30mm arcade button with 5mm RGB LED

myminifactory

Here is a 30mm arcade button, designed to resemble commercially available models of its kind. Its shape is roughly inspired by those found on store shelves, but I have no idea how well it will perform. Inside this button lies a 3D-printed spring with a hole for a 5mm RGB LED light. This LED will illuminate the button in vibrant colors when pressed. The switch used here is a standard 28mm microswitch without its lever, making it easy to install and replace if needed. For example, a V-15-1C25 switch can be used, but many others will fit just as well - you might even have one already stashed away in your parts box. After printing the button, follow these steps: Remove the sacrificial bridge by drilling out the 5mm hole. This will reveal the internal components of the button. Next, carefully drill two 3mm holes to accommodate the switch's screws. Then, mount the switch securely with two 3mm screws. Finally, inspect the outside of the button and remove any excess plastic or zits that may have formed during printing. A fine sanding with a 600-grit sandpaper will help smooth out any rough edges. When first assembled, the spring will exert a strong force, but over time this force will dissipate, leaving you with a button that requires only a light press to activate. If the spring's force fades away too quickly, consider printing it in a more flexible material like PETG or ABS instead of PLA.