555 Freeform Flasher

As described in 4D Circuitry's project write-up, the 555 timer IC “is an 8-pin integrated chip that is used in a variety of timer, delay, pulse generation and oscillator applications.” It is also one of the most popular integrated circuits ever made. If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands dirty, so to speak, with this little component, then the dual-LED freeform 555 flasher looks like a great way to get started.

The device features just a handful of components, including two LEDs, three resistors, a 555 timer, and a resistor, all in a nominally surface-mount form factor. Instead of using a PCB substrate to link components together, it implements a series of rods to both conduct electricity and provide mechanical connections as a freeform circuit.

It’s quite interesting to look at in the video below, with the green LEDs flashing away under power from a 9V battery. However, looking at it begs the question of just how such a sculpture was fabricated. The answer is revealed as the video continues, where rod sections and components are placed on double-sided tape to temporarily fix things together, then permanently soldered in place. The circuit is then flipped over for a bit of soldering on the back of the 555, finishing this electro-artistic build.

More details can be found in the project's tutorial, including a tools and materials list, plus a printable assembly template. As noted there, you don’t actually have to use SMD components for such a build, though it does make for quite an impressive display!