Large planetary gearset clock by Metalfusion 3d model
3dmdb logo
Thingiverse
Large planetary gearset clock by Metalfusion

Large planetary gearset clock by Metalfusion

by Thingiverse
Last crawled date: 3 years, 3 months ago
This is a relatively large kinetic sculpture / clock that runs with a single motor. The three dials show seconds, minutes and (12) hours separately and are all driven through a gear train from the seconds dial. The design doesn't include any timing mechanisms, the motor needs to run accurately to keep time.
I have built a single functional copy from stained MDF using my DIY CNC router, but it requires a much stronger motor than originally designed. The MDF gearing would also wear out rather quickly, so maybe a scaled down plastic version would be more viable. Another thing to redesign would be mounting of the gear axles. Using ball bearings pressed into the main frame and M6 bolts as axles works, but there is significant play, friction and wear.
The main assembly design is made with an old version of Solidworks, maybe 2008. The individual gear profiles are designed using free tools called GearDXF and "Planetary Gearset Designer".

Tags