I was very torn as to how many numbers to include on the outer edge, because I wanted there to be enough numbers so that the clock would have enough detail, but I didn’t want to go overboard to the point where the user wouldn’t be able to decipher the time. I eventually settled on having the 12-3 o’clock and 6-9 o’clock times circling the outside of the clock, because it seemed to be the most suitable amount of text.

The inner piece also has 4 teeth cut out, hence adding more depth to the shape. I also wanted to add more clear-cut geometry to the clock.

I experimented with various sizes of the clock by using a ruler and Fusion360. I also had to measure the clock kits to ensure that the spindle would fit with the body of the clock.

A major challenge I encountered in this project was the process of editing the DXF and Illustrator files to ensure that the cuts would be perfect. The following describes the steps I took from Fusion360 to Adobe Illustrator to finally importing the DXF files for cutting:

1. After exporting the files from Fusion360 to Illustrator, I had to outline all of the lines to ensure that the body of the clock and the outer numbers would be from a single cut. I made the edit using “Pathfinder” -> “Outline”.

2. I also had to go back to edit the files to ensure that both layers had a hole to which the clock spindle would be attached.

3. In LaserCut 5.3, there were several steps taken to ensure that the cutter would calibrate with the material used, and that the fine difference between cut, engrave and score are differentiated based on the speed and power settings.

The project requires that there be three laser cutting techniques: cutting, scoring and engraving. I chose to cut the outer ring of numbers, score the inner frame to create a borderline, and to engrave the text.