Before phones, watches, and clocks, a sundial was a common way to tell time. Although it’s difficult to confirm exactly when the first sundial appeared, it was certainly a few thousand years ago, so they’ve been around for quite some time.
In this article, we’ll be going over our top 20 favorite 3D printable sundial designs, including everything from traditional timekeepers to modern marvels. If you see a model you like but aren’t quite sure how to print it or don’t have the means to do so, try Craftcloud by All3DP. You can be sure you’ll be getting the best quality print for the best price. You’ll also have access to a wide selection of materials and finishes at the click of a button.
Before we get to get to our list, let’s check out how sundials work.
What Time Is It?
Sundials work by using the position of the sun and two main parts: a flat base and a gnomon (the part that sticks out). You can tell the time based on where the shadow of the gnomon lands on the base of the sundial.
The angle of the gnomon from the horizon should be the same as the sundial’s geographical latitude. The gnomon must also be parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation, otherwise, you’ll get the wrong time.
This means that a sundial made for one place wouldn’t work in another location if the two places are a significant distance from each other. For that reason, most of the sundials listed below are customizable and can be made to work at any latitude.
Traditional
This first set of designs is for sundials that take inspiration from traditional models found around the world!
Isocahedric
A spherical sundial, such as this one, is also known as a scaphe. The design was originally invented by Aristarchus of Samos around 250 BC.
To use this sundial, simply place it outside and face it north. The top of the shadow should land on one of the lines, indicating the hour and date. You can also use it to measure the solstices.
You can find many useful resources for this model in the description, including which version to print based on your location and how to accurately know the hour. To use different colors like in the image above, use the pause at height feature in Cura to swap filaments.
- Who designed it? M4NU
- How printable/popular is it? This sundial has seen over 60 downloads so far with 2 makes showcasing examples of the nice print quality.
- Where to find it? Printables
Korean
Here’s a nice addition to your sundial collection. Also known as an Angbu-ilgu in Korean, which means a cauldron-shaped sundial looking at the sun, this is a perfectly reasonable description of the next model on our list.
With a concave, cauldron-like indent, this portable sundial more accurately represents shadows than traditional sundials that use flat surfaces. It also features a solar term line, which allows it to tell the time and date.
The base model won’t have all of the beautiful characters and markings when you print it. You’ll have to add those later yourself with paint.
Roman Numerals
This traditional design uses Roman numerals to present the hours. The lines cutting right through the numerals provide a snazzy visual effect and a simple way to tell time. To make this sundial display as accurate as possible, you’ll have to orient it towards true north.
This should be a simple print, as the slight overhang of the gnomon is not enough to warrant supports. This design isn’t large either, making it a quick job.
Built-In Compass
Sundials all need an initial calibration with a compass so that you can set the direction and get an accurate reading of the time. Pointing the gnomon east instead of north or south, for example, will give you the incorrect time. That’s why this sundial model is smart: There’s a small, built-in hole for a compass.
The maker has provided instructions in the description of the project page, so check those out for determining how to orient the model.
Although there are no suggestions for printing this model, we believe that it should be a fairly straightforward and simple print. The model render has no overhangs, meaning that no supports are needed. You should use a small nozzle if you can for the more precise hour lines, which could increase the precision of your time reading.
- Who designed it? tatsuya
- How printable/popular is it? This compass sundial has a remix and over 2,000 downloads so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Rectangular
This rectangular sundial is for those of you who just want a standard, no-frills sundial. In line with this thinking, this model has Roman numerals at the end of each hour line. You could easily paint this flat model to make it look even better!
The maker recommends printing with your standard print settings and it’s fine to scale it up or down. Most slicers offer a scaling feature so that should be pretty easy to do. The gnomon is an overhang, so you should print with supports activated and use a high infill percentage to make sure it doesn’t break.
- Who designed it? Omni-Moulage
- How printable/popular is it? This rectangular sundial has over 3,100 views and 163 downloads.
- Where to find it MyMiniFactory
Customizable
This model uses a different style of numbering on the hour lines, with semi-spherical bumps representing the hours of the day.
The designer used OpenSCAD to make this model customizable for all users regardless of location. Download instructions can be found in the project description.
The maker printed the model using ABS for its high heat resistance, which will help the sundial withstand many hours under direct sunlight. If you don’t have ABS filament on hand, you can also ASA for improved UV resistance.
The designer also recommends printing with a 0.2-mm layer height. The design does have a slight overhang, but unless your printer is terrible with overhangs, no supports will be necessary.
- Who designed it? Zeiberstein
- How printable/popular is it? This customizable sundial has a remix as well as over 1,080 downloads and 50 likes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Shepherd's Dial
If a watch isn’t your style, but you’re still interested in a portable solution, try a Shepherd’s Dial. Although they’re usually cylindrical, this design is rectilinear.
