Customize Mechanical 3D-Printable Puzzle Box

About the project

Project Type: Customization of an existing 3D printable model Objective: Create a personalized, romantic version of the original Alchemist's Cube Puzzle Combination Box while preserving the original puzzle mechanics and printability. 1. Project Overview The objective is to customize the existing Alchemist's Cube Puzzle Combination Box available on Printables: https://www.printables.com/model/1088843-alchemists-cube-puzzle-combination-box This project is not intended to redesign the outside of the puzzle. The original mechanism, assembly process and user experience should remain intact wherever possible. The modifications focus on personalization, aesthetics and increasing the puzzle complexity through additional false keypaths. 2. Project Objectives The customization consists of the following major tasks: + Understand the existing model and puzzle mechanism. A) Create four customized outer combination wheels. B) Personalize the top decoration. C) Redesign decorative elements with a romantic theme. D) Increase puzzle difficulty by introducing additional false keypaths. Final Milestones below- The Project must be completed by the 18.7.26 3. Familiarization with the Existing Model Before beginning the customization, please study the original model and understand its assembly and mechanical operation. The available files include: Base Core Body Inner_Wheel Inner_Wheel_New Inner_Wheel_With_False_Keyway Outer_Blank_Symbol_Wheel_New Outer_Symbol_Wheel_New Outer_Dial_Wheel Side_Wall_Decoration Core_Decoration Top_Decoration Top_Trim_With_Arrows Top_Trim_Smooth Edge_Trim Money_Box_Core (reference only) Money_Box_Decoration (reference only) Please ensure you understand: overall puzzle operation wheel interaction locking mechanism assembly sequence relationship between decorative and mechanical parts which parts may safely be modified Unless explicitly specified below, the original puzzle mechanics should remain unchanged. 4. Task A – Custom Combination Wheels Base Model Use the existing Outer_Blank_Symbol_Wheel_New.stl as the base model for all four customized wheels. The dimensions, tolerances, clearances and all mechanical interfaces shall remain identical to the original part. Wheel Layout Wheel 1 Position Text 1 B 2 A 3 K 4 M 5 P 6 H 7 F 8 G Wheel 2 Position Text 1 E 2 A 3 U 4 I 5 H 6 L 7 IN 8 O Wheel 3 Position Text 1 L 2 N 3 S 4 M 5 P 6 R 7 A 8 U Wheel 4 Position Text 1 IE 2 J 3 MAR 4 D 5 A 6 Z 7 S 8 SE Letter Orientation Every letter or letter group shall be centered within its segment. The lettering shall be oriented so that it appears upright when viewed from outside while the puzzle box is standing upright. --> The bottom of every letter shall point toward the center of the wheel. Example: When the character A is viewed from the front, the base of the A points toward the wheel center. Since the wheels are assembled after printing, I will configure the final solution during assembly. Therefore, the wheel files only need to preserve the specified letter order and orientation. Font Preferred font: Bookman Old Style If this font cannot be reproduced reliably in CAD, a visually similar serif font may be used after approval. Printability Requirements The lettering shall be optimized for FDM printing using a 0.4 mm nozzle. Recommended design limits: engraved depth ≥ 0.8 mm minimum stroke width ≥ 0.6 mm minimum feature width ≥ 0.8 mm minimum spacing between strokes ≥ 0.5 mm Minor adjustments to individual letters are acceptable if required for reliable printing. 5. Task B – Top Decoration (Core_Decoration) Modify the existing Core_Decoration.stl with a personalized version. The overall geometry shall remain circular and maintain the original external dimensions and mechanical interfaces so it fits the existing assembly without modification. Within this circular element, create a large three-dimensional heart. The heart should: be smoothly integrated into the circular design, occupy as much of the available area as practical, appear elegant and premium, become the dominant visual feature. The following text shall be engraved into the heart: ANJA & MARKUS Requirements: centered balanced layout elegant appearance clearly readable optimized for FDM printing The heart should appear integrated into the overall circular ornament rather than simply placed on top of it. The overall appearance should be timeless, elegant simple and suitable as a high-quality personalized gift. 6. Task C – Decorative Theme Replace selected alchemical or mystical decorative elements with a romantic interpretation. Possible design elements include: hearts intertwined lines vines leaves roses infinity symbols subtle floral ornaments These examples are intentionally provided as inspiration rather than strict requirements. The artistic interpretation is part of the designer's creative contribution. The finished appearance should remain: elegant tasteful sophisticated premium suitable for adults Avoid: cartoon hearts childish decorations excessive Valentine's clichés overly ornate Victorian styling The puzzle should still primarily appear as an elegant mysterious puzzle box with subtle romantic elements. 