Laser Cut 3D Printed Puzzle
This puzzle was a project exploring how 2D pieces of laser cut wood could be assembled to create an interactive 3D object. It is a puzzle box with a customizable lock code protecting a secret inner chamber. The puzzle was created using only laser cut 1/8” plywood, and wood glue. The laser cut elements were designed in Adobe Illustrator, and assembled in Rhino as a 3D rendering before laser cutting and physical assembly.
The puzzle itself is composed of several parts. The outermost layer is composed of 7 rotating rings. These rings click into place when turned thanks to a wooden spring mechanism inside each ring.
When the correct code is aligned with the arrows on the outside of the box, the pins blocking the box from opening align with the gaps in each ring, allowing the secret inner chamber to be freed. The chamber can be removed by pulling each end of the puzzle.
When the box is unlocked, the letters on the rings can be removed and realigned with the internal locking pin to create a custom unlock code.
