Slide and Twist fidget puzzle (Customizable!)

When using the twist mechanism for another design, I thought of this fun child-hood slide and twist puzzle and decided to design it. The design is fully customizable: 

• the number of columns, the number of layers and the diameter can be changed. In this way you can make it as big as you want!
• You can use colored tiles or tiles with symbols (if you do not have many different filament colors).

I added a print profile for a puzzle with the dimensions below. These are also the default dimensions in the parametric configurator. This design is very practical is difficult to put down! Basically this is a fidget toy!

• diameter of 60 mm
• 8 tiles per layer
• 3 layers

It makes a really nice small gift for a birthday or christmas!

BLANK TILES OR SYMBOLS?

I added two options you can use for the tiles. If you have a lot of different colored filaments, you can choose the blank tiles and print them in the colors you like. If you have a limited amount of colors, you can use the symbols. 

Symbols

• As you can create a puzzle of up to 12 columns, I added 11 different symbols. The triangle can also be used upside down, so that makes 12 in total. In Bambu studio, you can unselect the tiles you don't need:

• If you insert a pause at layer 21 in your slicer, you can change the filament of your printer to a different color at that point. The symbol will then be printed in a different color (as in the pictures). This looks very nice! I added a print profile specifically for this (Symbol Tile WITH PAUSE (dual color)) for the default size. 
• If you just want single color tiles with symbols, don't add a pause. You can use the added print profile (Symbol Tile NO PAUSE single color) if you go for the default size. 

Colors

• If you want colored tiles, I found that you get the most satisfying sliding action when you print them at a 45 degree angle. Bambu Studio automatically adds a brim. No further support is necessary. 
• If you don't have enough separate colors, you can optionally combine colors in 1 tile by adding a pause half-way the print and changing color. In this way, you'll have a lot of options!
• I added a print profile for the default size (Blank single color tiles, 45 degree print)

In the print profiles, I added 3 tiles per tile (1 for each layer). If you would like to add more layers, you can copy-paste (or use clone option) in Bambu studio to create more)

 

Boost MeIf you like the design, please give it a boost. It really helps and keeps me motivated to create more designs!MembershipSelling physical prints of this model? A commercial license is available via my MakerWorld Commercial Membership.

CUSTOMIZATION

If you like to customize your design you can change a lot! You can change the dimensional parameters using the parametric design tool:

• The diameter (diameter): 50 to 120 mm; 
• The layer height (layerHeight): 15 to 30 mm;
• The number of columns (numberColumns): 6 to 12 (only even numbers!) 

When you customize the puzzle, you need to make sure the dimensions are the same for all components!

 

ASSEMBLY

For a 3 -layered puzzle with 8 columns, you'll need the following components (for the default size, you can use the print profiles I added):
 

 

To assemble, follow these steps:

1. you'll start with the ‘bottom’ and add an ‘insert base’ and put it aside.
    
2. Then, you'll take the ‘middle shaft’ and an ‘insert’ on top of it. NOTE: I noticed that when you face the side that was on the printbed upwards, the rotation goes a bit more smoothly:
   
3. Now, join the parts of step 1 and 2. You'll have to press firmly, until you hear a ‘snap’! I designed this so that it cannot be taken apart (unless you'll use brute force ;) ). If you would like to be able to do so (e.g. to change the tiles from symbol to color or add another layer), you can change this. I'll explain this later in this section. You'll end up with this:
4. Next, you'll add the ‘Mid’ section
   :
5. Then, on top of that another ‘insert base’ and put the assembly aside:
   
6. If you want to add another layer, you can print an extra ‘Mid’ section, ‘shaft’, ‘insert base’ and ‘insert’ and repeat step 2-5.
7. Then, take the ‘top’ and add an ‘insert’ to it. For best results, place the ‘insert’ in such a way that the side that was on the printbed faces the top part:
   
8. Take both parts and add the ‘tiles’. NOTE: Make sure that for one of the tiles, you'll add 1 less than the number of layers, otherwise there is no room for sliding the tiles!:
   
9. Align the 2 parts (holding them horizontally works best) and press them together. Press firmly until you hear a sharp snap!
10. Happy puzzling!
     

LOCK: YES OR NO?

I designed the rotation mechanism in such a way that it snaps together and does not come apart, unless you'll use excessive force. If you would like to have the option to take it apart (e.g. to add a layer, or change tiles), there is a customization I added:

• In the parametric design environment, there is a parameter called ‘lockToggle’. This can be set to ‘0’ (no lock, so separation is possible) or ‘1’ (locked!). 

NOTES

• If you have comments, remarks or ideas, please share them in the comments below! You can also reach out if you have questions, happy to help.
• I only have PLA and that works well with this design (both normal and ‘Matte’). The tolerances are really tight, so please let me know if it doesn't work out for other types of filament. 
• I am very curious what you will create, so please share pictures of your prints!