Year
2015
4
Project Type
Product Design | DFM
Organisation
University of Pennsylvania
Check
Check was a design for manufacturing project for learning to design for and make with a CNC lathe.
Objectives + Challenges
Problem Statement
Design a chess set. The primary manufacturing method should be for a CNC lathe.
Target Audience
Student & Teaching group
Goals | Constraints |
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Process + Approach
Methodology
Given the constraints and goals we had, this formed the base of our methodology. It was also an excuse to find other aesthetics that we enjoyed.
With the CNC lathe requirement we had to find ways to distinguish the pieces without significant non lathe work.
We also decided we liked the wood + concrete aesthetic for the board so designed for that manufacturing case
Key Activities
Concept development and assessment of manufacturing methods for each.
CNC turning of pieces
Manual milling of additional features
CNC Mill - Wooden board
Cement making and fill of board
Tools & Technologies | Materials | ||
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Solutions, Deliverables + Outcomes
Final Output
We created an aesthetic set of chess pieces, with colour distinction between sides, and two sets of distinguishing features. They fit well in terms of size with the board and were overall a great example of learning to use specific manufacturing tools and DFM
Key Features
Rings for level of pieces:
1 ring for pawn
2 ring for special pieces (rook, knight, bishop)
3 for queen
4 for king
Distinguishing visual feature for each piece as well
Outcomes + Comments
Outcomes
The chess set was received well as a solid design making clear use of the manufacturing technique. We placed emphasis on the pieces rather than the board as a core part of the design.
Lessons Learned
Great way to learn to use a CNC lathe and CAM for it.
Personal Commentary
Overall this was a fun project for learning with.
As a design, I think the pieces do well overall, though the Queen and King could do with more distinction. The features for these were too subtle in the end. This could easily become a production chess set if desired.
I was very happy with the design of the knights. The cut-off faces with the rounded areas gave a good abstract impression of a horses face.
The aluminium and brass didn't work together in terms of weight. We should have used stainless steel, or a material closer in density. That or bored space for a counterweight. Overall the brass felt more 'luxurious' than the aluminium.
The board didn't turn out as well as we hoped. We needed to practice this more to get it done well. Aesthetically its not a great match as is, but there is potential.
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