How to Laser Cut Acrylic Chess Set: Step by Step Tutorial

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Acrylic Chess Set

2026-05-28

Key Information

Laser Machines
Material Needed
3mm Plywood
3mm Gold Mirrored Acrylic
3mm Black Acrylic
Project File Download
Setting 1
Laser Cutting for Plywood
Speed: 10mm/s
Max Power: 35%
Min Power: 10%
Setting 2
Laser Cutting for Acrylic
Speed: 10mm/s
Max Power: 70%
Min Power: 10%

Introduction

Acrylic chess sets feel completely different from traditional wooden ones.


The contrast between mirrored gold acrylic and black acrylic creates a cleaner, more modern look, while the plywood base adds warmth and structure.


In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to laser cut and assemble a custom acrylic chess set step by step. The finished project works both as a playable board game and a decorative display piece.

Before your work begins

Make sure the Thunder Bolt is connected and operating normally
Prepare 3mm plywood, 3mm gold mirrored acrylic, and 3mm black acrylic sheets
Keep the protective film on the acrylic surface before cutting
Check the exhaust system and air assist before cutting plywood and acrylic

Operational Process

STEP01

Prepare & Position the Material

Prepare the 3mm plywood, mirrored gold acrylic, and black acrylic sheets. Keep the protective film attached to the acrylic surface to help reduce scratches and smoke marks during processing.


Place the material flat on the laser bed and clean the surface to remove dust, fingerprints, or debris. If needed, use pins to secure the corners and keep the material stable during cutting.

put the material on the laser bed
Pins
STEP02

Import & Adjust the Design File

Open your laser software, such as LaserMaker, and import the chess set design file.


Adjust the cutting and engraving parameters according to each material type. Since plywood and acrylic require different settings, make sure each layer is configured correctly before sending the file to the machine.

laser cut acrlic chess.png
STEP03

Set the Correct Laser Focus

Set the laser focus according to the material being processed.


Accurate focus helps produce smoother acrylic edges and cleaner details on smaller chess pieces. Recheck the focus whenever switching materials.

auto-focus-bolt
manual focus
STEP04

Frame the Design & Start Engraving and Cutting

Before processing, use the frame function to preview the cutting area and confirm that all chess pieces and board parts are correctly positioned on the material.


Once everything is aligned, start the engraving and cutting process. Monitor the machine during operation and ensure ventilation is working properly, especially when cutting acrylic.

Frame your design
laser cut acrlic chess.png
STEP05

Post Processing

After processing is complete, carefully remove all pieces from the laser bed and clean away any dust or residue.


Peel off the protective film from the acrylic pieces and assemble the chess board according to the design. If needed, secure structural parts with glue and check that all components fit properly.


Your acrylic chess set is now ready for both gameplay and display.

assemble the chess set.png
chess set.png

Come and Try!

A chess set doesn’t have to look traditional to feel timeless.


Try combining mirrored acrylic with laser cutting and create a chess set that stands out on any table.

Thunder Bolt Series

Learn more about our high-performance RF CO₂ laser engravers.

Precision Starts with the Right Parameters

Find recommended material settings for your laser machine.

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