Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstalliTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
UCL Connected Environments’ TIME is the best starting point for most makers who want a traditional, fully mechanical 3D-printed wall clock. Its authors specifically tried to reduce the usual sourcing, cutting and finishing work, while still acknowledging that bearings, rods, screws and careful assembly are required. Experienced clockmakers may prefer MrBunsy’s configurable library or Steve’s Clocks, whose guides and debugging notes are more useful when a movement will not start. If you want a compact demonstration rather than a pendulum clock, choose the Educational Mechanical Clock; if you want a connected display, build the split-flap design instead. None of these projects is “all printed” or effortless, and each must be judged by its current files, hardware list, documentation and license.
Which open-source 3D-printed clock project should you choose?
The right project depends more on your desired mechanism and support level than on the word “open source.” Use this comparison before downloading files.
| Project | Best for | What you must be ready to do | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIME, UCL Connected Environments | A conventional mechanical wall clock and a first serious clock build | Print a large movement, install bearings and rods, align the gear train and tune the escapement | The one-second tick/tock is a design goal; current author-controlled files and instructions should override any mirror listing |
| MrBunsy 3DPrintedClocks | Experienced makers wanting several designs and escapement choices | Use Python/CadQuery or adapt generated designs; apply clockmaking knowledge and troubleshoot slicing | The creator says documentation is incomplete |
| Steve’s Clocks | Builders who want assembly guidance and fault-finding help | Select one design and follow its current guide; newer designs generally contain later revisions | Instructions vary by design, so do not assume one guide covers the whole catalog |
| Printable Clock Project | OpenSCAD users who want a working printable movement | Inspect the repository files, print the specified parts and provide the listed hardware | The repository identifies a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license; verify the current files and terms |
| Educational Mechanical Clock | A short, visual demonstration of planetary gearing | Print in PLA, normally without supports, and choose whether to add the optional M3 insert and screw | It is not a weight-driven pendulum clock |
| Split-Flap Display | A large electronic clock or information display with moving printed flaps | Build the mechanical flap units, add electronics and connect an ESP8266 to the local network | It is a networked display, not a purely mechanical clock |
Why is TIME the easiest mechanical project to start with?
TIME is the strongest first candidate because its UCL Connected Environments authors designed around replication: fewer unusual parts, less cutting and sanding, and a movement intended to be assembled by other makers. That does not remove the difficult work. A clock still depends on low-friction pivots, accurately printed teeth, a freely moving pendulum and precise alignment.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What the TIME design is trying to achieve
The project’s stated objective is a recognisable mechanical wall clock with a deliberate one-second tick and tock. Andrew Hudson-Smith, the article’s author, wrote: “It should have a proper 1-second tick/tock sound – this was important.” Treat this as a design intention, not a measured guarantee for every print.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
A third-party listing mirror describes one TIME clock as approximately 346 mm wide and 1.3 m high, with about 36 hours between windings. Those dimensions and runtime belong to that listing, not to every TIME variant, so check the latest files before planning wall space or a winding schedule.
What remains non-printed
The project reduces the number of extras but does not eliminate them. The cited parts listing names two 683ZZ bearings, one 624ZZ bearing, a 3 mm steel rod, a 3 mm brass rod and M4 screws. The exact bearing and rod fit is part of the design: substituting a visually similar bearing can change shaft clearance and friction.
How to approach a TIME build
- Locate the current author-controlled release. The UCL article described a 2025 release with GitHub files forthcoming at that time; a later marketplace mirror lists files and parts. Treat the mirror as a parts reference, not as the final authority.
- Check the complete bill of materials. Confirm every bearing, rod diameter, screw, weight and line specification before starting. Do not buy a generic bearing assortment and assume it will fit.
- Confirm your printer can produce the largest parts. Measure the actual bed and usable height, including clearance for the chosen orientation. If a part must be split, use only joints documented for that release.
- Print a small selection first. Test a bearing seat, shaft hole and representative gear. Correct elephant’s foot, dimensional shrinkage or over-extrusion before committing to the full set.