As with all of these sundials, some modifications will be necessary to adjust for your specific latitude. This one, however, will be a little trickier. Whereas the other sundials involve a little math and readjusting the angle of the gnomon, this design requires adjusting the hour lines based on the “sun’s altitude at each hour of the day in the latitude where the dial is to be used for selected days of the year”.
Fortunately, there are a few web-based resources such as the European Association for Astronomy Education to help you out. For those of you looking for a more challenging project, this one’s for you!
- Who designed it? fjkraan
- How printable/popular is it? Between the two repositories, this design has over 200 downloads.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Portable
Let’s admit it – once you’ve fallen in love with sundials, there’s no going back to digital. These next designs are here to help you take your sundial love with you wherever you go.
Smartwatch
The Sundial Watch Collection from gkapriel markets itself as the original smartwatch – a playful reference to the age-old knowledge about the sun’s movement that underlies the construction of sundials.
The collection features four watches: Classic, Sport, Traveler, and Adventurer, all featuring designs suited to their intended use. The Traveler model, for example, features a string and stop that allows for easy adjustment of the gnomon’s angle for latitude changes while traveling. All of the models call for an integrated compass.
A resin 3D printer was used to print the watches. Given the fine detail – especially the Roman numerals on the face of watches, resin 3D printing will offer finer resolutions for precision printing.
- Who designed it? gkapriel
- How printable/popular is it? These classic timepieces have over 42,000 views.
- Where to find it? Instructables
Clock Ring
Featured in the film Around the World in Eighty Days, this portable sundial doubles as a nice little ring that you can either wear around your finger or hang around your neck using the included loop.
You can tell time using the hole on the side. Simply face it toward the sun and see where the light lands on the indents inside the ring.
This is a very simple print that only requires a little post-processing to color the indents, making it easier to read.
Universal
Not only can this portable universal sundial be hung on anything, it can also be oriented to give you an accurate visual of the time from anywhere in the world. Well, as long as there’s some sun, of course!
You can set this model to your location using latitude by rotating the spinning axis. For orientation instructions, check out the Thingiverse description.
The creator successfully printed this model with supports activated. You’ll need to print several different parts and fit them together, though no glue or other tools are needed to do so.
- Who designed it? Robhumm
- How printable/popular is it? This portable universal sundial has 3 makes along with almost 3,600 downloads!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mechanical Watch
This watch looks just like a regular watch and even has a 3D printable watch band that uses chain links. It isn’t too bulky and can be worn on your wrist, but you’ll have to be careful with the gnomon, as it could easily break off (or poke somebody).
It’s hard to see from the image, but this watch has very small hour lines, so painting them might be a good idea. The model uses a small spring to work, which you can get out of any spring pen.
This design is currently configured for people near the 33.9 parallel (in California), so if you don’t live there, you’ll need to make some adjustments.
The designer recommends printing the parts scaled at 125% to make everything fit and using supports for the spring catch and button level parts. Overall, the print consists of 11 different 3D printable parts, but each is pretty small, so it shouldn’t take you too long to print. You should use high-quality print settings, including a low layer height for detail.
![Featured image of [Project] 3D Print Your Own Wristwatch](https://i.all3dp.com/workers/images/fit=scale-down,w=108,h=60,gravity=0.5x0.5,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/16154036/titelbild.jpg)
Basic Watch
Ever need to know the time on the go? This sundial watch, though a little bulky, will surely be a fun print to use when you’re not in a rush to know the time. It features Roman numerals as well as the letter “N” to let you know which way should be facing north.
The designer instructs makers to use a velcro strap for the watchband, but you could also use an elastic band or even a 3D printed band. This project consists of only three 3D printed parts that snap together.
For printing, make sure to use high-resolution settings for detail, including a low layer height. Also, don’t set the infill percentage too high because that’ll make the watch even heavier.
- Who designed it? eddster
- How printable/popular is it? This cool sundial watch design has 6 posted makes as well as almost 3,400 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Electronic
An electronic sundial is quite a paradox, but there’s nothing wrong with using our futuristic devices to improve the ways of the past.
Electronic & Self-Calibrating
This self-calibrating sundial model is perfect for people who want a sundial without going through the hassle of orienting their dials. Although you can’t see it from the picture, this project actually uses an Arduino (in the base) to self-calibrate and orient itself.
According to the maker, the device uses two SG90 servos, a GPS receiver, and a digital compass, all connected and controlled by an Arduino Nano. Schematics for the Arduino and more details can be found on the project page linked below.
The designer has no printing recommendations, but we suggest printing with a small layer height for detail. For added strength, a high infill percentage is also a good idea, especially when printing the small and skinny gnomon.
