Russian Doll Maze Puzzle Box Generator

Generator for Thingiverse Thing 2980535

System requirements

• OS
  • Windows 7 or greater (stable in Idle python 3.x; tested with 3.7)
  • MacOS (tested with python3 installed via homebrew)
  • Linux may work but untested
• python 3.5 or greater with:
  • numpy
  • pillow
• openscad 2015.03-2 or later
• stl repair tool (I used netfab)

Instructions

Install the above software before first use and edit the path in the python code to match your setup. Make sure to install the python libs!

1. If OpenSCAD is in a non-standard location, adjust path at top of main.py (folders for output and preview created when run)
2. (optional) Adjust values in opt.ini as you see fit
   • Shifting is where each row of the maze is shifted and wrapped for the illusion of a bigger maze.
   • For shift mode 3, also input how much. It will be constrained by modulus, so large nums will not break it.
   • Stl files go in the *_stls (the * is the name given in opt.ini when it was ran) folder and previews in the maze_previews folder.
3. (optional) Make a backup of opt.ini so you can reuse these values in the future
4. Open a python shell and run main.py (you may be able to just double click it)
   • You will be prompted whether to use multi-threading (if available).
5. The stl files may need repair. Use a repair tool.
   • It is recommended to view all stl files to check that they will work.
6. Print a 2-part test print with layers about half the nozzle diameter or less. If they fit, print the rest. if not, adjust toleance in opt.ini and repeat from step 4.

Tips

• Read opt.ini. It has important info about the options.
• Put all these files in a project folder.
• If using Windows, you can use the multi-thread openscad version (obsolete): 32 bit Or 64 bit.
• Preview the mazes in the maze_previews folder. If using transition point, the one ending with "a" is of the same shell as without the "a".
• Note: Openscad version 2019 does not support multi-thread yet.

Notes

• Be patient: It may take a while to run the openscad scripts.
• tolerance=0.3 for 0.4mm nozzle worked well for me with ABS. PLA or PETG recommended as some shells can be large, nubs rub off easier with "soft" materials, and cheating can be possible with "flexible" materials.
• Editing during the run may not be possible.
• Openscad scripts run via shell in the python code. This speeds the process of stl export as this limits having to switch between apps.
• To make another or to adjust values, you will need to restart from step 2 as some parts may no longer fit.
• Calculating compartment size: Diameter = (units_wide * spacing * nubs) / PI / 2 - wall_thickness - 2 * tolerance Height = spacing * (units_tall + 1)