6061 Aluminum
Project case study
Anodized Chess Set
A CAD design and CNC manufacturing project focused on producing intricate chess pieces while building skills in detailed CAD modeling, repeatable machining, and anodized surface finishing.
- Ownership
- Personal project
- Skills Developed
-
- CAD Design
- Design for Manufacturing
- Repeatable production
- Machine operation planning
- Anodized finishing
- Iteration
- Result
- Produced two full CNC-machined chess sets with 64 finished pieces, detailed geometry, repeatable production methods, and custom anodized finishes.
Overview
What I made
I designed and manufactured two full CNC-machined chess sets to develop my CAD and manufacturing skills by taking intricate part geometry from concept through fabrication. As my first CNC project, the chess set helped me build a foundation in CAD modeling, machining setup, and repeatable production workflows.
I experimented with anodizing process variables such as voltage, duration, sulfuric acid concentration, and dye concentration to achieve the final color and surface finish I wanted. This experimentation helped me develop process documentation skills and better understand the anodization process.
- Haas CNC Super Mini Mill (4-axis)
- Haas CNC TL-1
- Drill Press
- DC Power Supply
- Sulfuric Acid
- King (x4)
- Queen (x4)
- Knight (x8)
- Bishop (x8)
- Rook (x8)
- Pawn (x32)
- Board
- Engraving depth
- Anodizing process
Process
Outlined design geometry.
Researched chess piece geometry and created initial sketches to define the overall design aesthetic.
Modeled individual components, created CAM workflows.
Modeled each chess piece in Fusion 360, planned repeatable manufacturing operations, and created CAM workflows to support consistent production across the full set.
Manufactured chess pieces and chess board.
Machined each chess piece using geometry-driven operation sequences. Milling operations were completed before turning to simplify workpiece probing and preserve consistent setup references. Chessboard was machined from two distinct wood types, creating checkerboard pattern.
Finished chess pieces and chess board.
Cleaned the chess pieces in a heated Simple Green solution to remove oils and debris, then anodized them in a sulfuric acid bath. After anodizing, I rinsed the parts in a baking soda neutralizing wash and distilled water before dyeing them in a heated dye bath and sealing the finish in boiling water.