Wall clock

Creating a clock using 3D printing

3D printing has its own limitations, which result from the principle of operation itself. For professionals, the inability to use appropriate materials may mean a number of inconveniences: inappropriate physical properties of products, unsatisfactory aesthetic properties, and finally low profitability of the production method. When 3D printing is not sufficient, it is natural to look for another technology. Mateusz Olczyk from ZMorph implemented a project that proves that changing production technology does not have to mean changing the machine, but only using a different head in the same multifunctional 3D printer. For this purpose, he designed a multi-material wall clock combining 3D printing technology, CNC machining and laser cutting.

Printing a clock using a 3D printer

About 80 parts of various sizes were used to assemble the clock, which, apart from a few exceptions, such as the chain and screws, were made using a multifunctional 3D printer ZMorph and software Voxelizer. Most of the parts used are different types of gears, which, due to their properties, were prepared using different technologies. Small and medium-sized objects with complex structures and susceptible to abrasion were 3D printed. CNC cutting was used for light and durable materials - parts made of transparent acrylic give the whole an interesting appearance. In turn, laser cutting was used, among others, for cutting out numbers for the clock top in self-adhesive foil glued to transparent acrylic.

Printing a 3D clock

Typically, a project combining different materials and technologies would require the use of several different machines - separately for 3D printing, CNC machining and laser cutting. However, instead of several different machines, Mr. Mateusz used a multifunctional 3D printer ZMorph with a system of interchangeable heads, which allowed for changing the production technology by quickly replacing the head. As a result, ZMorph allowed the designer to save a lot of time and money on materials, and the machine itself fit on the author's desk, who could constantly monitor its precise and high-quality results.