The Perfect Poker Chip

Description:

  • A project to design the ideal 3D printed poker chip

Objectives: 

  • Improve 3D printing skills
  • Learn how to create high-quality multi-color 3D prints
  • Create a fully functioning poker chip set for a birthday gift

Results:

  • The project was a success, and a full poker chip set was created

Constraints

  • A budget of under $100 dollars
  • 2-week window to print the chips
  • Must be printable on a Bambu Lab P1S with an AMS
  • Must only use a 0.4mm nozzle, the standard size

Manufacturing:

  • The chips were printed in batches of 34
  • To save time, the 3D print was sliced to use a variable layer height
  • The prints were sliced to pause at layer 11/15 for metal inserts to be placed by hand
  • Each batch had ~1-4 failed chips which was caused by failed adhesion between the 12th layer of plastic and the metal inserts
  • Each print took ~7 hours to complete

Design:

  • Dimensions for the chips were based on standard casino sized chips
  • Each is derived from a base chip model and has checkered pattern on the perimeter
  • A logo is added in the center of the chip with some meaning to the recipient
    • The design uses some copyrighted logos but since it was a gift, this is permissible
  • Each chip also has the initials of the recipient
  • To give the chips a higher-quality feel, the center of each chip has a metal insert to add weight

Finished Project:

  • The first poker set included a total of 390 chips which totaled ~90 hours of print time
  • The chips were made with matte pla which is cost-effective and reliable
  • The case is an old Backgammon board with custom 3D-printed inserts
  • Total material cost was ~$95 dollars