Cascade Connect - A Self Sorting Connect 4

Description

Cascade Connect reimagines the Connect Four game with an innovative twist. Its bi-directional spiral design allows each piece to cascade smoothly through the board, automatically sorting itself to create a seamless play experience. Combining the classic Connect Four objective with captivating, fluid motion, Cascade Connect adds a mesmerizing new dimension to this timeless game.

Update 10/29/2024 - Due to all the confusion about the 2 boards, I have created a separate profile for the 2 Entrance Test and the alternate board. I have decided to make the 1 ridge entrance the default as it is easier to use. If you want to know why there are 2 boards in the first place, please read the Entrance Test/Game Board section of the description.

Update 11/2/2024 - The board's print orientation has been changed to print upside down for better bed adhesion. The STLs have been modified slightly for better printability in this orientation. If you printed the version before this update, you do not have to print the new version.

How To Use

Play like usual by putting pieces in from the top. When the game ends, lift the game board up a bit to allow the pieces to fall and start sorting. When you are done, take the board out and slide it over the base from the side to act as the lid.

Parts

Game Pieces - There are 2 different plates of pieces that are called Piece 1 Set and Piece 2 Set. While they may look the same, they are different from each other. Print one plate in one color and the other plate in a different color. Do not print the same plate twice or the pieces will not sort correctly. The same applies if you are using the STLs. Piece 1.stl is one player's pieces and Piece 2.stl is the second player's pieces.

I printed it with 0.2 mm layer height with no supports.

Entrance Test/Game Board - When designing the model, I came up with 2 entrances for the game pieces, but I couldn't decide which I liked more. So, I leave the choice to you. The 2 Entrance Test is a small test print that has both entrances so you can play with them and print whichever you like better. When you have decided which entrance design you like, you can print the board with the corresponding entrance.

It requires no support but I would print it at 0.15 mm layer height as I find that 0.2 mm sags a bit on some overhangs.

Base - This Is a pretty basic print and prints fine with no support at 0.2 mm layer height.