Travel Chess Set

The goal of the project was to create an assembly incorporating an additive and subtractive process. No glue was allowed, emphasizing tolerance and fit. I created a chess set that you can bring on the go. This product allows users to start a game, put the game in a bag, then resume with all the pieces in their correct places. The board was designed to be held at extreme angles and not come apart when the board is stored away.

Process

Medium
Bamboo, Acrylic, PLA Filament

Size
10.5in x 10.5in x 0.46in

I began with test prints for the screwing mechanism. The challenge here was how long to make the screw. I eventually found the right measurements so the user only has to twist the piece 360 degrees, allowing for a more seamless playing experience.

I then did test kerf cuts to determine how to make the acrylic and bamboo tiles fit tightly with each other. This step was vital, as the structure of the board depended on a snug fit.

I printed the central plates where the pieces screw in and made sure they fit tightly in the middle of the tiles.

I then began constructing the board with alternating bamboo and acrylic tiles with the 3D-printed plates in the middle of the tiles.

I then modelled and printed all of the chess pieces with the bottom threads.