The addicting and mesmerizing Astrolabicon Puzzle has finally been upgraded to be just a bit better in just about every way!
Rotate the two halves of this twisting hexasphericon and move the marbles along its shifting track to rearrange them until all like colors touch. The classic difficulty is to have 4 different colors, with 6 marbles of each color for a total of 24. This version of the Astrolabicon has been designed for use with 14mm ABS or Acrylic no hole beads (actual diameter is ~13.6mm).
The newly improved design includes a clip that snaps the two Astrolabicon halves together to securely join the puzzles. It also uses 12 6mmx3mm (1/4"x1/8") neodymium magnets for a smooth and satisfying snap between positions. The magnets should fit snugly in the holes and you may need to use a flat surface to press fit the magnets flush. I also use E6000 craft adhesive to make sure the magnets are absolutely fixed in place. I like to use ABS filament for the clips for longevity, but I've also used PLA prints with no issues yet.
This download also includes an assembler.stl part, which makes it easier to snap the two halves of the puzzle together, since it can be a bit tricky to close without losing your marbles.
There's a customsupports.stl model that you can group with the astrolabicon if you are unable to print the arches without supports. Or you can always use your slicer to generate supports if necessary.
Sources for non-printed parts:
14mm no hole ABS beads • eBay • or these Chinese Checkers Beads on Amazon
6mmx3mm Neodymium magnets
E6000 Craft Adhesive • Amazon
Please feel free to ask questions in the comments and share your experiences and insights. Enjoy the puzzle and leave a tip if you'd like to support my ongoing work :)
A really well tuned printer will be able to print this entirely without supports, even though there are some tricky overhangs. If you do decide to print with support material, block supports for the center hole and magnet holes, as those areas bridge just fine.
Default print settings:
• astrolabicon-classic.stl - 0.1 to 0.2mm layer height*, 4 perimeters/shells, 8 top/bottom layers, 10% infill (print 2)
• clip.stl - 0.25 mm layer height, print solid
• assembler.stl - 0.2 mm layer height, 3 perimeters/shells, 8 top/bottom layers, 10% infill
*Lower layer height tends to help with printing support free. I use 0.12-.15mm
Print settings are pretty lenient with this model. Adjust based on your own printers capabilities.