I am pleased to introduce the KATO RIPOZA, meaning the ‘Cat Resting’ in Esperanto language.

This puzzle is comprised of nineteen blocks with holes, assembled with fifteen dowels, plus four snap-fit fasteners for the claws, and one additional snap-fit fastener to secure the back to the body.

The assembly requires no screw or glue. It can be disassembled and reassembled as many times as you want.

Just like my earlier puzzles, Kato Ripoza is a member of a collection of 3D puzzles I've designed using my virtual building set PUZLO.

The files are provided at 100% and 75% scales, and you can also print them at 50% if you wish to create an entire family. But when reducing the scale, the calculated clearances for the dowels to fit into the holes proportionally decrease, requiring an adjustment of the dowels' cross-sectional dimensions to preserve the required gap.

In the two versions presented, the parts in the files are arranged on two build plates, but you can certainly arrange them differently while maintaining the orientation of the parts as shown to avoid the stair-stepping effect in the curves.

PLATE 1 The first plate contains all the main parts. They are positioned to ensure smooth curves and avoid a stair-step effect. Your 3D printer should handle bridges created at the ceilings of the holes. Only one piece, the part containing the neck, requires a support.

PLATE 2 The second plate contains the dowels and the snap-fit fasteners. In the two versions presented, precise clearances have been calculated so that the dowels should slide well into the holes without wobbling. However, these clearances cannot be guaranteed due to variations in filament types, printing speeds, and machine performances.

Therefore, it is advisable to run a test with a single dowel before printing the fifteen needed for assembly. For this purpose, I have included a Test Dowel on plate 2.

More details can be found in the PNG image included “KATO RIPOZA / Printing and Scaling”.

Technical Specifications Model dimensions: 100% = 54 x 180 x 192 mm 75% = 40,5 x 135 x 144 mm

Filament The filament used is PLA, integrated into a circular economy by the Quebec-based company EFIKECO.

Estimated filament needed (including dowels and attachments) and with 15% infill. 100% = 243 gr 75% = 126 gr

Number of pieces 39 pieces in total , including 19 main pieces, 15 dowels, 4 snap-fit fasteners for the claws and 1 more (a little smaller) for the body.

Printing

• Nozzle size: 0.4
• Layer height: 0.25 mm
• Print speed: slow for the parts on the second plate (dowels and snap-fit fasteners).
• No support needed.
• Build plate: preferably smooth.
• Brims: given a clean, well-prepared build plate, provide brims only for the snap fasteners.
• Infill percentage: 15-20%.

Post-Processing No post-processing is required. All parts can be printed in the same color for a uniform look, or you can print some parts in different colors to personalize KATO and make it uniquely yours.

Scalable The main parts are scalable, while the dowels require careful adjustment. Always adjust the dimensions of the dowels by printing the Test Dowel first, as mentioned above and further described in the PNG image attached: “KATO RIPOZA / Printing and Scaling”.

Assembly This puzzle is designed to be fun and thought-provoking without being too difficult. Consult the Assembly Instructions (PDF included) or try assembling KATO without help for a little challenge.

Looking to sell your printed models? Commercial licenses are available through the Green Makers plan, part of the Tero Verda initiative, Arkitektoy’s living machine, that promotes sustainable making. This license allows you to sell Arkitektoy creations under the condition that only recycled or otherwise eco-responsible filaments are used.