Introduction: Same Six Piece Puzzle

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About: I'm 14 years old and like to build and create. I like programming, CAD and Blender. I was introduced to tinkercad during remote learning and am now hooked to all things 3D.
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The "Same Six Piece Puzzle" is a great calibration piece and fun, yet fiddly puzzle.

As the name suggests, it is a puzzle consisting of 6 identical pieces that once assembled together don't come apart.

The puzzle can be printed with PLA, but for an easier assembly you could also use PETG.

In this project I used Tinkercad Code blocks to participate in the hour of code challenge.

Supplies

  • Tinkercad (free & online)
  • A 3D printer
  • Patience

Step 1: Creating the Piece

Create a new code block to start the project.

In this step we will make the basic shape used for all six puzzle pieces.

The result will look like picture 1.

Drag and drop the blocks in place corresponding to the code.

All the colours match to the panel on the side (which makes it easier to navigate)

To make putting the puzzle together easier, you can make the code on the right. All this will do is get rid of the cut corner.

All the other code remains the same with the simpler version.

Step 2: Positioning the Pieces

Now the puzzle piece is made, I want to see what the finished assembly looks like.

So, in this step we will be doing just that - positioning the pieces.

The finished product will once again look like picture 1.

You don't have to do this step as is purely for fun.

Remember you could always change the colour of your puzzle by toggling the create group block.

-The pair block must be above the assembly-

Step 3: Preparing the Pieces

In this step we will prepare the piece for printing.

To do this step you could either delete the code from the previous step or duplicate the project and redo the first step.

We used a loop to make the code repeat the steps 6 times.

Once you have completed the code you can go ahead and export the STL at the top right corner.


Step 4: Printing

Now all the code is over, we can start printing the puzzle.

To slice the model I used Ultimaker Cura and no support material was needed!

I personally used PLA filament at a temperature of 190°c.

In total the print took one and a half hours.

You could also print the puzzle in two different colours?

Attachments

Step 5: Assembling

Assembling the puzzle is fiddly, so you will need patience!

For ease of assembling the puzzle I found it easier to do on a surface like carpet or a mouse pad (grip).

Assemble them in pairs with the middle cuts facing toward the centre. Pairs should almost touch on their opposing corners. To fit the last piece in, it is easiest to make the pieces loose than push the remaining piece into the missing spot.

If this is not working (persevere!) you could put the pieces in some very warm water making them more malleable.

Step 6: Conclusion

The fiddliest bit is all worth it as you get a cool puzzle that has many uses.

All in all this project is great considering it only takes 1hr!

The puzzle itself is fun to fidget with and could be used as a Christmas ornament?

I would love to see your printed puzzles.

And most importantly

Stay safe!