Screwy Octahedron Puzzle

cults3d

This puzzle proves to be a challenging build that requires patience and skill to put together successfully. The pieces, helical in nature, demand support at every turn, making assembly a daunting task. I discovered a solution by cutting the pieces in half, resulting in identical halves that only need support at their ends. The other hurdle lies in the fact that the pieces must flex as they come together, which can be problematic if not addressed properly. PLA is not an option for this puzzle, as it will break under the slightest pressure. Even PETG struggles, and I witnessed a piece break during my first attempt to assemble the orange puzzle showcased in the photos. To rectify this issue, I reprinted the screw pieces with six circumferences to fortify the joints between spheres. This modification proved instrumental in ensuring the puzzle's structural integrity. The puzzle features two mirror-image screw pieces - one screws clockwise and its counterpart screws counterclockwise. The assembly consists of four pieces: a single Y piece is always required, but any combination of three screw pieces can be used. While using three identical screws makes assembly slightly easier, whether they are CW or CCW, employing two screws of one type and one screw of the other proves more challenging. As evident in the photos, this puzzle has been successfully 3D printed in metal, surprisingly retaining its ability to assemble. The metal version relies on three identical screw pieces for a smooth assembly process. With coordinate motion, it's possible to use rigid pieces, but only if the spheres are undersized just so. After assembling the puzzle, I found it intriguing to attempt disassembly and reassembly with minimal force, testing my skills once again.