Triangle Dovetail - Impossible

My first encounter with this puzzle was on YouTube. Someone had machined one from aluminum. Thought to myself, I need one. On the video they mentioned there was only 50 machined, my first thought was "Great, I'll never have one". Then I got a 3D printer and everything changed. Now I'm able to show it off and let friends try to open it. To the date of writing this description nobody has guessed it without being shown first... Nobody.

This is actually a pretty cool locking enclosure and works very well if you need to keep something out of sight and protected from people getting their hands on what's inside. I'm thinking of printing a few to put things in for Christmas, just to see if anyone can get their gift! Hahaha!

(3) 6mm diameter x 12mm long dowel pins are used

(Can be steel or stainless steel, I used stainless to avoid anyone using magnets just to be more sneaky, but I suppose you could 3D print the pins with no guarantees of it ever opening again)

Here is a link to the YouTube Video showing timelapsed printing, cleanup and assembly.

Spoiler alert! The YouTube Video shows how to open it, if you haven't already guessed from the model components. Print it and pass it around to your friends, Have Fun!

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Creality

Printer: 

Ender 3

Rafts:

No

Supports: 

No

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill: 

10% Gyroid

Filament: Overture ABS Black/White

Notes:

This surely would print better with PLA material. Print any colors you want for each half obviously. I used ABS for mine for durability but it required use of a brim and gluestick to make sure it held down properly to the bed during print.

*IMPORTANT*

Make sure the holes are clean (both pieces). Possibly clean out with a drill bit before initial assembly of the two halves together. If the pins aren't free sliding it will NEVER come apart!

Category: Puzzles