df3d Creates Exquisite, High-end 3D Printed Chess Pieces using SLA Technology

Chess is one of the older board games that still remains popular in today’s culture. It’s a game that is played by millions of people worldwide, and is far more than a simple game of skill. It pits two individuals against each other to determine which of them is the more intelligent, forward thinking person. Chess also provides quite the medieval history lesson, featuring 6 different levels of pieces; the king, queen, rooks, knights, bishops and pawns.

Not everyone knows how to play, but many of those who do, take the game quite seriously. For beginners, you can purchase a cheap chess set for around $10.00. However, those who are serious about Chess, usually like to have a nicer set, than just the generic version that you can pick up at a toy store. For them, there are many choices, ranging in price from $50 all the way up to several thousands, but the really nice ones are not all that common to find.

Ever since 3D printing began to become more popular, there has been a plethora of chess sets and chess pieces popping up on websites like Thingiverse, which has their own special section devoted to the popular game, as well as on Shapeways. What is so great about 3D printing is that it allows for complete customization of objects, as well as the creation of niche type Chess sets. If you want a Chess set made up of sea creatures, there is one for that. If you want a chess set featuring Pawns that sit on toilets, there is even one for that.

What if you want a really high-end 3D printed Chess set though? One that is exquisite and detailed at the same time?

Thanks to a company called df3d, there is now an answer. The company’s co-founder and director, Deepak Raj , and his team, have come up with quite the extraordinary set, which can be seen in the video below:

“Chess originated in India,” Deepak Raj told 3DPrint.com. “It was the game of the kings and is all about strategy. df3d attempts to capture this wonderful game with its Skeletal Warriors – 3D printed premium collection customized for you. It allows you to create your own army with your signature on these exquisitely crafted digital masterpieces. We looked at board games, and there weren’t any high end chess pieces available and we decided to explore that market.”

The pieces were individually designed with precision by df3d’s digital sculptor, Nachi, and the company tells us that they will customize pieces for their customers. “If someone needs customization, they can contact us and we can digitally sculpt according to their requirements,” explained Deepak.

As for the prices, they are what you would expect to pay for high-end chess pieces. They range from $110 for a soldier, up to $300 for the king. All of the pieces are printed on industrial level SLA 3D printers, that have the ability to achieve extraordinary detail on each print.

Deepack says that his company hopes to work with board game manufacturers in the future to help them create their high end game characters. It should be interesting to see how this plan turns out. What do you think about these beautiful Chess pieces? Discuss in the 3D Printed Chess Set forum thread on 3DPB.com.  Check out some more photos below.