Jump to content

DIY Automated Watch Cleaning Machine

SwissSeiko
 Share

Recommended Posts

SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
Posted (edited)

Hello everyone. As promised, I am showing off my diy cleaning machine. This was built with NEMA 23 stepper motors, controllers, a power supply, and an Arduino nano. I will list the parts used below when I'm at my computer. The frame is made from 3030 extruded aluminum, which I had made by Misumo online. The cleaning basket was purchased in eBay. Some miscellaneous parts needed are an 8mm shaft, some couplers, buttons, and wire. The codes I wrote for it can be completely adjusted and changed however it is needed. I have since adjusted the speed the linear shaft moves up and down. In the future, I plan to add another stepper motor to include a turntable at the base, with 4 jars, so the entire cleaning process is one process. Right now I still need to get jars that fit, and to build a fan for a drying cycle. 

 

Please post any questions you might have, and if you're interested in the code used to build your own. 

 

 

 

Edited by SwissSeiko
  • Like 5
Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

Posted
Posted
42 minutes ago, SwissSeiko said:

Hello everyone. As promised, I am showing off my diy cleaning machine. This was built with NEMA 23 stepper motors, controllers, a power supply, and an Arduino nano. I will list the parts used below when I'm at my computer. The frame is made from 3030 extruded aluminum, which I had made by Misumo online. The cleaning basket was purchased in eBay. Some miscellaneous parts needed are an 8mm shaft, some couplers, buttons, and wire. The codes I wrote for it can be completely adjusted and changed however it is needed. I have since adjusted the speed the linear shaft moves up and down. In the future, I plan to add another stepper motor to include a turntable at the base, with 4 jars, so the entire cleaning process is one process. Right now I still need to get jars that fit, and to build a fan for a drying cycle. 

 

Please post any questions you might have, and if you're interested in the code used to build your own. 

 

 

 

Coming along nicely SS, neat set-up 👍

WaveyDavey New Member

WaveyDavey

Posted
Posted

Wow, looks cool. I would love to collaborate with you on this. I was about to start building something similar. The physical build is not the issue for me it’s the code, so if you are cool with sharing I would love to build one.

 

SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
On 12/30/2024 at 8:17 AM, WaveyDavey said:

Wow, looks cool. I would love to collaborate with you on this. I was about to start building something similar. The physical build is not the issue for me it’s the code, so if you are cool with sharing I would love to build one.

 

Once I have the code cleaned up, I can share it with you. It wasn't as easy as I thought to code it, as I had written a full program for it before I Had the parts, and the code didn't work. So I started from scratch and had to use a different library, which is like changing languages practically. Its working well now, and has cleaned a movement quite well, but I still want to clean up some snags that it currently has.

 

 

 

 

I have recently purchased a 3D printer for my business, a Bambu Labs P1S. Its quite the machine, and fully enclosed, which I wanted for cleanliness and noise. With this, I plan on designing and printing some new parts for the cleaning machine, namely a cleaning basket that I can use on higher end watches that I don't want to scratch with the typical steel mesh baskets. I will also make a panel for the buttons to attach to on the front of the machine, and an enclosure for the power supply and stepper drivers. This project has taken me longer than I thought, but I'm still ahead quite a bit of cash when compared to commercially made automatic cleaners which range from $5,000-$6,000. When I started this, I had toyed with the idea of setting these up as a kit, with my code and all the parts needed, to sell to other watchmakers. I'm not sure that is feasible at the moment, as I am very backed up with repairs. 

 

I'll keep updating this post with changes I make to the machine, and I'll gladly take any design advice from other forum members that might see a better way to do things.

Edited by SwissSeiko
  • Like 3
SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I have started printing things for my cleaning machine, and started with these basket inserts. They fit quite well, although I haven't tested the resistance to chemicals. These were printed in the standard filament that comes with the printer, as the filament I ordered is still on its way. I ended up printing many more of these so I can have a few disassembled movements ready in baskets while it's in use.

PXL_20250108_012952754.jpg

  • Like 2
SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm back again with another small update. The machine is working well, and I finally printed a panel for the buttons to attach to. One thing I was struggling with, was inserting and removing the baskets. You kind of have to just drop them in and sometimes they land crooked. So to fix that, I designed and printed this little helper. 

 

 

  • Like 1
  • 2 weeks later...
SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Another small update. All these loose basket parts were annoying. So I designed and printed this holder. Having a printer is too much fun!

 

On a side note, I had some case parts in one of these baskets going through the ultrasonic after polishing. I had it heated to 40C and totally forgot about them for about 2 hours. As expected, the parts basket melted a bit and is discolored. These are printed in just PLA, so I didn't expect them to be resilient.  I will probably end up printing them in ABS in the future, but for now, they work just fine.

 

PXL_20250120_050402772.jpg

Edited by SwissSeiko
  • Like 1
  • 1 month later...
SwissSeiko WRT Addict

SwissSeiko

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, KiwiKlockworks said:

Great work so far!

I was toying with the idea of making one (non automated) and was struggling with the main motor and motor controller choice.

what did you use if you don’t mind me asking?

The motor is a nema 23 stepper. The driver is a DM556. the controller is an arduino nano

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • luiazazrambo
      WWW Eterna sucked me in.

      By luiazazrambo · Posted

      I put the original broken glass (whats left of it) behind the acrylic. This is how it originally looked like. A cheap clock but I like it. Very noisy when the alarm comes wake up guaranteed! 🙂
    • mbwatch
      Automatic vs Manual movement servicing

      By mbwatch · Posted

      If at all possible, find a service guide for the automatic movements your work on, because the lubrication procedures may have different requirements or rely on oils you would not use in a manual wind train (in addition to the braking grease you mentioned). Some autos like older Seikos do not have a manual wind option, so the procedure of letting down the mainspring without being able to use the crown may require a screwdriver in the ratchet wheel screw and great care. Do you have an auto movement you were planning to start with?
    • LittleWatchShop
      Breitling Navitimer 806

      By LittleWatchShop · Posted

      I am an amateur, so there's that. I do not get fixated on amplitude, lift angles, and beat error. However, 4.8ms would bug me if it were my watch. But you must judge your own skills to appreciate the possibility of going backward. I suggest, that you button it up let your friend enjoy the watch for now. As your skills progress, come back to it and correct it. I assume that this watch has a fixed hairspring pin. Some modern watches have an adjustable pin along with adjustable regulator. These are trivial to get in beat. I own a valjoux 726 my dad gave me on my 18th birthday (a looooong time ago). I broke the ratchet wheel with an aggressive wind 4 yrs ago. I have been waiting for my skills to progress before doing a service. I am close. Your advice is well placed and I will apply it.
    • tonydagee
      Unitas 6376

      By tonydagee · Posted

      I didn’t find any anomaly to the left of the red mark…reflection? this is the balance in its pivot in the inverted assembly. i can’t see any obvious kinks  and the spring is flat as far as I can see. Either the stud screw is missing, or it’s glued in… I don’t know. I’m loathe to fiddle with it. Any further insights? Thanks!
    • Bonefixer
      Breitling Navitimer 806

      By Bonefixer · Posted

      Update!  I've dismantled it, cleaned all the glue off, and rebuilt and lubricated the base movement. I'll leave the chrono part for another day. It's running well - great amplitude and keeping time, but it's got a beat error of 4.8ms.    How important is it to correct this? I'm worried that the potential for making things worse having to take the hairspring off and on repeatedly to adjust this. Would anyone here accept it at that?
×
×
  • Create New...