Shut the Box - Family Math Game - 3D Printed

This 3D printed game is a family mathematic game, a tool for children to learn basic mathematic functions through play. It also encourages children's interest in learning! It can likewise improve memory of the elderly.

I had originally intended to build this game (much bigger) entirely in wood. But since our DIY stores are still closed at the moment (2021-05-02), it was not possible to get the necessary materials. So I designed this game for 3D printing. All parts of this game can be printed (... without support)!

Dimensions of the game board:

- 197x197mm (213x213mm - when the number flaps are down).

- Hight: 24mm (34.5mm - when the number tiles are erected to start the game)

Required stl files:

1x ShutTheBox_base.stl
4x ShutTheBox_tiles_1-10_numbers.stl / 4x ShutTheBox_tiles_1-10_plain.stl / 4x ShutTheBox_tiles_1-10_text.stl
2x ShutTheBox_lower bar.stl
2x ShutTheBox_upper bar.stl
4x ShutTheBoxwashers(11).stl
4x ShutTheBox_rod.stl
1x ShutTheBox_dice.stl

Print Settings:

Printer brand: Prusa
Printer: i3 MK3
Supports: No
Resolution: 0.2
Infill: 15%
Filament brand: Prusament; ICE
Filament color: Galaxy Black; Romantic Red, Bold Blue, Young Yellow
Filament material: PLA

Remark: As all parts are designed to fit very precisely, it may happen that you have to rework one or the other part a bit with sandpaper and/or cutter due to different dimensional accuracy of the printers and the different behavior of the filaments.

Supplies

Different filament colors (not obligatory) for the 4 rows of number tiles. Different colors can make the game more attractive, especially for children.
4 metal rods: length 147-148mm (max.). Optimal Ø 3mm (max.). The edges of the ends should be chamfered a little bit to make them easier to fit into the holes of the mounting bars. Rods can also be made from wire hangers (but with a smaller diameter) or from wooden shish kebab skewers. The rods can also be printed! I recommend Ø 3mm metal rods, as they give the game board a little more weight. -
44 washers Ø 9 x Ø 4 x 0.8 mm (metal, plastic or self-printed). It is important that the washers are not thicker than 0.8 mm, otherwise the spaces will be too narrow and the mobility of the number tiles will be affected!
Superglue
Scotch tape
Sandpaper
Cutter
Ø 3mm drill

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start printing, you have to decide which of the following three tile back options you prefer! You have the choice between 3 different tile backs (when the tiles are down):

numbers 1-10
text "ShutTheBox"
plain

The backs of the tile rows should be the same for all 4!

Note: Meaning of LOWER and UPPER mounting bars:

Lower: Recesses must form a U. Holes on top, facing each other.
Upper: Recesses must form a tunnel. Holes at the top, facing each other.

After printing the number tiles (4x10 number tiles), the holes should be cleared of any filament deposits inside with a Ø 3mm drill!

Step 2: Assembling Number Rows

First, prepare the 10 number tiles for the two lower mounting bars and separate each by a washer. Also put a washer on the rod at the beginning and at the end (before the 1 and after the 10).

To facilitate the later insertion of the number rows into the base, it is very helpful to fix the 10 number tiles with scotch tape. Then insert the rods with the number tiles lined up into the holes of the lower mounting bars.

Proceed in the same way with the two upper mounting bars.

Step 3: Glueing the Bars

Then put the two finished lower bars into the base first. The number tiles should lie flat on the base border. Then insert the finished upper bars as a test. Now, with a pencil - along the upper (!) bars - set short marking lines for two glue dots each.

Remove the upper bars again ... apply small drops of super glue to the bottom of the base at each of the markings. The lower bars do not need to be glued, as they are held to the base by the upper ones! Insert both upper bars, lay all tiles flat and press firmly for a few minutes (e.g. by placing heavy books on top). Later the scotch tape can be removed!