I have decided to build a wall clock for my final project. I have chosen this project because it has a simple functionality, but a large potential for aesthetics. I want to focus more on the aesthetics rather than the quality of the device functionality.
The theme I am going for in this project is a Mechanical Engineering tools theme. My initial design include the use of gears that can rotate. The difficulty of achieving this is to find the right gear mesh sizes and mount them to the main frame of the clock. I have yet to decide how I will manufacture the main frame, but my options are either machining or 3D printing. I want the look of the frame to resemble a metal, so machining would be preferred but if it ended up requiring a tremendous amount of time and resources, I will 3d print it and paint it to have a metal looking texture.
As for the numbers on the clock, I need to be creative in using simple tools such as screw drivers, wrenches and pilers to resemble the corresponding clock time. For now I have designed tools for the 12, 3, 6, and 9 numbers of the clock. If I decide on 3d printing the frame, then i will have a tool for each number.
Finally, I already have the main parts of a wall clock for its functionality and my main focus moving forward is the aesthetic.
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Hey Abdulaziz,
I like this project because it is very customizable and cost effective. You can get really creative with the aesthetic since the functionality appears to be taken care of already at this point. I think 3D printing is a good approach, but it really depends on the kind of aesthetic you’re after.
The mechanical engineering theme is interesting. I love those watches that show you how the gears turn. I would definitely try to make everything look cohesive. 3D printed material and metal can give very different aesthetics. You could even try to paint on silver with a sponge to give it more texture.
Really interesting idea. I like how you chose your aesthetic first this time and then came up with a useful project to go with it. I am excited to see your final product to see how you get all these gears to fit together. It seems like you have a relatively good idea on the materials and process that this project will require.
Hello Aziz, I think you did a great job with your presentation. It is cool that you are going to 3D print most of your pieces, it will allow you to be much more creative and to have a more intricate design than if you were making it by hand or buying it off the shelf
Hi Abdulaziz,
This is a nice project you got going on here! I like how you are using your identity as a mechanical engineer to help define the theme and aesthetic of your project. Also, I am excited to see how all the gears and systems will work together. Good luck on your project!
Aziz,
I like how you chose mechanical engineering to be one of the aesthetics in your design. Have you considered using tool-shaped clock arms?
I like that you chose a low cost, low complexity project to focus on the aesthetics of it. Try using metallic grey spray paint on the 3D printed parts.