Sphere Clock

Why are all the planets in the universe spherical? Does time actually exist? These questions have always fascinated humanity, inspiring us to continuously explore the truths of the cosmos.

Not long ago, while looking at the Maker's Supply MH011 Clock Components Kit that I had kept for a long time, a sudden spark of inspiration hit me: Could I make a sphere clock? It would combine the universe's most fascinating celestial bodies with the very concept of time. 

Thus, I designed this Sphere Clock. It consists of 10 3D-printed parts (no supports needed), the MH011 kit, and an AA battery. Except for a tiny drop of superglue needed to assemble the second hand, all other parts are completely glue-less and can be easily snapped together. Additionally, since you need to trim the second hand from the MH011 kit for installation, you will also need a pair of flush cutters.

To make assembling the back cover to the main body easier, I created an original, print-in-place twist-lock mechanism that securely locks the back cover, as shown in the GIF below.

You can freely mix and match any filament and color you like to create a one-of-a-kind sphere clock. The front cover comes in two options: blank or spiral. I have also uploaded the STEP file for the front cover, allowing those with design skills to customize their own patterns.

The hour and minute hands are set up for multi-color printing in the print profile. If you don't have an AMS or a multi-toolhead printer, you can try printing them in a single color and painting them manually. For better readability, it is recommended to use different colors for the time markers (the 12 triangles) and the hands.

Due to the unique nature of the sphere shape, the viewing angle of this clock is relatively narrow, meaning you can only see the time clearly from specific angles. Therefore, instead of making the bottom flat, I kept it as a perfect sphere. By placing it on the base, you can freely rotate it to any angle to easily read the time.

During test printing, I noticed that sphere surfaces are highly prone to defects. I tried numerous methods, but it was incredibly difficult to guarantee a flawless finish, and the Z-seams simply couldn't be eliminated. Ultimately, I decided to use a fuzzy skin on most of the sphere to solve this problem, and the results are fantastic. On one hand, the fuzzy skin hides layer lines and seams while enhancing the tactile texture; on the other hand, it indicates to users which parts are safe to touch. I noticed that many people seeing this clock for the first time didn't know what it was and would instinctively grab the moving parts of the clock... Therefore, if you are showing this creation to friends, please make sure to tell them in advance to hold it by the fuzzy surface of the sphere!

Additionally, to make the clock easy to transport, I designed a dedicated packaging jar for it. Aside from protecting the clock during transit, this jar doubles as a display base. Of course, you can also print a separate, more compact base. 

For specific installation steps, please refer to the Assembly Guide in the attached document. I will write a separate, detailed article later to share the story behind designing this clock, so stay tuned!