Introduction: "Fable" 3D Printed Clock
About: Gilbert13 is the creative partnership of Angela and Mark Gilbert. We are a UK based product design studio involved in a diverse range of projects ranging from furniture to 3D printing and interested in educati…
This is our design "Fable", a 3D printed mantle clock that displays time whilst depicting a tranquil and fairytale like scene. The classically shaped domed cage frames the rotating tree which moves with every second gently swaying the swing as time passes by and the hour and minute hands rotate with the correct time passing through the viewing circles at the front.
The cage and body of the clock have been created using Solidworks to ensure all the components fitted together how we wanted as well as having all the right clearances. The tree on the other hand was created using a Haptic Arm and the 3D modeling program Freeform. The Haptic arm makes modeling an organic form like the tree more intuitive and natural, like a sculptor would create an object in a material like clay or plasticine. Freeform allows you to model "virtual clay" adding and carving the form as you go. The Haptic Arm applies force feedback as you feel the surfaces your modeling so you can touch, pull and tweak the clay into the exact shape you want. The whole clock has then been 3D printed by Shapeways in 5 parts through the Selective laser sintering (SLS) process and then assembled around a high quality clock mechanism.
Designed by Angela and Mark Gilbert, the product developed from an interest in the beautifully crafted antiquities, curiosities and oddities from days gone by which have survived the passage of time. We wanted to translate the charm and character found in these products into a contemporary piece, which had merit as a sculptural and desirable art piece as well as a useful product capable of communicating data in a beautiful and inspiring way.
The cage and body of the clock have been created using Solidworks to ensure all the components fitted together how we wanted as well as having all the right clearances. The tree on the other hand was created using a Haptic Arm and the 3D modeling program Freeform. The Haptic arm makes modeling an organic form like the tree more intuitive and natural, like a sculptor would create an object in a material like clay or plasticine. Freeform allows you to model "virtual clay" adding and carving the form as you go. The Haptic Arm applies force feedback as you feel the surfaces your modeling so you can touch, pull and tweak the clay into the exact shape you want. The whole clock has then been 3D printed by Shapeways in 5 parts through the Selective laser sintering (SLS) process and then assembled around a high quality clock mechanism.
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14 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
Beautiful design, very original.
11 years ago on Introduction
i´m looking for something like that for a while all 3D picture is very nice?
11 years ago on Introduction
This is a beautiful and clever use of 3D printing. I love the swing!
11 years ago on Introduction
I would BUY one of these, but dont' have the skills or tools to make one. Any chance you will be selling these??
11 years ago on Introduction
How does it work? I'd be very interested in seeing the actual 'clock' parts, as well as a timelapse of its function over a day..
11 years ago on Introduction
Quality Mark and Angela.
11 years ago on Introduction
I want one that is fantastic are you planning to sell these
11 years ago on Introduction
Wonderous! Beautiful!!!!!
11 years ago on Introduction
Es una autentica maravilla !
11 years ago on Introduction
I would definitely buy something like this. On a side note. What is the type of pen you're using in picture number 4? I've been searching around but can't find any info without the name.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the kind comments,
The "pen thingy" is a phantom desktop haptic arm by sensable.
Unfortunately its not mine but I get to borrow it now and them when I need it.
It's a great bit of kit when you need to model something like the this tree.
Cheers
11 years ago on Introduction
Gorgeous!
11 years ago on Introduction
Beautiful - it looks like it's made out of sugar.
11 years ago on Introduction
Absolutely gorgeous! I have never seen a clock like this - it's wonderful.