- Who designed it? poblocki1982
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 15,000 views and 132 likes.
- Where to find it? Instructables
DIY Indoor
This sundial actually doesn’t use the sun at all. Intrigued? It’s actually a reflector and a set of lights that display an analog time reading, yielding a very cool sundial-inspired clock.
The project uses 10 different 3D printed parts that can be printed at the same time, as well as about 10 non-printed parts (pins, resistors, lights, an Arduino Uno, a micro-servo, and pushbuttons). You can find the full parts list in the Thingiverse project description.
For the 3D printable parts, the designer states that “normal” print settings work just fine.
- Who designed it? BadenLab
- How printable/popular is it? Though no makes have been shared yet, this DIY indoor sundial has nearly 580 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Miscellaneous
The final designs for this list are a collection of fresh takes on the sundial concept, especially for those out there who prefer digital.
Two-piece
This next print has got to be one of the simplest models on our list, comprised of only two pieces that snap together. No glue is needed for assembly, and no supports are required.
While the model was designed for North America, the designer mentions that it may also work in other parts of the world as well.
If you’re looking to try any one sundial from our list, this is sure to be a good choice that won’t require much fine-tuning on your end for a successful print.
Window
Who doesn’t want a good view? This vertical sundial design is designed to be affixed to the outside of a sun-facing window with double-sided tape. The hour lines are labeled with dashes and dots, with the dashes representing a value of two and the dots, one – which are simply added together to calculate the hour.
The designer promises an easy modification of the design for your specific latitude, and it is. You simply enter the values associated with your location in the OpenSCAD file as parameters, then the design is modified based on those values.
You’ll probably want to print this in a white- or natural-colored filament. A 0.1-mm resolution is also recommended.
- Who designed it? Zeiberstein
- How printable/popular is it? This design has been downloaded over 570 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Equatorial Bowstring
From ancient temples to new high-rises, sundials in popular locations tend to look great and work well. This model shaped like an arrow and bowstring is a fully-functional sundial that you can show off! Like all sundials, the maker reminds the user to use a compass when setting the sundial north and south to get an accurate time.
Even though the designer didn’t give any printing tips, you’ll see some support markings, so make sure to activate supports. The parts don’t have too much detail either, so you can probably print with standard print settings.
- Who designed it? AliSouskian
- How printable/popular is it? This unique sundial design has over 4,200 views and 133 downloads.
- Where to find it? Cults
HelioTrak
If you’re not interested in redesigning the model to fit your latitude, no problem! The HelioTrak is designed so that you only need to adjust the angle of the cage to align with your location. This sundial tells time and models the sun’s path through different seasons and gives the date. Sounds a little complicated, right? Fortunately, the designer explains it all on YouTube.
Only three pieces need to be 3D printed, but the designer recommends a fourth: a handle extender that allows for mounting the HelioTrak on a tripod. Other components are listed on his website. He doesn’t offer any printing tips, as he had the models printed through Craftcloud and Treatstock. If you want to print it yourself, though, make sure your printer is well-calibrated because the bridging on the cage piece looks beastly.
- Who designed it? gchang
- How printable/popular is it? This nifty device has over 400 views.
- Where to find it? Pinshape, Atari Dog Daze
Digital
Traditionally, sundials show analog time, but this unique design uses the sun to actually display the time in a digital format. Using extremely small detail, this design is both cool and accurate.
The maker recommends printing this model with 20% infill and a 0.1-mm layer height. Use high-resolution settings to ensure the details aren’t lost.
To assemble this digital sundial, you’ll need a few extra parts, including an empty jar, 20-mm M6 screws (x3), a 50-mm M6 screw (x1), M6 nuts (x4), and less than 14 mm (outer diameter) M6 washers (x4). Assembly shouldn’t be too complicated, as the parts list and instructions can be found on the Thingiverse page.
- Who designed it? Mojoptix
- How printable/popular is it? This 3D printable digital sundial has 201 posted makes, 32 remixes, and over 730,000 downloads. Wow!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Miniature with Openlock
While not exactly functional, we couldn’t skip this cute print! The designer created this miniature sundial as a prop for tabletop games. They’ve provided files for both an Openlock version and a standalone version, should you wish to use this prop in your own settings.
The sundial, while small, has a lot of detail. All it takes is a little extra paint to get it ready for your next gaming session!
You won’t need any special settings or supports for this file. You can even print it with a standard layer height of 0.2 mm, though you have the option of going lower should you want a more refined piece.
- Who designed it? melabam
- How printable/popular is it? This design already has over 1,500 downloads with plenty of remix opportunities!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Sundial: 20 Models to Check the Time in Style" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.