Want to make a unique 3D chess set and you only need a few copies? Here is
where it can be done at what I consider a reasonable price for quantities
as low as one set: http://www.shapeways.com/.
Shapeways takes your 3D computer models and uses a 3D printer to make
physical 3D pieces for you. There is a “Welsh” chess set someone has
already submitted a design for and you can order the entire set for
$84.14.
Having been referred to this site by a friend I now have sketches for a set
of Spartan pieces that I will soon be turning into 3D computer models. I am
planning on a King size of 3.5 inches for 87 mm and will only need to
design black pieces, the Spartans.
For prototyping work or for extremely low production runs this is a viable
way to go! The trick, is of course, to create the 3D computer model.