- Deburr without changing tooth geometry. Remove strings and loose edges, but avoid aggressive sanding on gear teeth or pivot surfaces. The design goal of reduced finishing is not permission to skip inspection.
- Install pivots and assemble the gear train in the documented order. Shafts must remain parallel and gears must mesh without side loading. Tightening a frame that is not square can make a healthy escapement appear defective.
- Fit the escapement and pendulum, then test by hand. A gentle impulse should let the train advance and the pendulum swing freely. If it stops immediately, find rubbing or misalignment before adding weight.
- Only then tune the clock. Adjust the pendulum or regulator using the project’s instructions and record changes. A quiet, repeatable tick is a better first milestone than chasing a nominal timekeeping figure.
What parts do I need for a 3D-printed pendulum clock?
There is no universal shopping list. Bearing suffixes, shaft diameters, frame geometry and winding hardware are design-specific, as these two examples show.
Recommended Free Tools
| Build | Specified non-printed parts or requirements | Published size or performance information |
|---|---|---|
| TIME listing | Two 683ZZ bearings, one 624ZZ bearing, 3 mm steel rod, 3 mm brass rod and M4 screws | Third-party listing: about 346 mm wide, 1.3 m high and roughly 36 hours between windings for that clock |
| Benjamin Franklin clock remix | Six 683ZZ bearings and 3 mm stainless rods | Those quantities apply to the remix, not automatically to TIME or another design |
| Eight-day pendulum-clock manual | PLA, three 608 bearings, steel shafts or nails, nylon line, a 6 mm wooden rod, springs and common workshop tools | Minimum 200 × 200 mm print area; a 79 cm drop is stated for one-week operation |
The eight-day manual also claims accuracy of up to 30 seconds per week or better. That is a creator-published figure from that manual, not an independent test and not a cross-project comparison. Temperature, friction, print quality, pendulum adjustment and the condition of the line can all affect a real build.
How to buy compatible hardware
- Copy the bearing code exactly, including the suffix. “683ZZ” and “608” are not interchangeable just because both are common miniature bearings.
- Match rod material and diameter to the drawing or parts list. A 3 mm rod that is slightly undersized can introduce play; one that is oversized can bind.
- Check whether the design expects a smooth shaft, a nail, threaded rod, wooden dowel or a specific screw head.
- Buy enough spares for damaged printed parts and one replacement bearing, but do not change dimensions without a documented reason.
- Keep the hardware list with the license and file version so a later revision does not get mixed with an older frame.
Is MrBunsy’s 3DPrintedClocks library better for experienced makers?
Yes, if you value breadth and configurability more than a turnkey tutorial. MrBunsy’s library covers multiple clock designs and escapement options, making it attractive to makers who want to generate or modify geometry rather than reproduce one fixed movement.
Skills and workflow
Python and CadQuery knowledge helps when changing dimensions or regenerating parts. You also need enough clockmaking familiarity to understand gear ratios, backlash, escapement action and why a train loses energy. The creator explicitly describes the documentation as lacking, so downloading a repository is not the same as receiving a step-by-step build course.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Plan to inspect the generated geometry before slicing. Gear slicing needs particular care: a slicer can create weak teeth, missing walls or an orientation that leaves a pivot hole inaccurate. Print test gears and verify that the mating pair turns smoothly before producing the complete clock.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →License implications
The repository identifies CERN-OHL-S v2 for its hardware source. Its explanation says that distributing derived STL files or printed products carries source-location and source-code obligations under the author’s interpretation. Read the license attached to the exact files you use; “open source” does not mean every form of resale or redistribution has identical conditions.
When is Steve’s Clocks the better choice?
Choose Steve’s Clocks when practical assembly help and diagnosis matter more than browsing a large library. The site publishes design guides and debugging material aimed at the problems that stop printed clocks: friction, misalignment and a movement that will not keep running.
How to select a design
- Pick one specific clock rather than mixing parts across designs.