7. Task D – Additional False Keypaths Increase the puzzle complexity. Use the existing Inner_Wheel_New.stl as the starting point and see how false keyways look like in Inner_Wheel_With_False_Keyway.stl (Inner_Wheel_With_False_Keyway.stl has the false connector) MAKE SURE THE CONNECTOR MATCHES THE 8 SIDED Outer WHEEL Slot Requirements: preserve one correct keypath add four additional false keypaths total: 1 true keypath 4 false keypaths False keypaths should: initially feel plausible allow limited movement stop before the puzzle opens not permanently jam not damage the mechanism preserve the reliability of the puzzle 8. Design Freedom The mechanical modifications described in this specification should be implemented precisely. For the decorative redesign, however, the designer is encouraged to contribute creatively. The listed decorative elements should be considered inspiration rather than exact templates. Creative freedom is encouraged provided: the romantic theme is preserved, the design remains elegant, printability is maintained, mechanical functionality is unchanged, personalization requirements are fulfilled. Before final modeling, please provide one or two rendered design concepts for approval. 9. Printing Requirements The finished parts shall be suitable for FDM printing. Target assumptions: PLA 0.4 mm nozzle 0.2 mm layer height Avoid unnecessarily fine details that may reduce print quality. 10. Deliverables Please provide: Printable Files STL files for all modified components 3MF project files (preferred if available) Editable CAD Files Preferred: Fusion 360 (.f3d) Alternative: STEP FreeCAD source files Documentation assembly notes (if modifications affect assembly) recommended print orientation recommended print settings 12. Acceptance Criteria Mechanical Puzzle assembles without modification. All parts fit correctly. Wheels rotate smoothly. Original puzzle functionality is preserved. Correct combination can be configured during assembly. Exactly one functional keypath exists. Four false keypaths function correctly. False keypaths cannot accidentally open the puzzle. False keypaths do not jam or permanently lock the mechanism. Printability All STL files are manifold. All STL files slice successfully without repair. Parts are optimized for FDM printing using a 0.4 mm nozzle. Decorative details print reliably. Engraved lettering remains clearly legible after printing. Personalization Wheel lettering exactly matches the supplied specification. Letter orientation follows the specified upright alignment. The top decoration contains the engraved text "ANJA & MARKUS". The heart is integrated into the circular top decoration. Decorative redesign follows the agreed romantic style. The overall appearance is elegant and visually consistent. Deliverables 13. Out of Scope Unless separately agreed, this project does not include: redesigning the core puzzle mechanics beyond the specified false keypaths, creating additional puzzle variants, optimizing specifically for resin printing, creating multi-material or multi-color versions, physical test printing or assembly by the designer, modifications to parts not listed in this specification. Milestone Deliverables Payment 1. Design Proposal & Concept Approval Review of the original model, confirmation of technical feasibility, implementation plan, identification of the files to be modified, and one or two rendered design concepts for the personalized top decoration and decorative theme. 10% 2. Mechanical Modifications Printable STL files and editable CAD files for the four customized wheels and the modified Inner_Wheel_With_False_Keyway containing 1 true and 4 false keypaths. Preliminary renderings demonstrating the modified parts. 35% 3. Decorative Modifications Printable STL files and editable CAD files for the personalized Core_Decoration and all modified decorative components. High-quality rendered preview images of the completed decorative parts. 35% 4. Final Delivery Package Final STL files, editable CAD files (Fusion 360 preferred, STEP acceptable), optional 3MF files, organized project files, assembly notes (if required), recommended print settings, and incorporation of all agreed review comments from the previous milestones. 20%

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