[ Ref. https://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/Digests/202201/2022.01.13.01.html
I recently posted a photo of the first prototype of a 3D printed
replica (in hard plastic) of these 3-7/8" x 8-7/8" mats, which when
glued to their backing blocks and surrounded by the screwed-on metal
frames, comprise pedals that are 4" wide by 9" tall (the most commonly
found size). Here, though, are the final prototypes which I am intending
to use in the casting process.
My first choice is to use hard plastic "negatives", like the one on
the right, to pour the 2-part, black rubber into, which will cure to
a Durometer 80 hardness (the likely original hardness of the "factory"
mats). If that doesn't work (if I can't pry the cured mats out) I'll
make silicone molds of the hard plastic "positives", then cast the
rubber in those. (Which, I've been assured by the maker of the
materials, will work quite well.)
At this point, I'm just gathering the needed funds (about $350)
for the raw materials. If anyone here trusts enough in the positive
outcome of this project to contribute (in exchange for mats, of course!)
they are welcomed to. I've had some extremely costly automotive repair
issues lately: so if I need to come up with these funds myself (I'm
a piano technician in a very poor county), the project will be
inevitably delayed.
I have several parties, though, already interested in the mats at
$80 per set postpaid in the U.S., but have not asked them for advance
payment. I am also contacting the major piano parts supply houses,
to see if they'd like to add these to their offerings.
Thanks!
Gordon Stelter
Athens, Georgia
harmonythump@icloud.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]
[ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/22/01/21/220121_132542_image.jpeg
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