- Open the current guide and note its revision or design date.
- Prefer newer designs when the creator indicates that they include later improvements.
- Print the guide’s test or prototype pieces first if provided.
- Use its fault-finding sequence before changing the escapement or adding lubrication.
This approach is especially useful for a first mechanical build because a troubleshooting guide teaches you to locate lost energy instead of masking it with extra weight. It still does not make the project automatic: the design-specific hardware list remains controlling.
What are the Printable Clock Project and Benjamin Franklin remix good for?
The Printable Clock Project is a useful route for makers already comfortable with OpenSCAD. Its repository identifies a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license, so derivatives must be handled under that license’s terms. Inspect repository activity and the available files before committing to a long print run.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Benjamin Franklin clock remix is valuable as a hardware reference because its listing independently specifies six 683ZZ bearings and 3 mm stainless rods. Those details demonstrate why parts cannot be generalized from one clock to another; they do not prove that every 683ZZ-based design uses six bearings or stainless shafts. Its listing identifies CC BY-SA, which differs from the hardware license used by MrBunsy.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which project makes the best compact mechanical demonstration?
The Educational Mechanical Clock is the best fit when your priority is seeing planetary gears work rather than building a weight-driven pendulum movement. Its listing recommends PLA and says supports are not required. It also says no extra materials are required, with an optional M3 insert and screw for makers who want that fastening method.
What it does not provide
This is an educational mechanism, not an eight-day or wall-mounted pendulum clock. It is a shorter, more approachable print in which the gear arrangement is the lesson. Choose it for classroom demonstration, a desk object or a first gear experiment, not for long-duration timekeeping.
When should you build the split-flap display instead?
Build the split-flap project when you want a large, animated display and are comfortable with electronics. It is a fundamentally different category from a pendulum clock: printed flaps provide the visible motion, while an ESP8266 supplies network connectivity and control.
The described 10-unit version measures 513 × 136 × 138 mm. Plan for a larger assembly, wiring, power and local-network setup rather than bearings, weights and an escapement. Its attraction is a connected clock or information panel; it is not a substitute for a silent, self-powered mechanical movement.
Can a 3D printer really make a mechanical clock?
Yes, but “3D-printed clock” describes the major structural and gear components, not every material in the mechanism. Bearings, rods, screws, line, springs, weights and sometimes wooden parts still provide the low-friction pivots, tension and durability that printed plastic alone cannot reliably supply.
Why assembly quality matters
- Friction consumes the available energy. A rough hole, warped frame or side-loaded bearing can stop a train even when every gear is dimensionally correct.
- Gear teeth need clean profiles. Stringing and poorly bridged tooth tips create intermittent binding.
- Parallel shafts are essential. A small frame error can make several gears rub at once.
- The escapement is sensitive. Its release and lock faces need the geometry specified by the design; random filing can change the beat.
- Timekeeping is a tuning task. A clock that runs is not automatically accurate, and a published accuracy claim should not be treated as a guarantee.
How should you compare instructions, printer size and support?
Use the following checklist before downloading a project. It exposes hidden effort that a photograph of a finished clock cannot show.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
| Question | What a good answer looks like | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Are assembly steps complete? | Exploded views, part names, hardware quantities and an order of operations | A repository with files but no assembly sequence |
| Is troubleshooting available? | Checks for friction, alignment, escapement and startup problems | Instructions that stop after printing |
| Will your printer fit the parts? | A stated minimum bed or documented split strategy | Large frames with no dimensions |
| What is not printed? | Exact bearing codes, rod diameters, screws, line, springs and weights | “Hardware as needed” |
| What knowledge is assumed? | Clear statement of CAD, electronics or clockmaking prerequisites | Generated parts presented as beginner-ready |
| What license applies? | A license file or listing tied to the current revision | “Open source” with no reuse terms |
| How current are the files? | Revision date, release notes or an active author-controlled repository | A mirror with unknown file provenance |
What should you do when a printed clock will not run?
