Custom CNC-Machinable Metal Chess Box & Foldable Board Design (3D CAD)

Project Overview:
I have custom-made a set of chess pieces using Stainless Steel (SS) and Brass on my CNC Lathe. Now, I am looking for a talented Industrial/Mechanical Designer to create a unique, sleek, and manufacturable design for a Chess Box that unfolds into a chessboard.
The final design must be optimized for CNC Milling, CNC Engraving, and Laser Engraving using Aluminum (or similar metals).
Chess Piece Specifications (For Storage Cavity Design):
• Material: Stainless Steel & Brass
• Base Diameter (All pieces): 16 mm
• Maximum Height (King/Queen): 50 mm
• Pawn Height: 33 mm
• Total Pieces: 32 (Standard set)
Key Design Requirements:
1. 2-in-1 Functionality: A compact, luxury-feel metal box that houses all 32 pieces securely inside, and when opened/unfolded, seamlessly forms a flat, playable chessboard.
2. Design for Manufacturing (DFM): I own a CNC Milling machine, CNC Engraver, and Laser Engraver. The design must avoid overly complex internal undercuts so I can easily machine it myself from solid aluminum blocks or plates.
3. Smart Storage: Individual custom slots/pockets (or foam-insert ready cavities) inside the box so the heavy SS & Brass pieces do not rattle or scratch each other.
4. Hinge & Locking Mechanism: Innovative, clean, and durable hinge design (e.g., concealed hinges, magnetic locks, or precision sliding/folding mechanisms) suitable for metal fabrication.
5. Board Detailing: The chessboard squares should be designed to utilize CNC engraving (pockets/grooves) or Laser engraving for contrasting dark/light squares.
Deliverables Required:
• Complete 3D CAD Assembly & Individual Part Files (STEP / IGES / SolidWorks / Fusion 360).
• 2D Technical Drawings with critical tolerances (for hinges, slots, and threads).
• DXF/SVG vector files for Laser Engraving the board pattern.
• Rendered images showing the closed box, open storage, and unfolded chessboard view.
To Apply:
Please share examples of your previous sheet metal, CNC-machined product designs, or mechanical enclosures. Tell me briefly how you would approach the folding/hinge mechanism for a metal-to-metal chess box!