rewrite the README notes on parts, now that I reorganized them

Signed-off-by: Brian S. Stephan <bss@incorporeal.org>
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Brian S. Stephan 2024-06-21 08:36:08 -05:00
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@ -30,19 +30,42 @@ starting with an existing object and constructing what you'd like with new or ex
## Usage of Parts
There are a lot of parts to pick from, but there are some structural variants to pay attention to; here's some help
about when/how to use specific parts:
about what the types of parts are and how to use them:
* `panel-inset` --- these fit flush into a frame, creating a closed box enclosure.
* `panel-overhang` --- these have a tray that fits into a frame with the actual face extending beyond the frame,
creating an ice cream sandwich enclosure.
* These also yield a bit more space inside the box, for tall levers or whatever.
* `frame` (non-pieces) --- these create the box of the enclosure, as one part. These can be hard to print well ---
shrinkage forces tend to curl up the corners no matter what you do, and some points need supports --- but if you don't
care about that because you're printing an ice cream sandwich, they are simpler than...
* `frame-piece` --- these break up the frame box into four faces, and are held together by friction fit and the hex
bolts. This is more stable than you might expect, but it does introduce some variability in the overall sturdiness of
the enclosure compared with the frame as one box piece.
* The `interconnect` replaces the need to bolt multiple frames together.
* `frames/`
* `complete/` --- these are the four walls of the frame as one piece, in a couple variations for combining into
larger arcade sticks. They are simple to assemble, but you have fewer modularity/customization options, and they
are harder to print because the physics of the material cooling will probably pull the corners up. Use at your own
risk.
* `pieces/`
* `box/` --- these are the same four walls (generally speaking) as in the complete frames above, broken out into
modular faces to print separately. Because they are separate pieces, you can mix and match colors, and you can
lay them all face down on the print surface for better adhesion and surface patterns. There are also variants
here, the "windowed" pieces, for doing two-tone variants and that kind of thing.
* `extended/` --- the frame walls are pulled out to create MCZ TE-style extended sides/bottom. Rather than
getting a box look, you get a longer slab. These look nice, but slightly fiddily to print (and of course need
more material) --- watch your surface adhesion.
* `interconnect` --- complete frames are bolted to one another, but for frame pieces, there is an interconnect
that stands in for the joined inner wall. You need this if you are combining multiple sets of walls, e.g. for
a two-panel-long stick.
* `panels/`
* `inset/` --- various panels, all of the same size, that fit into and flush with the frame, making the arcade stick
face or back. These work equally well with box or extended frames, and aside from using up a bit of the space
inside the frame, come with no downsides --- they print easily and are a pretty simple shape to tweak and remix.
* `overhang/` --- overhang panels have their face extending over the edge of the frame, creating a bit of a sandwich
look. This is mostly an aesthetic choice, but they sit higher in the frame as well, the main panel being
over/under the frame rather than within it. This extra space is useful for taller levers. The only downside to
these is that they aren't as reusable as the inset panels, since the inset panels can go anywhere, but the
overhang panels must be designed to not overlap with other overhang panels, so you might have to make more custom
variants depending on where you put things.
* `misc/`
* Pieces that I haven't organized better (yet) --- there are decorative plates for face buttons or top buttons to
give more color variance and some layers to the arcade stick, some very simple dustwashers, plates that fit rocker
switches and the like in Neutrik D or 20mm holes, and a lever mount spacer for getting your lever shaft at the
desired height. You don't *need* any of these, but you'll probably use a few.
* `extras/`
* Various experiments and things not directly related to making an arcade stick. At time of writing, there's a
couple pieces for a little stand for the stick, solely for vanity purposes.
## Printing