Diagnose in an order that follows energy flow. Changing several variables at once makes it impossible to identify the cause.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Release the train. Remove the weight or driving force and turn each wheel by hand. Find the first shaft that rubs or stops.
- Check every pivot. Confirm that bearings are fully seated, rods are straight and no frame screw is pulling a plate inward.
- Inspect gear mesh. Look for printed burrs, elephant’s foot, warped rims or a gear pair pressed too tightly together.
- Square the frame. Loosen, align and retighten the plates according to the guide. Do not compensate for a skewed frame by bending a shaft.
- Test the escapement without extra load. The pendulum should swing freely and release one tooth at a time. If it locks, return to the design’s specified geometry.
- Apply the documented drive and tune gradually. Add the specified weight or spring only after the unloaded mechanism passes the manual test.
- Record changes. Note slicer settings, replacement hardware and regulator position so you can revert a change that worsens performance.
How do the licenses affect sharing or selling a printed clock?
They differ by project. The Printable Clock Project identifies Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike; the Benjamin Franklin remix identifies CC BY-SA; MrBunsy identifies CERN-OHL-S v2 and discusses source obligations for derived hardware. These are not interchangeable labels.
Before publishing a remix, uploading STL files or selling a printed product, open the license attached to the exact revision and check attribution, share-alike, source-distribution and hardware-specific requirements. Keep a copy of the license with your project notes, and do not assume that a marketplace listing carries the same terms as the author’s repository.
How can you keep a build reproducible when files change?
Record the project name, file revision, download date, slicer profile, filament and every non-printed substitution. Store the original license and a copy of the parts list alongside the STL or source files.
Project files, marketplace listings and physical hardware availability can change. TIME is a clear example: the 2025 UCL article described GitHub files as forthcoming, while a later listing mirror exposed files and parts. Confirm the current official release and instructions immediately before printing or purchasing.
Which project is the best match for your goal?
- Choose TIME if you want a traditional wall clock and a design explicitly aimed at reducing sourcing and finishing effort.
- Choose MrBunsy if you can work in Python/CadQuery and want to explore multiple gear trains or escapements.
- Choose Steve’s Clocks if assembly guidance and systematic debugging are your priority.
- Choose the Printable Clock Project if OpenSCAD and a share-alike workflow suit you.
- Choose the Educational Mechanical Clock for a compact planetary-gear lesson with PLA and normally no supports.
- Choose the split-flap display for a networked, electronic display rather than a pendulum movement.
For a first conventional mechanical build, start with TIME, obtain the current files, and treat its exact parts list as authoritative. Move to MrBunsy when you want to design rather than simply assemble, or to Steve’s Clocks when troubleshooting support is the deciding factor.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a large-format 3D printer for every pendulum clock project?
No. Requirements are design-specific. The cited eight-day manual states a 200 × 200 mm minimum print area, while other designs may use larger frames or split components; measure the largest current file rather than relying on the project name.
Are 683ZZ bearings a standard part for 3D-printed clocks?
They are common in some designs, but not universal. TIME specifies two 683ZZ and one 624ZZ, while the Benjamin Franklin remix specifies six 683ZZ and another pendulum design uses three 608 bearings, so the suffix and quantity must come from your chosen project.
Can I sell a clock made from open-source files?
Possibly, but permission depends on the exact license and what you distribute. Share-alike Creative Commons terms and the CERN-OHL-S hardware license impose different attribution and source obligations; read the current license before selling prints or sharing modified files.
Is the 30-seconds-per-week accuracy claim independently verified?
The figure comes from one project manual and is presented as that creator’s claim. It is not an independent test or a comparison across the projects in this guide, and actual results depend on alignment, friction, adjustment and operating conditions.
What is the safest way to combine parts from two clock projects?
Do not mix them by appearance alone. Gear tooth geometry, shaft spacing, bearing seats and escapement timing are coupled; combine parts only when the author documents compatibility, otherwise keep each project’s files and hardware list together.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
