A 3D printed puzzle is an excellent example of how you can combine multiple parts to make one model or device. They also frequently have moving pieces, making them great torture tests for your 3D printer.
What is it? This is a two-part object. One part is a maze or labyrinth carved into the surface of a cylinder, and the other part is a cap with a pin that goes on top of the labyrinth. When you start removing the cap, the pin is guided by the carvings. In order to separate the two pieces, you must feel the correct direction in which to move the cap.
Who created it? Robert
Who printed it? This model has been printed over 750 times!
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? It’s a dinosaur! Well, it’s a card at first which you assemble into the skeleton of a dinosaur. There are many different patterns on Thingiverse, and all of them are very easy to 3D print. The best part? No supports needed!
Who created it? Cleven
Who printed it? 200 Thingiverse users are reported to have made these cool critters.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? It’s a set of three identical pieces that can be 3D printed without support. Once printed, you can slide the pieces together to form a perfect cube. This print can serve as a puzzle for kids or as a cool toy.
Who created it? WildRoseBuilds
Who printed it? Nearly 200 Thingiverse users.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? If you are looking for a challenge, this 3D printable 41-piece puzzle is for you. It uses a mechanism similar to a Rubik’s Cube. The goal of the puzzle is to align colors or shapes in one line. The catch is that you have only one empty space, meaning you need to plan ahead.
Who created it? Murray Clark
Who printed it? Over 30 Thingiverse users, in a variety of colors and materials.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? This 3D printable puzzle bear is an ideal present for small children. The goal is to assemble the bear from multiple separated pieces. The creator also included the template for stickers that can be glued to the bear pieces.
Who created it? Emmanuel Carrillo
Who printed it? More than 30 users have posted makes of this model on Thingiverse.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? This magic trick isn’t exactly a puzzle, but it will leave people puzzled. The idea is to slide a pencil into the three-piece model and remove the middle part to break the pencil into three. Then, when you push the middle part back into place, the pencil magically becomes whole again!
Who created it? Greg Zumwalt
Who printed it? Almost 30 Thingiverse users have made this model in a variety of colors and materials.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? It’s a model that consists of multiple gears shaped in such a way that, when assembled, they form a cube. The model consists of one center piece, four large gears, four small gears, and eight pins. All of the components are easy to assemble and can be 3D printed without support.
Who created it? Emmett Lalish
Who printed it? This model has been printed by over 70 Thingiverse users.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? This 3D printable frog dissection kit was created by the folks at MakerBot. Their goal is for the model to be used in school to teach children the anatomy of a frog. The individual organ pieces fit inside the frog like a puzzle. This learning tool is intended for grades six to eight, and it even comes with a template learning plan for classrooms.
Who created it? MakerBot
Who printed it? 50 Thingiverse users, some using a different color for each organ!
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? Many boxes exist that require some special procedure to open. This Japanese version is no exception, needing ten steps to rearrange the pieces and free whatever’s inside. Users report that the model is hollow inside, probably to minimize material consumption. Just make sure to check your 3D printer settings to make sure that the bridging goes smoothly.
Who created it? dob71
Who printed it? 12 users have confirmed making this puzzle.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
What is it? The creator of this model describes it as a modular construction kit. The kit consists of pieces that easily slide into each other. You can create almost any type of building, from house to towers.
Who created it? Teinye Horsfall
Who printed it? So far none but the creator have reported making this model.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Puzzle – 10 Great Curated Models to 3D Print" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Subscribe to updates from All3DP
You are subscribed to updates from All3DP
You can’t subscribe to updates from All3DP. Learn more…