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Jun 1, 2011

Printed Keys for Any Lock

Apple software engineer Nirav Patel wanted to create something useful with his 3D printer, so he designed a system that generates any key from any lock from any manufacturer using just the lock code.
Using a specialized CAD program and the manufacturers' various pin depth specifications, he was able to generate functioning keys for the two most common American cylinder types, the Kwikset KW1 and the Schlage SC1.

To make a key, Patel first fashions an appropriate-sized blank, then generates a model of the key in a specialized CAD program using the manufacturer's lock code to determine the correct bitting and then hits Print.
 
 

13 comments:

  1. phosportsJune 1, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    hopefully they wont break into my house

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  2. VersionDoubleJune 1, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    thats crazy. 3d printers are really the next level.

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  3. TIMMYTHEROBOTJune 1, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Pretty cool - technology really is amazing.

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  4. DejchJune 1, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    as long as they stay away from my car and my apartment, we are ok! :D

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  5. ZombieJune 1, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    I can see a whole lot more break ins happening now. lol.

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  6. DaveJune 1, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    Very very clever that.

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  7. Athanasian ComplexioJune 1, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Damn those people at Apple! Looking for new ways to rob ya!

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  8. ZKMinJune 1, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Serious this could cause a lot problems in the wrong hands.

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  9. RedHeadRobJune 1, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    3d printers are boss!

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  10. Bunny HillJune 1, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    I'm not sure about this

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  11. Astronomy PirateJune 1, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I'll take one!

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  12. UnknownJune 1, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    thats pretty dope but if it works everyone would be doing it by now if this works cool..but i dont think it does

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  13. charlieJune 5, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    wow, for security you'll need an electronic key pad & the door key, some video cameras accessible via smartphone app & monitor your doors with direct link to the local PD to report potential break-ins

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