3D Printed Key Fob - Bye Bye Cracked OEM Shells

[suprarx7nut]

Titanium ordered, latest rev plastics ordered, waterjet quote in hand. Watch for these to go on sale within the next week or two!

I was at HIH this weekend and everyone seemed interested in the integrated key approach - even with my lackluster prototype design.

Would you guys and gals have any interest in customizable text or logos on the back shell? If there's interest I'll offer that as a purchase option. Text would probably be an extra $10 and a logo would be maybe extra $20. Would that be a reasonable value to anyone?

 

[TheForger]

I think the Toyota sombrero or maybe TEQ on the back would be pretty cool, although not a deal breaker for me at all. I could go either way. Excited to see these!

 

[bamabrock]

In for a Lexus version

 

[TXSunDevil]

I would just like a functional tough key.

 

[shevy77]

I am interested.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I think the Toyota sombrero or maybe TEQ on the back would be pretty cool, although not a deal breaker for me at all. I could go either way. Excited to see these!

I'm hesitant to incorporate the Toyota sombrero for trademark infringement issues. The TEQ logo though... I like that.

I'll plan on custom options and I'll also offer a discount for people buying two at a time.

 

[r2m]

Where's the bottle opener feature?

Seriously, as an R&D engineer in the medical device field, I use SolidWorks all the time (I'm also certified through SolidWorks) and also do a lot of 3D printing (we have one in-house), looking at your design, I was thinking that you could actually integrate a carabiner into the design. Take a look at some of the plastic carabiners online and see how the spring works, it's really quite simple.
Also, not sure if your 3D printing vendor has this material, but Delrin would be by far the best material to make this out of. Delrin is also known as the living hinge because one can bend it back and forth almost indefinitely without breaking the hinge/fulcrum. It is also highly resistant to solvents and other corrosive materials.

Just my 2 pennies worth...

 

[suprarx7nut]

@r2m What function would the plastic carabiner serve? I like the bottle opener idea for obvious reasons, but I don't get the plastic carabiner. Fill me in!

I'm not aware of Delrin printing options - at least not at this price point and not with reliable features down to .030". The material I use is powdered Nylon which is sintered with a laser in a commercial printer (SLS). It's the strongest material I've found with the needed level of precision for these parts.

 

[guerasfj60]

Maybe the carabiner as a belt loop clip?

 

[r2m]

Having an integrated carabiner would serve as the key ring, thus one less thing to "clip" on to keys. Albeit, the diameter of the carabiner loop cannot be larger than the I.D. of your smallest key, or just ream out your key eyelet a wee bit! I have a tendency to be more towards a minimalist mindset and if I can incorporate multiple functions into on item I will. Hence one big compressor (ARB CKSB12A) bolted under my hood for my front locker an all my other air needs!

 

[planomateo]

Having an integrated carabiner would serve as the key ring, thus one less thing to "clip" on to keys. Albeit, the diameter of the carabiner loop cannot be larger than the I.D. of your smallest key, or just ream out your key eyelet a wee bit! I have a tendency to be more towards a minimalist mindset and if I can incorporate multiple functions into on item I will. Hence one big compressor (ARB CKSB12A) bolted under my hood for my front locker an all my other air needs!

LOL. Look up the definition of minimalist, having a compressor much less a dual compressor makes you NOT one.

 

[r2m]

Planomataeo, I was referring to redundancy and to minimizing on multiple of the same purpose tool. Apologies for your confusion.

 

[r2m]

Also, Suprarx7nut, I just wanted to throw out to that you did a really nice job with that fob! I've done many years of reverse engineering and I know it's hard to design a cavity for something small and not symmetrical. So in short, my original post was not a critique on your fob, but a suggestion for improvement.

 

[RedstitchNC]

I am interested.

 

[Kurt Hendricks]

Will the separate key work with a later laser cut key?

 

[DuckLN]

You guys could make one heckuva duck call!

 

[suprarx7nut]

Will the separate key work with a later laser cut key?

@Kurt Hendricks I'm not sure I follow. As far as I know, the Toyota and Lexus key blades are the same dimensions at the top end where it is attached to the remote shell. I'll need to verify this with a buddy who's got a GX470. That said, the integrated key shown most recently in this thread in the CAD renderings and the video should work for Lexus.

My original fob shell absolutely works with Lexus remotes. You'd just have to get a non-Remote Lexus key cut if you don't already have one.

Did that answer your question?

 

[paflytyer]

Any HIH ones left? I meant to talk to you a little more about getting one at the event but it was pretty non-stop for 5 days and I never grabbed one from you.

I have a key from our other 100 that is too cracked to even insert and turn.

Great product that fills a perfect need for 100 series owners.

 

[suprarx7nut]

Any HIH ones left? I meant to talk to you a little more about getting one at the event but it was pretty non-stop for 5 days and I never grabbed one from you.

I have a key from our other 100 that is too cracked to even insert and turn.

Great product that fills a perfect need for 100 series owners.

Message incoming, Stan. Thanks for the kind words!

 

[Kurt Hendricks]

@Kurt Hendricks I'm not sure I follow. As far as I know, the Toyota and Lexus key blades are the same dimensions at the top end where it is attached to the remote shell. I'll need to verify this with a buddy who's got a GX470. That said, the integrated key shown most recently in this thread in the CAD renderings and the video should work for Lexus.

My original fob shell absolutely works with Lexus remotes. You'd just have to get a non-Remote Lexus key cut if you don't already have one.

Did that answer your question?

@suprarx7nut

I have a later (2006) Lx that has the laser cut key. I haven't seen anyone that has cut a stand alone key without the integrated fob. I've seen some listed as compatible but not ever cut. I might be the guinea pig...

Mine is like this: 03 - 09 UNCUT LEXUS GX470 LX470 GX LX470 SUV MASTER KEY REMOTE FOB HYQ1512V K470