Transforming Block Puzzle

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Transforming Block Puzzle

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P1S
P1P
X1
X1 Carbon
X1E
A1

0.16mm layer, 4 walls, 15% infill
0.16mm layer, 4 walls, 15% infill
Designer
7.9 h
2 plates
4.0(1)

Open in Bambu Studio
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Description

The transforming puzzle box!

 

Taking inspiration from a delightful gift I received recently, I worked to design this box to be durable, fun, and easy to print, assemble, and play with. It consists of 12 individual segments that are clipped together by their hinges, allowing this simple box to transform into numerous unique shapes and patterns as you rotate the pieces around each other.

 

I've included two designs- one with inserts for compression-fit 5x2 neodymium magnets, the other without the inserts. Both assemble and operate the same way, though the magnetic puzzle box “clicks” together and holds it shape better. The magnetic box also has a gyroid infill pattern in order to support pressing the magnets into place, while the non-magnetic box is hollow. 

 

I have configured the 3mf files for the best print settings and orientation. 

 

Assembly:

There are two 3mf files included. The first one consists of the 12 parts for the non-magnetic version, the second is for the magnetic. The parts on the left of each plate have “-” symbols on them, and the others will have “=” symbols.

 

To assemble this puzzle box, see the included image of the expanded yellow box. First create three pairs of “-” segments and three pairs of “=” segments, gently clicking the matching hinges into each other. Take care to ensure the segments are configured correctly before joining them, as the hinges needed to be small in order to allow for the necessary freedom of movement, and too many inserts and removals of the hinge pins may allow them to loosen and slip out of joint.

 

Once you have six pairs, three of conjoined “-” segments and three of the “=” ones, arrange them in the orientation shown in the image of the yellow box, and join the aligning hinges together between the “-” and “=” pairs, creating one assembly. Finally, bring the outer pieces together to create a circle, ensuring the symbols remain facing the interior, and join that last hinge together.

 

The box is now complete and ready for you to enjoy! I have shown a couple of the patterns that you can make, but there are many many more to create. And if a hinge wears out or a part gets damaged, simply print a single segment and snap it into place.

 

Thank you!

I have had a blast designing this model and find myself still finding new ways for it to be arranged, and I hope it brings you joy as well. As the only testers have been myself and my kids so far, I'm sure there are ways I can improve on it, so I look forward to receiving any feedback you may have as well!

 

*NOTE- Due to the complex nature and flexibility of this puzzle box, the placement of the neodymium magnets is important, so I am working on a simple writeup to explain how the poles of the magnets should be oriented to ensure the segments are always attracting each other. I will say though, that as long as you get most of them arranged correctly, the box should still snap into place without much issue. Of course you're free to work this out for yourself, but for those who don't feel like taking the time to do so, I hope to have a writeup included here soon!

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