Hex Shaper (planar twisty puzzle)

thingiverse

This is the functional clone of Very Puzzle's Hex Shaper, almost identical to the original except that mine has uniform part sizes while the authentic one features varying thickness. https://youtu.be/TipHy_TLxfw What you see in this video is just a glimpse into the early stages, with turns not quite smooth yet. After an hour of playtime, however, the puzzle's turns became significantly smoother. I am including a Solidworks file so that you can learn from its construction and make any necessary tweaks if desired. The model has been printed in various colors, but it should print just fine in a single color as well. Original stickers are designed to fit perfectly, so they should work seamlessly with the puzzle. Print Settings: Printer Brand: RepRap Printer Model: Graber i3 Rafts: Not necessary at all Supports: Yes, for better stability Infill: 20% density for optimal strength Notes: The parts bear a striking resemblance to those of Rubik's Cube, hence the similar naming convention. The number at the end of each file name indicates how many pieces you should print. I generally dislike using supports and strive to avoid them whenever possible. As such, most parts are split into separate entities that can be printed separately before being glued together. The 'edge' piece still requires supports due to its unique design. Split parts feature the 'Split' prefix in their names, while non-split parts have the 'As Is' prefix - you're free to use your preferred printing techniques on these. Post-Printing: I printed this puzzle using ABS and glued the pieces together with Acetone. If you're working with PLA, consider using dichloromethane (remember that it's toxic!) or CA glue instead. To align the center piece parts, I created three holes; simply use a piece of filament or a toothpick for positioning. The parts shouldn't require extensive post-processing - just smooth out any rough edges using sanding paper. If you plan on creating a stickered version, be sure to sand and polish the faces for optimal appearance. Assembly should be relatively straightforward: fit all the parts into the frame main, attach the frame bottom, and secure everything with M3 screws. Finally, apply silicone lubricant for smooth movement between pieces.