Design of foldable interlocking 3D structures in mountboard for use in board game systems

Abstract: The proliferation of commercial laser cutters has expanded the use of laser cutting technology to new markets, opening up new possibilities for small companies to innovate in their fields. This thesis aims to examine the use of laser cutting technology in the context of creating foldable 3D structures for board games and the resulting product development of these structures within a board game system. Two cutting patterns for hinges made out of the paper-based material mountboard are researched and developed, following specifications set by the company the thesis is made in collaboration with. The hinge patterns are further implemented together with locking mechanisms in structure cutout patterns that allow different shapes of structures to be folded up from a flat plane. The structures are developed to work within a tiling grid system and exhibit properties that allow it to be used within a game board system being developed by the collaborating company. The thesis concludes with a discussion on how the hinge and structure designs can be used in future applications as well as where further research in the subject is possible.