Anyone got a beam spring switch or an F hammer to sacrifice?

[bhtooefr]

I'm wondering what material IBM used for the beam spring flyplates, or alternately for the Model F hammers.

Anyone got one to sacrifice, or otherwise know the material?

The patent says it's a high dielectric plastic, and that it can be injection molded, but that's it. So, what is it actually?

http://blog.makezine.com/2011/09/22/ide ... -plastics/ has some procedures that can be done to identify an unknown plastic. Obviously, there won't be any resin identifier on them.

[ripster]

You mean the barrels/case assembly for the keys? That's ABS on the IBM. The Unicomp is a bit less clear - that MAY be a mix. The hammers are interesting. I can use a Model F hammer to type on my iPad. I can't with the Model M hammer. Not sure the material though.

[bhtooefr]

I mean the hammer itself. Barrels and case assembly aren't my concern.

The plastic case around the actual switch in the beam spring would also be nice to know about, although I suspect ABS would work fine for that.

[Ascaii]

I could use an extra Model F spring in case anyone has one.

[bhtooefr]

Some theories that were being discussed were, if it's conductive, there may be metal particles. (However, it's supposed to be a dielectric. I'm guessing it's polycarbonate or PMMA.)

[RC-1140]

btw, to abuse this thread a little more: I would be glad if anybody had an additional Model M Hammer. My Model M2 has got a broken one. Probably a little easier to get by, compared to the capacitive variant.

[bhtooefr]

Model M is far easier... although I forget if M and M2 are the same.

http://pckeyboard.com/page/Misc/PVPLASM

[RC-1140]

Well, of course I know that Unicomp sells them, but I was wondering if anyone here in Germany or at least Europe had a spare one. Shipping from the US for only the Hammer would be an overkill.

[Ascaii]

I can send you a defective M2^^

[RC-1140]

in which way defective? Mine was defective as well, but after replacing the capacitors it works again.

[Ascaii]

same thing ^_^

[RC-1140]

hm, thinking about the ergo ALPS board you still have put aside for me, this might be an option. I'll just have to wait for my pay. Probably the day after tomorrow you'll get a PM.