3D-Print-Optimized Geometric Chess Set Pieces

thingiverse

I designed a chess set specifically for 3D printing, focusing on simplicity and functionality. The goal was to create pieces that would look great even with basic settings and minimal supports, including none at all for the knight. I aimed for an iconic design that stands out as unique while capturing the essence of modern standard sets. To avoid supports, I restricted overhangs to 45 degrees or less. This led me to a minimalist set featuring geometric shapes. The result is sleek and visually appealing. For sizing, I designed the pieces with the king at 112 mm tall and the queen also at 112 mm. The rest of the pieces decrease in size from there. This size pushes the upper limits of US regulation pieces, but when scaled to 50% of their modeled size, they become a more reasonable size for an average chess set. The base sizes are 16 mm for pawns and 24 mm for other pieces. You can scale them up to 200% for maximum regulation size or adjust as needed. I deliberately made the queen and king equal in height, recognizing that it's 2020 and there's no need to prioritize the male monarch over the female. The queen is indeed more powerful, and her significance shouldn't be undermined. I also made the rook taller than the bishop and knight because, in my opinion, the rook is the most powerful piece of the three. Its castle-tower appearance demands a higher stature. Some might disagree with these height decisions, but they're not against any regulations that I'm aware of. On the other hand, I chose to deviate from standard designs by removing distinctly Christian imagery. Chess originated in India and Persia long before it was adopted and modified by Christians. Today, chess is played by people of all faiths and no faiths. In line with this change, I redesigned the king's crown without a cross and transformed the bishop's miter into a tricorn hat. The piece remains called a bishop, but you can think of it as a pirate bishop if that suits your taste better! This unique design is my signature contribution to the set. Feel free to express your thoughts on these pieces. I hope you enjoy them, and if they bring you joy, consider tipping me a coffee for creating something special.