Cat Paw Keycap Injection Molding Instructions

FDM Slicing Settings

• Material: PETG/PC
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Wall Thickness: 8 layers (≈3.2 mm, high compressive strength, resistant to multiple injections)
• Top Layer Thickness: 3 mm
• Bottom Layer Thickness: 2 mm
• Infill Density: 25% (balance between strength and material saving)
• Infill Pattern: Recommended Grid
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm

Preparation Materials

1. 0-hardness PVC stock solution
2. PVC special color paste (yellow, milky white)
3. Release agent (recommended: PTFE-based release agent; edible oil can also be used, but the release effect is not as good)
4. Fast-drying PVC soft glue adhesive
5. 3D printed mold
6. SALTGATOR injection molding machine

Injection Molding Steps

1. Evenly spray release agent (release oil) onto the mold surface.
2. Assemble the mold according to the exploded view below. <img src="https://vzyklpazwxemgkrpkblc.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/mold-images/1756466093503-a6ok19.png" alt="Cat Paw Keycap" width="400" />

<font color=#DCDCDC>"Exploded View For Assembly Reference"</font>

<img src="https://vzyklpazwxemgkrpkblc.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/mold-images/1756466101983-unrjc4.png" alt="Cat Paw Keycap" width="400" /> <font color=#DCDCDC>"Align the keycap's bottom hole with the mold hole."</font> <img src="https://vzyklpazwxemgkrpkblc.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/mold-images/1756466109710-4cncj.png" alt="Cat Paw Keycap" width="400" /> <font color=#DCDCDC>"Pattern placement requires alignment."</font>

3. Add an appropriate amount of PVC stock solution and PVC special color paste into the injection machine, set the temperature to 170℃, and start heating.
4. After heating is complete, use the injection machine to inject the material into the mold's injection port (push the plunger until it cannot be pushed further, then hold for 3-5 seconds to remove larger bubbles).
5. After injection, wait for 6-8 minutes to allow the PVC softgel to cool down.
6. Once cooled, first pull out each core pin and open the mold, then demold. During demolding, slowly separate the softgel from the mold to avoid damaging the product with excessive force.
7. Remove burrs and any excess softgel produced at the exhaust port and injection port.