![]() The digital sundial was designed to display the time from 10 am to 4 pm in twenty-minute increments. To create his, he 3D printed the gnomon with 0.1mm layers, and the other elements with 0.15mm layers using its Ultimaker 2. He then combined these number matrixes into an open source 3D printable model, which is available to download on Thingiverse. However in this case, the shape of the gnomon stick itself has been mathematically designed with precisely-placed holes (affectionately referred to as ‘swiss cheese’) so that it can redirect sunlight into the shape of actual numbers, meaning you can read it as easily as you would a smartphone or any other digital clock.Īs he explains in a comprehensive YouTube video (included below), Julldozer built the sundial algorithmically using OpenScad to create a matrix for each number shown on the dial. What’s more, the inventor claims that due to the extremely precise nature of the design, this digital sundial can only be recreated with 3D printing technology, and cannot be mass-produced through injection molding or other traditional manufacturing techniques.Ĭreated by Julldozer of Mojoptix, the French/English tech podcast, the 3D printed digital sundial works just like a traditional sundial by matching up the shadow of a gnomon stick with the Earth’s rotational axis. The 3D printed digital sundial functions without the use of batteries, motors or electronics-all that’s needed are four 3D printed ABS parts, a jam jar, and a few screws, nuts and washers. Now, combining the ancient time-telling technology of sundials with algorithmic design, a creative and extremely patient maker has created an open source, 3D printed sundial that allows users to digitally read the time. Today, it’s so easy to check my smartphone, I’ll sometimes look at it and then realize a few seconds later that I’ve already forgotten what time I read. The file is 3d_clock1_ ago, before the advent of mechanical gears and LED displays, our ancestors had to slowly and painstakingly track the movement of the sun, carefully aligning gnomon sticks against dial plates in relation to their physical position on Earth, all just to know what time it was. They can be seen at and Ġ4-Mar-21 Update: Added a DXF file with the major frame components for users to make slight modifications. ![]() Significant changes have been made to make the new designs more efficient and easier to build. Larger and more impressive clocks have been released as premium designs. The largest components need a 250mm x 210mm x 200mm print area (Prusa MK3S) or 220mm x 220mm x 200mm (Ender3), but are also included in pre-split versions to fit build volumes as small as 180mm x 180mm x 100mm. Total filament is around 0.75kg PLA in multiple colors.Ĭomprehensive assembly instructions are included in the files.Ī forum to help debug the assembly or discuss other clock related issues has been set up at Total print time is around 90 hours on a Prusa MK3. Significant changes have been made to this new design.Ī short video of the clock in operation is at New upgrades will be posted here. The escapement and gears have been completely redesigned for 3D printing. Looking at my older clocks, I realized that the designs were mostly ported versions of old style brass clocks. This clock is based on my design that was posted to a different site. My clock has been running continuously for over almost three years. A few hidden metal components are needed to keep friction low enough to support an 8-day runtime. It needed to be accurate and still be running when returning from a short vacation. The primary goal was to make a functional clock. This is a 3D printed pendulum clock with an 8-day runtime and an accuracy of 1-2 minutes per week.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |