If you are like us, you probably thought that the likelihood of a dice landing on each number was equal. However, it turns out that some numbers are more equal than others. The slight imperfections that cheap dice have can effect ever so slightly the chances. Whilst for the average Joe, this does not matter, we can see in more serious settings this could be a problem (although there are some pretty accurate dice already out there).
Anyway, this kickstarter came up with the idea of precision machined dice for incredible accuracy, coupled with availability of a selection of fine metals for ultimate luxury feel. We would imagine these being targeted at those home collectors that want to show off a bit, and prices for some of the cheaper metals are actually quite cheap, with 2 precision aluminum dice available on the kickstarter from just $12 plus delivery (if outside US).
The Kickstarter goes into some complicated math to show how they make the dice so precise. It includes consideration of both rotational motion and the effect of mass loss when each of the pips are drilled. Instead of trying to explain it ourselves we include an extract from the kickstarter:
When I decided to design Metal Dice, I wanted to minimize the rotationalMoment of Inertia as a means of developing a die that would roll to stop at statistically even probabilities for each of the six possible outcomes. Using parasolid modeling, I was able to both readily calculate the Moment of Inertia and quickly make structural modifications that would reduce the differential between the Centroid, the Center of Mass and the Mass Moment of Inertia of a perfect cube. The Moment of Inertia is also driven by the form of the solid object, in this case a cube. I cannot change the basic cube form, so my approach is to minimize the offset of the center of mass from the Centroid and subsequently minimize the Mass Moment of Inertiawithin the limits of an ideal cube.
I designed the die to display the face features (‘pips’ or ‘dots’ numbering one through six) by drilling one or more spotfaces in the classic die pattern. By changing the drill depth of each pip to compensate for the mass of the material removed from the opposite face, I was able to match the geometric Centroidto the center of mass. This was readily accomplished in the ideal world of parasolid modeling.
As you have read, it is quite interesting how they have gone about this. Check out the video below for some more information on the dice.
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