Die Puzzle

thingiverse

This 3D puzzle is inspired by an 1893 puzzle book and features an oversized die cut into nine simple blocks that must be reassembled, with a surprising difficulty level. The author's version takes advantage of 3D printing technology to create conical hollows instead of painted dots and interlocking patterns of conical hollows and bumps for a more challenging puzzle. The die face pattern matches modern dice, and the 20131213 version includes a 3D-printed box to hold the assembled die and serve as a reference while solving the puzzle. The 3D-printed puzzle is easy to print using PLA or ABS with typical settings and minimal fill. The design can be scaled up or down without major issues, but smaller parts may not feel as nice when handling. The blue version uses flat white latex paint inside the conical hollows, while the black die is made from ABS with white appliance touch-up paint. The black hollows of the white version are dyed using a black permanent marker. To assemble the puzzle, closely examine the 3D design provided for guidance. The puzzle can be challenging, even for an experienced solver, and may cause hours of frustration. The 20131213 version also includes a box with a sliding door that opens with a hidden mechanism. However, the puzzle contains parts that could be a choking hazard for toddlers and is recommended for ages 12 and up.