Harmonograph sand pendulum — 3D-printable model preview

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Crafts & making Medium

Harmonograph sand pendulum

Draw looping Lissajous patterns with a swinging cup of sand

Hang this cup from a Y-shaped string: two strings tied to two hooks that join into one about halfway down. The Y lets it swing at one rate side to side and a different rate front to back, so as it swings and slowly dies down the thin stream of sand traces loops, figure-eights and spirograph flowers on the card underneath. Move the knot higher or lower to change the ratio and the drawing. It is the Victorian harmonograph, made with a cup, a string and a bag of sand.

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Size: 60 × 60 × 70 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Walls: 2.4 mm
Volume: 9.8 cm³
Est. weight (PLA): 12.1 g
Parts to print: 1
Category: Crafts & making
Made by: Krypto
Built in: 32 steps

What’s in it

Rectangular, 60 × 60 × 70 mm, with 2.4 mm walls
5 holes in the floor and walls

How to print it

Fill with fine dry sand or salt and hang it from a Y of string about 1 m long over dark card. Tape over the bottom hole until you let go.

Prints as shown on its floor, no supports.

Filament: at most about 12.1 g of PLA printed solid (roughly $0.24 at $20 per kg); normal infill uses less.

To get the files, open it in the generator and choose File › Download STL (one file per part) or Download 3MF (every part on one plate).

Questions

What size is the harmonograph sand pendulum model?

The harmonograph sand pendulum model measures 60 × 60 × 70 mm (width × depth × height). You can change every size in the free SO3D.xyz generator before you download it.

Does it need supports?

No. Fill with fine dry sand or salt and hang it from a Y of string about 1 m long over dark card. Tape over the bottom hole until you let go. Prints as shown on its floor, no supports.

How much filament does it use?

At most about 12.1 g of PLA (9.8 cm³ printed solid), roughly $0.24 of filament at $20 per kg. Normal infill uses less.

Can I change it?

Yes. Open it in the SO3D.xyz generator (free, in your browser), change the size, walls, dividers, holes, text or anything else, then download it as STL or 3MF for your slicer.

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Make it fit your space

Change the size, walls, dividers, holes and labels of the harmonograph sand pendulum model in your browser, then download it for your printer. Free, no CAD needed.

Customize this model