It’s Time to Recycle that PlayStation Console Into a Wall Clock, Using 3D Printed Parts

It’s always depressing to hear that, according to the Electronic Take Back Coalition, around 70% of our used electronics end up in a trash can, and eventually a landfill.  Why is this depressing?  From there, hazardous chemicals leach out into groundwater and streams and dioxin is emitted from burning plastics.  We hardly need more poisoned water or dioxin in our atmosphere now, do we?

So, if you are like me and feel guilty when you trash something that can be recycled, I have a warning.  The recycling guilt bar has just been raised by “3D PrinterFR”– the team at Avooq — who recently posted on Imgur.Com that they’ve successfully recycled a PlayStation into a fully functioning, and nostalgically ironic, wall clock for their office.

You’ve mastered the art of recycling cans, bottles, and paper–apparently, it’s time to start recycling those old game consoles, too!  The PS1 is a great place to start.

December 3, 2014, will be the 20th Anniversary of PS1.  That’s right, folks, it’s been 20 years for that console.  By now, it appears that many have fallen into various states of disrepair, having well worn out their shelf-life.  But don’t worry, if you are nostalgic for your early gaming days, sitting around bored with a 3D printer, or have a knack for recycling electronics (or all three) the directions for changing your old PS1 into a clock appear easy enough to follow thanks to Avooq’s step by step instructions, with the model for the printed parts uploaded here.

First, the 3D printed parts were designed on Solidworks.  Once designed it will take a few hours to print (using 37 g of filament). The project can be completed in in around 220 minutes in total, and you will also need the following additional items: clock hands (which they got on Ebay for about $2), 1 blank DVD disc, and 1 broken or working PS1 console. (Avooq also created a printable cradle for the clock hands allowing for easy battery changing, which you can see in the YouTube video below.)

If you asked me what it would take to turn a PS1 into a functioning and funky wall clock, I would not guess so little.  As for me, I’m down to decorate my blank DVD disc with a Sharpie pen too.  Either way, you can’t deny the exhilarating effects induced by recycled goods; it puts our whole disposable trash culture to shame, really!

The mission is simple, the parts easy to acquire, the directions (watch the short video below!) are clear. What’s keeping you from trying this at home?  There’s no longer a need to console your friends about their broken consoles: give them Avooq’s directions for this clock project, and tell them to get to work!

And Happy 20th Anniversary, PS1.  You’ve come a long way.  Who ever thought you’d become the grandfather clock of the future?

Have you tried replicating this partially 3D printed clock?  Let’s see pictures and hear details of your experience in the 3D Printed Playstation Clock forum thread on 3DPB.com.