Watch Band and Holder

In this project, we created a custom watch band holder using a 3D printer and added interactive features with a CircuitPython. This holder not only provides a functional way to store and organize your watch bands, but it also incorporates LED lights, and sounds to make the holder a functional and appealing accessory.

The main goal was to design a holder that is both practical and engaging. Using 3D printing, we crafted a personalized box design that fits your watch bands perfectly. We also added a microcontroller (the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express) and combining it with CircuitPython programming, the holder can light up or make sounds when set as a timer.

By the end of our project, we had a custom, smart watch band holder that can be used to store and display your watch bands while showcasing skills in both 3D design and programming.

1. 3D printer
2. CPX board
3. Glue
4. Pins
5. Screw driver

We began by exploring the Tinkercad platform to find a suitable design for the watch box and holder. Tinkercad is an easy-to-use, online 3D design and 3D printing tool, which allows us to browse through pre-made models, or create our own design from scratch. We focused on finding a design that would securely hold the watch and its band, ensuring it would fit within the available space. After browsing various options, we selected a design that best met our criteria in terms of size, stability, and aesthetics.

Once we had chosen a design, we needed to ensure that the watch and its band would fit comfortably inside the watch box. We carefully measured the dimensions of the watch itself, including its case, face, and band so it fit on the file to print. We also accounted for any additional space needed to prevent the watch from being too tight or too loose inside the box. We used these measurements to double-check the design's compatibility, ensuring that the watch holder would accommodate both the watch's size and its band without any risk of damage.

With the design and measurements confirmed, we moved on to 3D printing. We exported the Tinkercad design as an STL file and sent it to our 3D printer. During this step, we made sure to choose the appropriate filament material (such as PLA or ABS) for durability and stability. As the printer built the box and holder layer by layer, we monitored the process to ensure there were no errors, such as warping or print failure. Once completed, we carefully removed the printed components from the print bed, inspecting them for any necessary post-processing, like smoothing rough edges or removing support structures.

With the printed watch box and holder ready, we began assembling the watch band. To attach the band securely, we used small screws to fix the watch’s band to the holder, ensuring a tight, stable connection. For additional support and to prevent any loose components, we applied hot glue to the joints, reinforcing the screw fittings and providing extra stability. We were careful to avoid excess glue, ensuring it didn't interfere with the band’s movement or the holder’s structure. The final result was a fully assembled, securely attached watch band, ready for use with the holder and box.

After assembling the physical components of the watch box and holder, we moved on to the more technical part: programming the Circuit Playground Express (CPX), a small, versatile microcontroller, to interface with the watch band. The CPX was selected for its compact size, built-in sensors, and ease of programming with MakeCode or CircuitPython.