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Build this Electronics project, with less than $20

A budget-friendly, fully customizable 3D printed clock module you can build in an afternoon with parts under $20.

Tutorials Beginner 1374 views Oct 18, 2026
#3d printed clock #diy electronics #budget 3d print project #customizable clock #esp32 clock #printables project #snap fit enclosure #webserial firmware #weekend maker project #sub $20 build

About this video

A $20 3D Printed Clock You Can Customize

If you own a 3D printer and love quick weekend electronics projects, this sub-$20 customizable clock module is a perfect build. The creator designed it so every printed part, screen, and microcontroller can be assembled without soldering a custom PCB, and all source files are available on the Printables project page.

What You Need

  • 3D printed parts – Download the STL files from Printables and print the enclosure, screen bezel, and stand. The parts are designed to snap together, so no glue or fasteners are required.
  • Display module – A small OLED or TFT screen fits into the printed bezel. The exact model is listed in the project documentation on Printables.
  • Microcontroller board – A common dev board (such as an ESP32 or Arduino-compatible module) drives the display and handles the clock logic.
  • Stand or mount – The printed stand slots into the back of the case so the clock can sit on a desk or shelf.
  • USB cable – Used for power and for uploading firmware directly from your browser.

Build Steps

  1. Print the parts – Slice the STLs with your usual settings; the enclosure is small enough to fit on any FDM printer bed.
  2. Insert the screen – Drop the display module into the printed bezel; it is sized for a friction fit.
  3. Attach the stand – Slot the printed stand into the rear housing so the clock stands upright.
  4. Upload the code – Plug the board in via USB and flash the firmware straight from a web browser using a WebSerial-compatible tool. No IDE install required.
  5. Customize – The default firmware includes a clock mode plus a few extra display modes you can cycle through.

Why This Project Is Worth Building

  • Under $20 total – The BOM is intentionally lean, making it one of the cheapest smart-clock builds available.
  • Fully hackable – Because the code lives in your browser flash tool, you can fork the firmware, add sensors, weather data, or notification modes, and reflash in seconds.
  • Print-and-go assembly – Snap-fit parts mean you can reprint replacements or revisions without disassembling electronics.

Tips for a Clean Build

  • Print the bezel and enclosure in PETG or PLA with at least three perimeters for a snug screen fit.
  • Use a short USB-C or Micro-USB cable so the clock sits flush on your desk.
  • If you want Wi-Fi time sync, choose an ESP32 variant and enable NTP in your custom firmware.

FAQ

Do I need soldering skills? No, the build uses off-the-shelf modules that plug or press into place.

Can I change what the screen shows? Yes, the firmware is fully customizable; edit the code and re-flash from your browser.

Where do I get the files? All STL and firmware files are linked on the original Printables project page.

Full Transcript

If you have a 3D printer, here is a project you can build under 20 bucks. It is a fully customizable clock module and you can get all of the files on Printables project page. Print the parts, [music] insert the screen, insert the stand, and upload the code straight from your browser. There is a clock and other modes, but you can fully customize it with your own code.