Regal Warriors chess set

Over the course of five weeks, I designed a chess set that used both natural and casted components. I used a combination of Stainless steel and resin that was dyed red.

I chose to make my pieces out of translucent red resin because I wanted them to resemble gemstones, in particular ruby. Chess is a gentleman's game, and I wanted that sense of nobility to be reflected in these pieces. On the other hand, the pieces of chess are inspired by medieval combat. I chose metal to not only reflect light and amplify the beauty of the resin, but to reflect medieval armor and swords. The hint of scratches on the metal represents glancing blows, and the resin also represents the spilled blood of battle.

Each move in chess has to be carefully calculated, and each move has consequences. These pieces are heavy, and you will be reminded of the weight of your decisions every time you move, or sacrifice, one of them.

The resin binds itself and the metal together in 8 different areas, making a structurally sound product.

Ideation Sketches

Drawings playing with how the resin would fit into the folded metal, how the metal would fit together, along with the overall design of the chess pieces. Much focus was put on deciding if the design would be in the resin or metal, and making sure each piece was still recognizable.

Physical Ideation

Drawings playing with how the resin would fit into the folded metal, how the metal would fit together, along with the overall design of the chess pieces. Much focus was put on deciding if the design would be in the resin or metal, and making sure each piece was still recognizable.

Prep-Work

Digital renderings were sent to Send Cut Send to be laser cut, while fabrication of a wooden Jig allowed the metal to be bent at a consitant and accurate degree. Silicone molds were made that could hold the metal frame while fully containing the resin in a square shape.

Fabrication

While the Silicone molds were drying, the Metal was bent and sanded to shine. When everything was ready, two pieces could be made a day. However, the resin did not cover the whole surface of the pieces, and some had air bubbles, so further application and sanding was required.

troubleshooting

The resin was sanded to be perfectly square, and clear acrylic was sprayed to bring back its transparent look. The metal was protected with paper sleeves to keep its shiny but rugged look.

King
Queen
Bishop
Knight
Pawn