3D Printed Pendulum Clock

thingiverse

This 3D printed pendulum clock boasts an impressive runtime of eight days and maintains an accuracy of approximately one to two minutes per week. The primary objective during its design was to create a reliable timekeeper, capable of withstanding variations in weight or power train friction. To achieve this, I incorporated a deadbeat escapement that ensures the clock remains accurate even when subjected to changes in weight or power train friction. To enable an extended runtime, I refined the design and added internal metal components to minimize friction sufficiently for an eight-day duration. The end result was a clock that would continue to keep precise time even if left unattended for several days. I employed Gearotic to design the gear outlines and escapement, with final editing taking place in TurboCAD. All parts were printed on a Prusa MK3 using PLA material with a standard single color print head. Layer changes were utilized to add highlights to the dial, resulting in a total print time of just under 90 hours. The design was carefully crafted to resemble traditional brass clocks as closely as possible. The gears were printed in gold and arranged symmetrically to achieve a visually appealing effect. I also included a classic Roman numeral dial featuring "IIII" at four o'clock to enhance the traditional aesthetic. After approximately six to eight months of refinement, the current design has been achieved. I am delighted with its appearance and proud that it won a prize in the Hackaday.io 3D Printed Gears, Cams, and Pulleys contest located at https://hackaday.io/project/163814-3d-printed-pendulum-clock. Additionally, there is a YouTube video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imYTm0Vh5TA that showcases the clock's functionality. Steve Update 22-Apr-19: I added keyhole_hanger.stl to assist those experiencing difficulties finding metal keyhole hangers. Print with at least 50% density. Furthermore, I included split versions of front and back frames for use on printers with small print plates. The front/back_frame_split_top.stl and front/back_frame_split_bottom.stl files replace the one-piece frame components. Secure the parts together using epoxy and two-inch pieces of six-32 threaded rod for added strength. Update 04-Sep-19: I added a split version of the weight hanger to facilitate printing on smaller printers. The maximum height of either half is less than 100mm. Print weight_shell_split_top and weight_shell_split_bottom. Join the components together using four six-by-one-five-eighth-inch drywall screws. As an additional benefit, the lower portion of the weight shell can be stacked to create any desired height weight shell. This feature may prove useful in creating a taller weight shell filled with lower-density materials such as copper or steel. Update 07-Oct-19: I re-uploaded identical copies of the split weight shell to enable them to be processed again. It appears they are now visible in Thingview mode. Additionally, I added weight_shell_split_bottom_quarter, which is a one-quarter height weight shell adder for those requiring a slight increase in weight. Update 19-Feb-20: I included Pendeluhr_Bauanleitung_Deutsch_.pdf German translated instructions graciously provided by Henri Huber. Update 30-Apr-20: I added shaft17_3piece.stl, a three-piece pendulum shaft designed for small delta printers that could not accommodate the two-piece shaft.