Can u make a car key using a 3d printer. Say I wanted to make a copy of my car key to have as a spare
It’s really for my work truck, to open he doors not to drive, but in case I lock the real key in the truck then I’d have a back up that would open the door
I have a buddy with a 3d printer so if it can be done then it wouldn’t cost me anything vs going and having a key made would
I think that has been done before…
I don’t know much about this but just wondering about any issues with the grooves on both sides of the key causing issues while getting printed
No problem @R_Everett_F I didn’t think anything of it
My work truck doesn’t have power anything so you have to use the actual key to lock/unlock the doors there’s no fail safe if you lock the keys inside the truck so I figured if I made a basic key and kept it in the bed then if I lock actual key in the I pop open the bed compartment and pull out plastic key to open door
Replacement door keys are generally less than $5 for mist vehicles… better than breaking off a 3d printed one in the lock…
That is… at least for a copy… as long as you have the key in hand …
I too would be concerned about a printed key breaking inside the lock, creating an even more dire situation. I’d just get a copy made and keep it where you can find it. 3D printing is a great technology, but it’s not always the right answer to a problem.
I think that getting a key made would be cheaper than lock repair when the 3D printed key breaks off in the lock.
You could even use a dremel tool and just grind a piece of scrap metal and get better results than a 3D printer could for keys. That is unless it is a metal printer.
Take the safe route and have a professional make a copy of the key and keep it somewhere safe.
@Garrett_Barker yes it can be done. great friend to spend the multiple hours modeling your key then material and post processing to do it. ask the friend with the printer if he will do it.
With what 3D printer? Cheap 3D printing is plastic and I can’t think of a truck door I could open with a plastic key. Fused filament can take metal-filled filaments but it’s not really a metal material for strength considerations. Good metal 3D printing is far too expensive. Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t see where this is a viable alternative to a cut key copy.
I just want to see someone’s face when they get the plastic key in, but snap it off inside…
My BMW bike has a plastic key as a backup. You’re supposed to sew it into your bike jacket so it’s there in an emergency.
Your friend might want you to buy a meal as a thanks for the key and then you will spend more money than for the key which will break off in your door.
@David_McGuigan I bet it was injection molded and not PLA or ABS.
@NathanielStenzel it could be ABS, but no it’s definitely not 3d printed. From the marks it’s milled out like a metal key. Also, the key is really stubby and broad and the ‘handle’ end is tiny on the plastic copy so you aren’t going to get much leverage on it.
@David_McGuigan yeah, milled plastic tends to be stronger than printed plastic.