The LED Nixie Tube Clock is an ingenious design inspired by an Instructables project, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional Nixie tubes. Given the high expense of genuine Nixie tubes, I sought a more budget-friendly option that utilized acrylic sheets and LED lights. That is when an Instructables project came across my view that utilized both types of materials. 

The initial step involved designing the numbered panels that would have the numbers engraved into them to emulate a nixie tube, then ensuring they fit closely on the cutting plate in order to minimize waste. Using Inkscape, I skillfully arranged the numbered plates onto a 12 x 24-inch sheet, optimizing the use of space while preventing warping from the laser's heat. This precise layout was then exported to Rhino and the ULS software for laser cutter compatibility. Cutting each acrylic sheet took approximately 25 minutes, delivering a set of beautifully etched number plates ready for assembly.

To power the LED Nixie Tubes, a previously designed custom PCB file that only required sending to a PCB manufacturer for fabrication was available in the Instructables where I had gotten the idea from. Ordering 50 PCBs at a reasonable cost of $10 allowed me to envision these clocks as potential future gifts due to their unique appeal and low cost to construct. The final step for the PCBs involved soldering the LEDs in place and connecting them to an Arduino to control the clock's functioning.

Seeking to add a touch of customization to the project, I decided to integrate 3D printing for the clock's base. Drawing inspiration from the Instructables project, I skillfully crafted a base in CAD that elegantly showcased the hours, minutes, and seconds. To accommodate the print bed size limitations of the Ender 3, the base was designed in two separate parts with locking pieces, which would later be assembled to form a cohesive and attractive platform for the LED Nixie Tubes.

The LED Nixie Tube Clock project has been an exciting exploration into creating an affordable and visually striking timekeeping device. By utilizing acrylic sheets, LED lights, custom PCBs, and 3D printing, I have been able to craft a clock that emulates the nostalgic charm of traditional nixie tubes. As I progress with the electronics assembly and integration of the acrylic panels and LED Nixie Tubes into the designed base, I look forward to witnessing the final result—a beautiful LED Nixie Tube Clock that captures attention and sparks admiration with its unique and mesmerizing glow.