Recommended material for joystick dust washers?

[jasonbar]

Howdy-

Most of my web research on determining dust washer material has revealed custom offerings made from clear acrylic.

I've CADded up some dust washers that I want to get laser cut from 1/16"-thick black plastic.

I see a few promising candidates for materials but wanted to ping you folks to see if you had any experience to share:

1 - ABS
2 - Nylon
3 - Delrin (Acetal resin)

Thanks,
-Jason

[Slippyblade]

Email Paradise Arcade.  They just started laser cutting dust washers, they might be able to work with ya.

[jasonbar]

Thanks. I've got a local shop that will give me a good price on the cutting (no need for shipping). I'm just looking for recommended material to give to the shop.

Paradise shows acrylic for their green turtle joystick washers.

I'm planning on using McMaster, & their only acrylic is clear, so I'm looking to see what the traditional black washers are made of.

Thanks,
-Jason

[drventure]

Here's what I used 



And the thread...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,88515.msg1073324.html#msg1073324

[RandyT]

I'm planning on using McMaster, & their only acrylic is clear, so I'm looking to see what the traditional black washers are made of.

That's the real challenge.  Finding thin acrylic material in colors.  ~1/8" comes in a variety of colors, but the standard dust washer thickness is usually available only in clear from standard outlets.  Specialty suppliers can get black and white acrylic in thinner sizes, but it usually requires a bit of a bulk purchase if you don't want to pay through the nose.

We use acrylic, as it is the most suitable material for our laser.  But standard dustwashers will usually be made from either Nylon or ABS, depending on the manuacturer.  If you plan on having them laser cut, acrylic is the best bet, but ABS might work too, depending on the machine and individual running it.  The issue with ABS is it's low melting point, which can lead to poor finish and heat discoloration.

[jasonbar]

Got my custom joystick washers! A previous employer of mine did the job. They do great work.

27 washers laid out on a 12"x12" sheet, with a few different IDs & ODs for my different flavors of sticks, laser cut from 1/16" glossy black acrylic, for $52.32, including tax & free delivery courtesy of a former coworker who often eats dinner in my neighborhood after work.

I went with a gear motif, to match the rest of my cabinet art.

Thanks,
-Jason

[pbj]

I wouldn't use what Paradise Arcade is using.  It's too thick and feels brittle.  Not at all surprised to hear it's acrylic, which should never be used in wear and tear applications.

[jasonbar]

Almost forgot out my Sega Saturn Virtual On removable controller hack. It has round dust washers no more. Gear dust washers! A bit tricky to implement on this, as there's wiring going up the joysticks, next to their internal metal shafts. A little filing did the trick.

Pics of before & after below.

Thanks,
-Jason