Space Navigator (3D mouse) Joystick V2

This part was made to replace the original control joystick on my old 3dconnexion space navigator, and as a further update to the first version, this part is now printable as a solid base and a flex filament outer grip with ridges for better control. The original rubber coating started to break down one day and was sticky to the touch/falling off the exterior. NOTE: The V1 of this model has a smooth version and a textured version if you want to print it fully in one piece, this version is also printable in one piece with the ridges built in.

I modelled this to fit with the original hardware so all that needs to be done is to remove the cap from the original joystick (shiny plastic circle on top, can be pried off by lifting it up from the seam at the edge with a screwdriver) and removing the hardware keeping it in place. Then it is as simple as dropping in this replacement part and screwing it in place. There is also a 3D printable top cover to go with it. Depending on your fitment from the printer it might hold itself in with friction or some glue would secure it, don't use too much in case you want to replace things later. The replacement joystick should only be able to go on properly in one orientation as there are small notches modelled to make it fit with the underlying PCB, simply twist the part with very gentle downwards pressure and it will drop in to place. If the screw holes don't line up then try again with 180 degrees more rotation. The alignment notch is pictured below.

The main joystick prints upside down with minimal supports underneath and the modifier stl should be used in order to block support for the screw mounting channels as these are modelled to print support free using bridging. The settings I used are in the attached .3mf file for both the joystick and grippy cover - I would recommend modifying the grip settings to match your filament as I have it set to the generic TPU settings. For the flexible section I used some generic flex filament I had lying around. The flexible part was printed upside down with a 5mm brim. Make sure whatever flex filament you use has enough give in it to slide over the base part. The cover prints with no supports.

Print settings

The base settings I used for each part in the 3MF files, I would recommend editing them to match your printer/materials, especially for the flexible cover.

The general details for the main body are, 0.2mm layer height, supports on (angle threshold set to only support flat top section, none of the sloping exterior walls), support blockers used to keep screw channels clear, I used generic PLA for the main body. I used 3 walls for strength as well.