Cube Helical Pass-through Toy

I am publishing a series of similar fidget toys in other shapes but with the same helical geometry, so they all can mesh together.

These cube helical pieces simply thread into themselves. You may thread them through the center bore onto a standard wood pencil or the included optional skewer to assist aligning for assembly, but really just another way to fidget. Spinning them on a shaft can have unexpected and entertaining results. Not all pieces spin equally freely. Detailed cleanup makes a big difference.

I find the easiest printing orientation for these cubes is flat on one face, with floating edges well support. This orientation tends to result in some fusing and friction between separate pieces, so spinning is hindered.

For the best spinning results, print the cube oriented tipped up on a corner with sufficient supports to hole the model upright and support floating sections. Some cleanup will still be required. 

The clearance between pieces is very close. High temperatures can cause fusing. I advise low temp material (PLA) and placing on the bed near the open door to maximize cooling. I find on the smaller models you can also increase the cooling time for each layer by printing 2 or more clones simultaneously.

Friction between the surfaces will reduce with cleanup and use. I recommend a small round file to clean the center bore and a deburring tool for any artifacts on the edges. If your print had any fusing between pieces, you may also be able file away resulting roughness. 

Optionally I've included a plate with a tool intended to help smooth the interface surfaces and improve spinning, though I'm skeptical of its effect. Print this tool in a hard, carbon-fiber infused material. The fidget parts can be threaded through the tool, fitting fairly snug. The intention is that CF tool will quickly wear away roughness on the surfaces of the PLA parts.

I've posted a YouTube video with some demonstration and some cleanup instruction.