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Cryptex Storage Cylinder

mechanism Rotating Tumbler + Locking Gate dials 3 Independent Combination Rings tolerances ±0.15 mm Rotational Clearance CAD SolidWorks Multi-Body

A mechanical combination locking cylinder with internal notched tumblers and alignment gates. Engineered as a pure mechanisms challenge to achieve silky, tactile rotation and secure interlocking purely through 3D printed mechanical tolerances.

Cryptex Cylinder Assembly — Custom mechanical cryptex-style lid with locking pins

Cross-Section View — Internal tumbler rings and alignment channels

Outer Dial Rings — Numbered combination dials with tactile detents

Lock Pin Mechanism — 3-notch locking pin with bottom unlocking gate

Inner Core Shaft — Precision keyway grooves for sequential code alignment

Pin & Ring Tolerancing — Designed with ±0.15 mm clearance for reliable rotation

[01/06] Cryptex Cylinder Assembly — Custom mechanical cryptex-style lid with locking pins

Modeled a complex multi-body combination mechanism in SolidWorks with interlocking notched pins and alignment gates.
Tuned 3D printing slicing parameters and tolerances to ±0.15 mm, eliminating binding while preventing code deciphering by feel.
Designed tactile click detents on each outer ring to provide positive user feedback during combination entry.

01Mechanical Design & CAD Assembly

Comprehensive SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, multi-body kinematics, tolerance stack-up analysis, and assembly architecture.

01.1 Mechanical Cryptex Cylinder Architecture CAD

Precision multi-body CAD assembly of the rotating combination puzzle cylinder, internal alignment channels, and numbered dial rings.

[01/03] Cryptex Cylinder Assembly — Custom mechanical cryptex-style lid with locking pins

02Kinematic Tolerancing & Core Mechanism Prototyping

Iterative fit checks, keyway clearance tuning, and mechanical lock pin validation for smooth, reliable tumbler rotation.

02.1 Interlocking Tumbler Rings & Keyway Tolerancing

Engineered with ±0.15 mm radial clearance featuring a 3-notch locking pin and sequential code alignment slots.

[01/03] Lock Pin Mechanism — 3-notch locking pin with bottom unlocking gate

033D Printing, Sanding & Functional Assembly

Additive manufacturing on Bambu Lab in tuned PLA, post-processing tumbler surfaces, and final functional demonstration.

03.1 3D Printing, Fitment Tuning & Mechanism Demonstration

High-precision 0.12 mm layer height printing, manual wet sanding of contact sleeves, and final locking demonstration.

3D Printed Prototype — Printed on Bambu Lab in PLA with tuned flow rates

Assembly & Fitment Check — Sanded and fitted tumbler rings before final assembly

Final Functional Model — Smooth locking mechanism demonstration

[01/03] 3D Printed Prototype — Printed on Bambu Lab in PLA with tuned flow rates