Puzzlecad - An OpenSCAD library for interlocking puzzles

thingiverse

UPDATED 3/21/20: Released Puzzlecad 2.0. A wealth of brand-new features await discovery, outlined below. Puzzlecad 2.0 necessitates OpenSCAD 2019.05 or later to function. ## Overview Puzzlecad is an OpenSCAD library that enables the swift creation of interlocking puzzle designs. It empowers users to define burr puzzle pieces using concise shorthand notation, such as: ```python burr_piece(["x..|xxx|x.x", "...|...|x.."]);``` This streamlined approach allows for intricate puzzle pieces to be designed and generated with minimal independent CAD modeling. Key parameters control size, beveling, and insets, while a "snap joint" mechanism facilitates the printing of complex overhanging puzzle pieces without relying on supports. For an in-depth overview of Puzzlecad, consult the following blog post: [Adventures in 3D Puzzle Printing](https://normalplay.blogspot.com/2019/01/adventures-in-3d-puzzle-printing.html) To learn how to harness Puzzlecad's capabilities, refer to the `puzzlecad-examples.scad` file included within this package. Some fully realized examples of Puzzlecad in action can be found here: [Coffin's Quartet](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3351549) - an excellent starting point [Stewart Coffin Puzzles](https://www.thingiverse.com/asiegel/collections/stewart-coffin-puzzles) collection [Stewart Coffin Tray-Packing Puzzles](https://www.thingiverse.com/asiegel/collections/stewart-coffin-tray-packing-puzzles) collection [Extensible Burr Set](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3370714) The puzzles showcased in the accompanying images were created using Puzzlecad and printed on a Prusa i3 MK3. They serve as exemplary demonstrations, courtesy of various designs sourced from Stewart Coffin's collections. Puzzlecad is now hosted on GitHub: [https://github.com/aaron-siegel/puzzlecad](https://github.com/aaron-siegel/puzzlecad) ### Puzzlecad 2.0 Puzzlecad 2.0 introduces a multitude of innovative features. Although still in beta, it has been extensively tested and proven stable across various designs. If you're feeling adventurous, please give it a try, and I welcome any bug reports! You'll need OpenSCAD 2019.05 or later to utilize Puzzlecad 2.0. New features include: * Redesigned snap joints that exhibit enhanced strength * Oriented snap joints that print cleanly in horizontal orientation * Diagonal geometry support for puzzles based on diagonal cuts of the cube, such as Nova by Stewart Coffin * Auto-layout of text inscriptions on the puzzle surface * Greater customization options for puzzle beveling * Improved rendering speed To access Puzzlecad 2.0, download and extract `puzzlecad-2.0.zip`. The archive contains an updated `puzzlecad-examples.scad` file that provides detailed information on all the new features. Enjoy!