Laser Cutting - Acrylic Floral Clock

Introduction

Acrylic can do more than you think—today, it will bloom into a flower-shaped clock. With each petal precisely cut and polished by the Thunder Bolt laser, the pieces come together to frame a quiet, steady heartbeat of time. This tutorial takes you through the making process step by step, so you can create a bright, cheerful clock that brings a little bloom to your wall, desk, or any corner that needs it.

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30W

See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

3mm Acrylic

Settings

Laser Cutting
Air Aissist:High
Speed:15mm/s
Max Power:45%
Min Power:45%
Passes:1

Before your work begins

Step 1: Place the Acrylic Sheet

Peel off the protective film from the acrylic sheet first to prevent burn marks during cutting. Then place the sheet flat on the work bed and secure it with pins or magnets to keep it steady.

Tips:

There are three common types of pins: T-shaped, L-shaped, and F-shaped. A special use for F-shaped pins is clamping up the plywood to prevent burn marks. When using pins or magnets, pay attention to their height. If they’re too tall, the machine’s sensor or laser head could collide with them and cause damage.

3 common types of pins

F-shaped pin usage

Sensor hits a too high pin

Step 2: Import the File and Check the Settings

Import your file into the laser software (e.g., LaserMaker) and adjust the size and position to match your acrylic sheet. Double-check everything, and decide if you want to add or subtract elements according to your preferences. Ensure that the parameters are set correctly to achieve the ideal laser cutting results.
For the laser cutting layers, pay extra attention to the minimum power setting. If the min power is too low, it will cause the cutting corners will not cut through; if the min power is too high, the laser cutting will be bad at the corners.

Step 3: Focus Your Laser Machine

Accurate focusing is critical for achieving smooth, clean cuts on acrylic. The Thunder Bolt offers two focusing methods:
·Auto Focus: With one click, the laser head automatically adjusts to the optimal focal distance. This is fast and convenient for flat materials like acrylic sheets.
·Manual Focus: For more control or when working with uneven materials, use the focus stick. Lower or raise the laser head until the focus stick stands perfectly vertical against the acrylic surface—this indicates the correct distance.
Tip: If your material is slightly warped or not perfectly flat, manual focus is recommended for more precise results.

Auto focus

Manual focus

Step 4: Frame the Design and Start Laser Cutting

When we click the “Frame” , we can see red light show the outline of cutting area. It’s safe, and the frame will be on the surface of the acrylic. Once it isn’t, move your acrylic or design until they are at a proper position.
Once everything is adjusted, simply hit ‘Start’ to begin laser cutting the acrylic with the Thunder Bolt.

Step 5: Monitor the Laser Cutting Process

Keeping an eye on the machine allows you to spot unusual conditions—such as error alarms, smoke build-up, or unexpected pauses—before they become problems.
While observing, remember that the laser beam is extremely powerful. Even with the protective lid closed, avoid staring directly at the marking spot for too long. A quick glance to check progress is fine, but prolonged gazing should be avoided for safety reasons.

Step 6: Align And Join The Laser Cut Acrylic Parts

Carefully align all the laser-cut acrylic pieces according to the design, ensuring each part fits snugly into place. Apply acrylic glue or use connectors if needed, and hold the pieces firmly until they are secured. Take your time with this step—proper alignment is key to achieving a clean and professional-looking structure.
Attach the clock movement to the center, insert the hands, and set the time. Give the surface a gentle wipe to remove any fingerprints or dust. Now your floral acrylic clock is ready to brighten up your space.

Step 7: Complete the Laser Cutting

Take a step back and admire your work. Your acrylic floral clock is complete. Hang it on the wall or place it where it can catch the light, and enjoy the moment your idea became something real.

Come and Try!

Ready to make your own flower-shaped acrylic clock?
Grab some acrylic sheets, fire up your Thunder Bolt laser, and follow this guide to bring your design to life. It’s a quick project with a stunning result—perfect for adding personality to your space or gifting something truly one-of-a-kind. Your turn to create starts now.