Connect 4-Tex (Vortex/Passthrough Connect 4 game)

Description

This is my take on Connect 4 (Four in a row) game.

I was going to call this the "The Amazing Impossible Passthrough Vortex Illusion Helix Super Fun - Four in a Row Connect 4 Game", but settled on "Connect 4-Tex".

⚠️ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD

This game contains small parts that are not suitable for children under 3 years old. These small parts may pose a choking hazard. Adult supervision is recommended at all times. Please keep out of reach of young children.

Fully 3-D printed, I used .2 layer height with various PLA - No Supports needed.

UPDATE (9/7/24) - Thanks to everyone for the wonderful feedback on this, comments, pictures, ratings, and boosts, these make my day.   I have uploaded a second, official profile ‘Alternate - Official More Tolerant’ (see the description of that profile for explanation).   The majority of feedback received on this, is that the original model, works well for most, I consider the original the ‘preferred’.  Now, if things are not behaving, this Alternate profile may help.  So many variables to all of this, so no guarentees.   Extra Thanks to those that worked with me on trying these alternate models out.

Parts and Assembly

Tolerance Test = This plate provides a small section of the board and one piece. This can be printed to ensure tolerances are good for your printer before you print the full 42 spot board. Note: in the profile, I set this up as 'Object' printing which means each piece is printed fully before printing other, so can use different colors for test board and piece.

Board = This has a print in place element, where the sides should slide after printing.

Tray/Clasp = The tray has access points on two sides to fit the clasps. There are also 4 small spacers that fit into the tray AFTER the clasp is seated. In practice these spacers can be treated as optional, as for me the clasp didn't "fall out" once put in anyway. Note the Clasp is designed to slide up and down and tilt out a bit from the tray.

NOTE: The Clasps serve two purposes:

1. It secures the board on top of tray when storing.
2. It holds the board up, so that can aid in "sorting" the pieces into their individual trays after play.

Pieces = 21 pieces to be printed twice in two different colors. I've printed these 4 different times on my A1 and was fine with no brims. Want to avoid "stringy" material for these, although, I had one set that was quite stringy and they were fine.

For me, some of the pieces I would have to kind help along down the board, the first time or two, but then they would fall freely just fine.

You can check out my other board game models in my E-2-Play collection:  E-2-Play Board Game/Inserts | Collection - MakerWorld

If anyone does take the time to print this, I would love to see pictures and hear experience.

Thanks for reading and happy printing.