Plastipan
Recycled Modular 3D Printed WatchClass: Capstone Design Project
Year: 2025
Professor: Keila Z. Pérez
Tools used: Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Bambu Lab P1P, Epilog Laser Cutter.
For my Capstone Design Project I designed and prototyped The Plastipan, a modular, 3D-printed watch built for easy personalization and sustainability.
The watch pairs a Miyota 8205 automatic movement with a layered construction: laser-cut acrylic disks serve as both crystal and backplate, while removable paper dials slip beneath the hands for instant graphic swaps. The case and strap are entirely 3D-printed, requiring no expensive tooling, and can be produced with recycled or biodegradable filaments so makers can minimize environmental impact. After prototyping, I noticed the watch’s small domed form resembled my favorite Mexican candy, the mazapán, which inspired the name: Plastipan (Plastic + Mazapán).
All design files, dial templates, and assembly instructions are released open source, allowing anyone to download, modify, and build their own version of the watch. Makers can 3D print the case and strap on a standard desktop printer, cut the acrylic disks with a laser cutter or simple tools, and customize their own dial graphics using the provided templates. The project is designed to be accessible to hobbyists, students, and independent designers who want to experiment with watchmaking without the barrier of expensive manufacturing processes.
By sharing the files openly, the project encourages a community of users to remix and improve the design, experimenting with new materials, dial artwork, strap styles, or case variations. In this way, Plastipan functions not only as a watch but also as a platform for creative exploration, sustainability, and collaborative design.
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