Orbital Clock

A clock design with a difference, taking inspiration from the mathematical wonder of orbiting stars / planets within our night sky…..not to mention the very concept of time itself, its mathematical measurement, division & physical indication by way of clocks!! Quite mind-blowing when you think about it all really!…..

 

Anyway back to this clock…. what is so different?….. well here, the innermost spinning ‘orb’ is counting seconds, with the middle one indicating the minute of the hour, and outermost the hour itself. The orbs all travel in perfect geometrical orbit around the clock centre and one another, making for an interesting & mesmerising way to tell the time. 

 

This can look a little strange at first glance (when compared to a traditional clock face with pointing hands) but you soon get the hang of it, and is fast becoming my most used & favourite desk gadget.

 

Of course you can print in whatever colours you like but I recommend choosing high contrasting ones for easier reading of the time.

 

Please note: This model is to suit the ‘out of spec’ mechanism (that seems to be what is sent out these days) with slightly different dims to the Bambu labs published 3D model shown here in the left of the image. 

 

So in short, this fits the ones on the right of the image… which measures 34mm from the back lump to end of the white tip. 

 

Assembly: There is no fixings or gluing needed. Just the Bambu clockwork hardware kit 011 (or similar one you can source elsewhere). Then just follow my exploded view diagram / GIF at the bottom of this page for correct component use & assembly order, simply working  your way through from Item#1 upwards. 

 

When you get to Item#6 (the nut) tighten everything that far together (Tip: best done on a flat surface to keep the body and stand nice & aligned)....and then the remining items #7-11 should all push fit into place. 

 

Be sure to observe the note for Item#10 (the long metal clock hand with pin) which needs to be cut down to size and press fit into Item#9.

 

Good luck with you print & build. Enjoy!

Boost MeI love designing for 3D printing, please take a look at all my other models which are all free (and will always continue to be)… if you value any of the downloads enough & are able to support me, then please consider buying me a coffee to keep me going! www.buymeacoffee.com/DatumCAD and be sure to BOOST this model if you like it! Thank you.