top of the picture.
Absolutely, good eye. I was hoping nobody would notice the little remnants I hadn't tweaked yet!
Those will be rounded and aren't right now just because I ran out of time to troubleshoot SolidWorks refusal to let me radius them like I wanted. I need to go through and do some multi-radius fillets on those areas and I expect that to clean it up nicely. It'll all flow more seamlessly when I'm 100% done - I hope in the next 2 weeks since I've got business travel impending.
Latest printed version is in - black below. It's still showing the sharp corners from the render in post 162/165, but those are already fixed in CAD and will be reflected in the next print.
The button holes still need refinement (darn organic shapes are tough to match), but we're very, very close here. I'll do one more titanium revision, one more test print and then I'll move into trials with one or two folks to ensure I'm not missing some functional aspect and that fitment is solid on other remotes aside from my one tester.
The production parts retain that same matte finish as printed. I offer clear-coating which deepens the color and adds a bit of gloss for a small additional charge (~$7).
Most people prefer the matte finish. It wears very, very well. The clear coat will show some fade over time that the matte finish completely masks.
Honestly I think I prefer the slightly textured surface...If it's anything like my 100 key, something about the roughness and feel in my hand knowing I can always rely on it not breaking makes me really appreciate it. The weight and rigidity of the titanium mixed with the textured surface of the shell really seem to match the nostalgia and dependability of the LC/LX. But that's just my 2 cents...I'll take whatever design you come out with
I think the textured is a much better choice, it won't show scratches from being in your pocket, and you will have less of a chance of dropping it. Plus, if you want it smooth, bust out some sandpaper and should only take a few minutes.
I got my most recent prototype in and I broke about as much as I fixed on the latest rev. All fixable and simple, but I feel silly to have missed it before the print request. It means I have to push back "field testing" another few weeks.
The key retainer is a big part of the delay. I want to get it just right. It's close, but .010-.020" off here and there. Damn organic curves are really difficult to copy in CAD...
On the plus side, I found the perfect surface finish for the Black material. Matte with a good level of protection and a great feel.
My work schedule has been hell lately with lots of travel so my time in front of my personal CAD PC has been limited.