Hearts Unlocked - Mechanical Puzzle Box

3D Printing & Lasercutting

A romantic, multi-step puzzle box designed for Valentine’s Day – and for people who enjoy mechanical challenges.

This box does not open easily.
Every side hides a puzzle.
Only when all mechanisms are solved in the correct order will the box reveal its secret.

🧩 Features

• Sequential puzzle mechanics – every side must be solved in the right order
• Sliding, turning, clicking & magnetic interactions
• Satisfying tactile feedback (clicks, resistance, magnetic snaps)
• Small compartment opens at the top
• Resettable

🛠️ Manufacturing

• Laser cut parts
  • 1x sheet Bamboo plywood – 3 mm
  • 1 sheet of opaque Acrylic glass – 3 mm
  • works also with wood only or acrylic only

• 3D printed mechanisms
  • Sliding rails
  • Rotational cams
  • Click detents
  • Magnet holders
  • Internal release latch
  • 3d printed only version in testing

🧲 Required Hardware

• 7× Neodymium magnets – 2 × 4 mm
• 1× Rubber band (thin to medium tension)
• Superglue (for magnets only)
• Thick craft glue / wood glue (for bamboo & acrylic)
• Candle wax (recommended for smooth wooden movement)
• Light grease for some 3d printed parts (Bambu grease works well)

🧩 Assembly Difficulty

Advanced

• Many parts require gluing and drying time
• Precise magnet orientation is critical
• Assembly takes patience and careful alignment
• The hull is glued shut and cannot be reopened. Test all internal mechanisms before attaching the hull

⏱️ Estimated build time: 2–3 hours

Magnet orientation: