Double sided 6x6 sliding block puzzle

Description

This is a 6 by 6 sliding block puzzle; it is double sided, with numbers 0-35 on one side and letters A-Z followed by a-i on the other. It is designed such that as you solve one side, the other side ends up getting shuffled, so you can just flip it over and carry on.  Never ending fun!

I also have 4x4 and 5x5 versions of the puzzle; check out my other models if you are interested.

This is not a print-in-place puzzle; instead the frame prints in two pieces and fits together with the help of two pins, as shown in the second photo (that photo is from my 5x5 version of the puzzle, but the principle is the same).  This approach avoids issues with the pieces being two loose, or being fused together when the puzzle comes off the printer.

This model works great on my printer; the pieces were a little stiff at first, but after a few minutes they moved nicely.  Make sure not to hold the frame too tightly as that can flex it and make the pieces harder to move.

If the pieces end up too tight or too loose for you, you can just reprint the frame after scaling it slightly in the X and/or Y directions in BambuStudio.  That's probably a better approach than trying to sand or file each of the 35 tiles!

Filament choice:

I've used BambuLabs PLA Basic in my tests.

Colouring the model:

The numbers and letters are indented in this puzzle, and the intent is that you change filament at the appropriate layers such that the indented characters are a different colour from the faces of the puzzle.  They are indented two layers (0.4mm).  If you have an AMS and use my print profile, the colour changes are automatic; otherwise you need to open the model in BambuStudio and add pauses.

If your colours are A and B, then change colours as follows to replicate what I did, assuming you start with the model set to colour A (the model has 54 layers at 0.2mm per layer):

Alternatively you could just switch at layers 3 and 54 and then only the outer two layers on the puzzle on each side would be colour A.

Assembling the puzzle:

Refer to the second photo above.  Insert the pegs in to one side of the frame, lay the frame on the table and position the tiles correctly.  It is important you assemble the puzzle with either the letters or the numbers in order (left to right, top to bottom), as otherwise it may not be solvable.  Then simply slide the two sides of the frame together and the pegs should lock in to place.  If for any reason the pegs do not grip securely, then a spot of superglue between the two halves should suffice.

Solving the puzzle:

I assume everyone knows the basic aim is to arrange the tiles in numeric or alphabetic order starting at the top left and working left to right and top to bottom.  As there are more tiles than letters in the alphabet, the letters side uses upper case A-Z first, followed by lower case a-i:

There are various alternative patterns you can try, such as (anti)clockwise spirals, right to left and/or bottom to top, etc.  Some of these will be possible, and some will not.

Enjoy!