3D Printed Stainless Steel Keychain with Customizable Bitcoin QR Code

[knahrvorn]

I have 3D modelled and am selling (through Shapeways) keychains in stainless steel that carry your own Bitcoin QR code.

Link to the keychain on Shapeways

https://i.imgur.com/Szv1uWV.png?1  https://i.imgur.com/smcUIAV.png?1

The fact that the Bitcoin network is Internet based has the downside that it doesn't work without a piece of technology, such as your computer or mobile phone. So what if, one day, you were away from your computer, your mobile phone just ran out of juice, and you needed to take a Bitcoin payment from someone?

A physically printed QR code that you always carry on you would solve that, of course. But a QR on a piece of paper folded in your (analogue) wallet just doesn't cut it on the nerd coolness scale. A QR code engraved in a 3D printed stainless steel keychain does, however. You always carry your keys with you. Attach your emergency Bitcoin QR code to your keys, and you always have your QR code with you. Of course, as multiple use of one Bitcoin address is discouraged, this is not for everyday use, but for that few times where you can't take a payment in any other way. Sort of an insurance, if you will.

When ordering this QR code keyring, you will be asked to provide a Bitcoin address. I will generate a QR code containing a "bitcoin:" payment request with your address in it and model it into the keychain model that you see in the photos and then let Shapeways print it and send it to you. This way you will get your very own customized and unique Bitcoin keychain.

Note: In order to maximize readability by a QR reader, it is adviced to spray paint the QR side of your keychain in black and then polish off the paint, so as to improve the contrast between the dark grooves (where the paint stays after polish) and the lighter tops. Also, the keychain will often arrive from Shapeways with polishing rubble stuck in the grooves of the QR code. These need to be peeled out with a needle or similar.

Link to the keychain on Shapeways

[roslinpl]

Hey.

I like this product but I think price is quite not attractive when it costs ~1/4 of Trezor price.

How much does it cost to make one of those?

Best regards.

[vendetahome]

wouldnt it be risky to put it on keychain as keys in your pocket can damage the qr code? sorry if its a dumb question im just curious

[jdebunt]

Looks very nice, the price is a bit steep though. How heavy are we talking about with one of these? (ballpark figure)

[roslinpl]

wouldnt it be risky to put it on keychain as keys in your pocket can damage the qr code? sorry if its a dumb question im just curious

Well there is an advice :

Note: In order to maximize readability by a QR reader, it is adviced to spray paint the QR side of your keychain in black and then polish off the paint, so as to improve the contrast between the dark grooves (where the paint stays after polish) and the lighter tops. Also, the keychain will often arrive from Shapeways with polishing rubble stuck in the grooves of the QR code. These need to be peeled out with a needle or similar.

So I think that when you will scratch it with your keys or any pocket items you can repaint and polish on your own.

And even when it all makes sense to me - price doesn't.  But I might not know how much does production costs.

[knahrvorn]

I like this product but I think price is quite not attractive when it costs ~1/4 of Trezor price.

How much does it cost to make one of those?

3D printing in steel isn't cheap, unfortunately. https://www.shapeways.com/materials/steel - and I do make a markup on top of that, of course.

wouldnt it be risky to put it on keychain as keys in your pocket can damage the qr code?

The keychain will of course wear slightly over time like any other metal object you carry in your pocket, such as your keys. Note, though, that the QR code is "sunk" into the keychain, so it's physical, so to say, not just painted (I enhanced QR readability by spraypainting it, and recommend to do so, but then the paint will be in the grooves, protected from too much wear and tear)

How heavy are we talking about with one of these? (ballpark figure)

I put it on the kitchen scale: 19 g. It measures roughly 3 × 3.4 cm, being 3 mm thick.