Project Overview

A product design student required a fully functional board game prototype for a graduation project.

The prototype needed to demonstrate both product appearance and interactive functionality. The final product included removable game pieces, interchangeable tokens, a storage compartment, and a realistic wood-grain appearance while being manufactured entirely through additive manufacturing and finishing processes.

The project focused on transforming a digital concept into a presentation-quality prototype suitable for academic review and product demonstration.

Manufacturing Process

Technology

• SLA 3D Printing

Material

• Photosensitive Resin

Post Processing

• Support Removal
• Manual Assembly
• Surface Sanding
• Primer Coating
• Industrial Painting
• Hydrographic Wood Grain Transfer
• Clear Protective Coating

Design Challenges

• Large board structure requiring dimensional stability
• Multiple removable game pieces
• Smooth fit between board and components
• Realistic wood texture appearance
• Consistent surface quality across all printed parts
• Functional assembly suitable for repeated use

CAD Model Preparation and Component Separation

The original design was analyzed and separated into individual manufacturing components.

Different game pieces, tokens, board sections, and storage elements were prepared independently to simplify printing, finishing, and final assembly.

The component separation strategy also improved print efficiency and reduced post-processing time.

SLA Printed Components

All components were manufactured using SLA resin printing technology.

The process provided high dimensional accuracy and smooth surface quality, making it suitable for detailed decorative features and functional assembly requirements.

After printing, supports were removed and all components were prepared for finishing.

Surface Finishing and Decorative Treatment

Printed components underwent extensive manual finishing.

The board enclosure received sanding, primer coating, and hydrographic wood-grain transfer to simulate a natural wood appearance.

Game tokens were individually painted to create clear visual differentiation during gameplay.

This finishing process transformed the printed components into a presentation-quality prototype.

Final Assembly

All finished components were assembled into a fully functional board game prototype.

The final product featured:

• Removable animal game pieces
• Interchangeable colored tokens
• Integrated storage compartment
• Decorative wood-grain surface finish
• Durable presentation-quality appearance

The completed prototype successfully combined functionality, aesthetics, and manufacturability for design validation and exhibition purposes.

Project Information

Technology

SLA 3D Printing

Material

Photosensitive Resin

Surface Finish

• Primer Coating
• Industrial Painting
• Hydrographic Wood Grain Transfer
• Protective Clear Coat

Applications

• Product Design Validation
• Graduation Projects
• Educational Products
• Consumer Product Prototypes
• Functional Demonstration Models

Benefits

• High Surface Quality
• Complex Geometry Capability
• Functional Assembly Design
• Decorative Finishing Options
• Fast Prototype Development

• Get a Quote →