Customize Mechanical 3D-Printable Puzzle Box
Budget: €30 – €250 EUR
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%
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%