Magnetic Base Systems for Axolote Hex Tiles

prusaprinters

<p>After looking further into the <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3107779">Axolote Hex</a> tile and wall system I really gained an appreciation for all the hard work that went into this set. They are highly detailed and the base set includes a bunch of stretch goals that really add a lot of variety. However, I had reservations about the wall connection system. After some hemming and hahhing and recovery from gloomhaven burnout I decided to bite the bullet.</p><p>Many others have made magnetic bases to replace the standard openlock connector bases for this tile set and they are great, see remix list. However, for this tile set the walls were not really addressed. So I set out to make and magnetic base and wall system for Axolote Hex.</p><p>In my magnetic base experimentation I played around with a few different styles before finally settling on one. I created 11 different bases during this process. I've uploaded them all here in case you might find any of them to your liking.</p><p>I ended up printing a bunch of B2s and some B1s to add lower height variation. Two B2s stacked works well for going higher.</p><p>Related Links: <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4139873">Magnet Insertion Tools for Bases</a> <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4112457">Drilling Guide and Magnet Insertion Tools for Walls</a> <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4150644">Door Frame Adapter for rbross Doors</a></p><p><strong>Compatibility</strong></p><p>The short tiles (Row A and Column 1) are also compatible with Anomard's tiles so you can use rbross <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2921878">wall's</a> and <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3290089">doors</a> with this system as well, using the flat hexes <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3780437">here</a> and the drilling guide <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3831727">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Sources</strong></p><p>All files were modeled from scratch by me but I used many of the concepts and dimensions from the files sited in the remix section.</p><p>Magnetic ball concept remixed from <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3780437">Anomard</a></p><p>Axolote Hex connector remixed from <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3150742">Axolote Hex</a></p><p><strong>Axolote Hex</strong></p><p>More Axolote Hex info here: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1365144247/axolote-hex-3d-hex-dungeons">Kickstarter Link</a>, <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/257153/Axolote-Hex-Core-Tiles">DrivethruRPG Link</a>. This is an amazing set of tiles and walls, highly detailed and varied.</p><p><strong>Materials</strong></p><p>I found a pretty affordable source for the 3mm magnetic balls here: <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/HERCHR-Magnet-Balls-3mm-1000Pcs-N35-Magnetic-Balls-3D-Puzzle-Magnet-Magic-Cube-Geometric-Education-Props-with-Box-Magnetic-Cube/799196589?wmlspartner=wlpa&amp;selectedSellerId=13089&amp;adid=22222222227000000000&amp;wl0=&amp;wl1=g&amp;wl2=c&amp;wl3=42423897272&amp;wl4=pla-51320962143&amp;wl5=9019676&amp;wl6=&amp;wl7=&amp;wl8=&amp;wl9=pla&amp;wl10=117874878&amp;wl11=online&amp;wl12=799196589&amp;veh=sem&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj8Yz6J6hKwfQksRrDebqEnteWz-9EgA0Hg-e_HJat5MpfXH7sgQkD4aAjhHEALw_wcB">Walmart Link</a></p><p>Possible International Link: <a href="https://www.miniinthebox.com/en/p/magnet-toy-magnetic-toy-magnet-toy-magnetic-balls-216-pcs-stress-and-anxiety-relief-focus-toy-office-desk-toys-intermediate-gift_p6717756.html?prm=2.18.104.0">Mini In The Box</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/tmMpodYtaFc">Magnetic wall and tile system for Axelote Hex Tile Video</a></p><h3>Print Settings</h3><p><strong>Resolution:</strong></p><p>0.20mm</p><p><strong>Infill:</strong></p><p>10% Rectilinear</p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p>For Row C parts use 4 perimeters.</p><h3>Base Descriptions</h3><p>All bases have a spot for a 5x2mm magnet in the top. This is used to hold walls in place on top of tiles once they are added. See Drilling Guide and Magnet Insertion Tools for Walls link listed above for more info on adding magnets to walls.</p><p><strong>Rows A-C:</strong> These bases use magnetic balls to connect base to base. The magnetic balls have some nice features like not having to care about polarity, thanks <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3780437">Anomard</a>. See the second video on his page to see them in action. I added a side hole to allow the balls to get closer to one another when connecting base to base, slightly but noticeable improving holding force.</p><p><strong>Rows B-D:</strong> These tiles are all stackable.</p><p><strong>Row A:</strong> These are three styles (H, Hx, &amp; Hr) of magnetic bases for Axolote Hex Tiles. These were my beta set and work with the standard wall system but are not stackable or compatible with the standard open lock system. They were the tiles originally uploaded here.</p><p><strong>Row B:</strong> This was my attempt at mixing the best of both worlds. No modifications need to be made to any Axolote Hex tiles and they are riser compatible. B1 is a short version, is as small as I could make it, and is not backwards compatible. B2 and B3 are taller and backwards compatible with standard open lock Axolote Hex bases (I actually like the added height when a lot of them are connected).</p><p><strong>Row C:</strong> These are all a magnet versions. Instead of the standard Axolote Hex base to tile connectors they use the 5x2 in the top to connect to a magnet in the bottom of the tile. You can either glue a 5x1mm magnet in the tile or use the included magnet holder.</p><p><strong>Row D:</strong> These bases use 5x2mm magnets to connect base to base and the standard Axolote Hex connector to connect base to tile. The 5x2 magnets definitely hold with higher force than the 3mm magnetic balls but you have to worry about polarity and take some time to insert. But they are a good solution. They are backwards compatible the standard open lock Axolote Hex bases.</p><h3>Cost</h3><p>Cost per assembled B1 base is roughly 16.4 cents or roughly $50 for 300 (max interior and exterior tiles needed for any one gloomhaven scenario).</p><p>Assuming:</p><p>-QTY6 3mm ball magnets</p><p>-QTY1 5x2mm round magnet</p><p>-$20/kg PLA</p><p>-Magnet pricing @ QTY1000 pricing.</p><h3>Encouragement</h3><p>If you like what I'm doing consider buying me a coffee:</p><p><img src="https://cdn.buymeacoffee.com/buttons/bmc-new-btn-logo.svg" alt="Buy me a coffee"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sj5pEfMZq">Buy me a coffee</a></p>