Chess is an internationally popular game that requires strategy, patience and a lot of practice to master. While traditional chess boards are made of wood, glass or plastic materials, the growing trend for personalized chess sets has led to a rise in the popularity of laser engraving. In this article, we'll explore the process of engraving an acrylic chessboard with an Atomstack laser engraver.
What Is Laser Engraving?
Laser engraving is a high-precision technique used to engrave designs onto a variety of materials, including acrylic. The engraving process uses a laser beam to burn away the material, etching the design into the surface. Laser engraving creates precise, detailed and long-lasting marks on desired materials.
DIY Laser Engraved Acrylic Checkerboard
To make a laser engraved acrylic chess board, you will need a variety of materials. These include a piece of acrylic, an Atomstack S20 Pro laser engraver, a template and chess pieces.
- Step 1: Choose Acrylic
Acrylic sheets come in a variety of colors, sizes and thicknesses. For the chess board, a 1/8" thick sheet of clear acrylic works well. The clear sheet allows the engraving to stand out, and the thickness ensures durability. - Step 2: Prepare the Checkerboard Design Template
When creating a laser engraved chess board, it is crucial to have a design template ready. This template will serve as a guide for the laser engraver to etch the design onto the acrylic sheet. Checkerboard design templates can be created using software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. Alternatively, pre-made templates can be found online. - Step 3: Set Up Your Laser Engraver
After the template is ready, the Atomstack S10 Pro home laser engraver needs to be set up. Laser engravers require specific settings to engrave deep enough acrylic. The thickness of the acrylic determines the required laser settings. Instructions for laser setup should be provided by the manufacturer or found through online sources. The laser power setting will depend on the depth of the engraving. - Step 4: Engraving the Chessboard
Once the settings are dialed in, it's time to start the engraving process. The acrylic is held in a atom stack laser engraver and the machine etches the design onto the acrylic. The time it takes to complete the engraving depends on the complexity of the design. - Step 5: Paint the Square Color
After sculpting, paint the board with alternating black and white squares using an acrylic paint suitable for use on acrylics. Stencils can be used to create uniform squares. - Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once the squares are drawn, the chessboard is complete. An acrylic polish can be used to add a protective layer and enhance the board's shine. You can buy pre-made pieces or choose to have your pieces made with a laser cutter.
Advantages Of Laser Engraving Acrylic Chess Board
Here are some benefits of creating a DIY laser engraved acrylic chess board:
- Precise: Laser engraving ensures accurate, precise and highly detailed designs.
- Durability: Acrylic is a tough material ensuring your board will last for years to come.
- Customization: Laser engraving allows you to customize the design and size of the board, ensuring it matches your personal style. Different designs and engravings make each board unique.
- Versatility: The laser engraver & cutter can also be used for other personalization projects besides chessboards for future projects.
In Conclusion
Laser engraved acrylic DIY chess boards offer a great and fun way to create a personalized chess set. The process involves etching the design onto an acrylic sheet using a laser engraver. Creating your chess set opens up countless possibilities with different designs, sizes and personalization. The resulting product is precise, durable and produces bespoke effects that ensure it stands out from other boards.
