A Swiss engineer, Christoph Laimer has just unveiled the world’s first fully functional 3D printed tourbillon watch. This tourbillon is a real watch that is almost 3D printed. The Tourbillon for years long has been known to be synonymous with hand-craftsmanship and high end watchmaking. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), refers to various processes used to synthesize a three-dimensional object. In 3D printing, successive layers of material are formed under computer control to create an object. These objects can be of almost any shape or geometry, and are produced from a 3D model or other electronic data source. A 3D printer is a type of industrial robot.
The watch has a Swiss lever escapement, embedded in the tourbillon. It is driven by a 3d-printed spring, and runs 35 Minutes (a wire retraction spring made from steel would perform better). The metal pins used as the axes for the gears, some screws and washers are the only non-printed parts.
Though a bit large for a wristwatch, the time can be wound, set and can be carried as a pocket watch. What’s amazing about this watch is that it was manufactured using an affordable consumer level 3D printer (an Ultimaker 2). Christoph Laimer also went ahead to make all the source files free.
A major consideration in any 3D printing project is the relation between the nozzle diameter (X/Y resolution) and bed size (how big a printed part can be, in X/Y/Z). These two variables determine the overall scale at which the project can be printed – for practical purposes in a watchmaking project, they determine how small you can make your watch. Usually, traditional watch movement architecture isn’t compatible with ratio between nozzle diameter and bed size found in most 3D printers.
Laimer mentioned that he is working on a small series of his 3D Printed Tourbillon Watch that he will offer for sale, for those that don’t own their own 3D printer. You can contact Laimler on Thingiverse if interested.
Credit – Hodinkee
