Chess Set
Chess Set
Embedded Files
3D modeled in Solidworks and created using 3D printing and laser cutting
Story
Story
I have always been interested in 3D printing and 3D modeling and had primary learned through exploration and YouTube tutorials, so when I found out there was a 3D modeling class at UW I jumped at the chance to take it.
The class is called ME123: Introduction to Visualization and Computer-Aided Design and it teaches Solidworks and the basics of technical drawing for manufacturing. Our final for the class was to create a 3D model of whatever we wanted as long as we used all the techniques we learned in the class. My boyfriend at the time was a huge chess fan but didn't have any physical sets, so I took it upon myself to create a full competition sized board. I got an honorable mention in the class for the project!
The design inspiration came from the classic Staunton style chess set. Even though the class only required the 3D model, I wanted to make this real. I designed each piece specifically to be 3D printed. I also designed and built two boards: a tournament sized board out of laser cut wood and acrylic, and a travel sized fabric board that doubles as a bag for all the pieces.
Features
Features
Each piece was thoughtfully designed to honor the style and specifications of tournament chess sets recommended by the International Chess Federation while also providing a clean, fresh twist.
The pieces and board are within regulations to be a full-sized, competition set.
The number of sides on the base of each piece correlates to the points that the piece is worth. The base of the king is round, showing its immeasurable worth.
Each piece is embedded with a metal bolt. This gives weight to the pieces and allows them to snap to magnets hidden inside the board.
The fabric board is slightly smaller than regulation size and sports University of Washington spirit with its purple and gold squares.
It also acts as a simple cinch bag to hold all the pieces, making it perfect for travel.
Process
Process
Shown on the left is an early iteration of the bishop. You can see that it took me some time to get the proportions correct and I also had not yet designed any supports to make the ring under the head of the bishop able to be easily 3D printed.
After completing the models, I used Solidworks to create realistic renders.
Modeling the project also served as practice to help me gain my SolidWorks Associate in Mechanical Design.
Each piece is fully dimensioned and can be accurately recreated or manufactured using annotated sketches.
For the final project, I had to create an assembly with moving parts. The board was able to fold in the middle to store the pieces, and I modeled a chess clock where the clock hands would spin as the buttons were pressed.
I considered trying to build the folding board and clock, but decided that my skill set was more in line with making a flat board and a travel bag.
As I was designing, I had to always be conscious of if what I was modeling was able to be 3D printed. My biggest challenges were on the head of the knight and the top of the king.
For the knight, I wanted all my support material to come directly from the build plate to ensure a clean surface finish on the rest of the body. I did this by extending the head to have the most drastic overhang past the body. For the king, I printed it in two separate pieces and glued them together afterwards.
Despite my best efforts, I did still have some 3D printing failures. Thankfully, I work with 3D printers everyday at my job and was well equipped to deal with any issues.
Because of my prior experience with sewing, I created the fabric bag and travel board without any sort of pattern. I was able to create a simple drawstring bag with a checkerboard pattern.
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