IFA Pocket Maze

IFA_labyrinth_acrylic.xs
IFA_labyrinth_acrylic
.xs
Application scenario
Laser processing
Machine & module
xTool P2
55W
Compatible xTool Machine
F2 Ultra UV
5W
P3
80W
P2S
55W
Material used
1/8"(3mm) Birch Plywood
1/8"(3mm) Clear Transparent Acrylic
1/8"(3mm) Light Blue MDF Board
gift
24
304

Information

      Bring XTOOL to the IFA: This compact three-layer ball maze created for the xTool IFA Creative Challenge is made from colored MDF, plywood and clear acrylic. It turns the IFA and xTool names into playable paths with a bold X at the center. A quick-to-make, interactive souvenir that combines technology, creativity and fun.
    

Instruction

1

Step1: First Look & Materials

IFA Pocket Maze instruction: step 1 - First Look & Materials
Preview

Small enough to take home, tricky enough to keep you playing!

This three-layer pocket maze turns IFA and xTool into part of the game itself. A colored MDF base creates strong contrast, plywood forms the maze, and clear acrylic keeps the ball safely inside. Designed as an interactive IFA giveaway, it combines technology, creativity and play in one compact object.

Materials

  • Colored MDF for the bottom layer
  • 3 mm plywood for the maze layer
  • 3 mm clear acrylic for the cover
  • 4 × M3 × 8 screws
  • 1 small ball that fits the maze
  • A small amount of glue

Tools

  • Tweezers
  • Screwdriver

Here is the Insta-Link:
Instagram

2

Step2: Layout / CAD

IFA Pocket Maze instruction: step 2 - Layout / CAD
Preview
IFA Pocket Maze instruction: step 2 - Layout / CAD
Preview
IFA Pocket Maze instruction: step 2 - Layout / CAD
Preview
IFA Pocket Maze instruction: step 2 - Layout / CAD
Preview

I designed this maze with the help of sketchup make - a free and easy-to-use CAD software. 

The design consists of three perfectly aligned layers.

Instead of simply engraving the names, I wanted to built “IFA” and “XTOOL” directly into the playable paths. An X forms the visual and mechanical center of the maze, surrounded by junctions, alternative routes and dead ends.

The four corner holes align the layers and make final assembly quick and simple.

3

Step3: Laser Cutting

IFA Pocket Maze instruction: step 3 - Laser Cutting
Preview

All three layers were processed with the xTool P2.

For the coloured part i added a version for other themes without the white marks.

Engrave and cut the colored MDF, plywood and clear acrylic as indicated in the included project files. The correct processing settings are already saved with each layer.

Important: Keep the small inner pieces from the A in “IFA” and the two Os in “XTOOL”. They are needed during assembly!

4

Step4: Quick Assembly

Assembly only takes a few minutes

  1. Place the removed maze cut-out on the colored MDF base as a temporary positioning template.
  2. Use tweezers to glue the small inner pieces of the A and the two Os into their correct positions.
  3. Carefully remove the positioning template.

4. Place the ball inside the maze.

5. Stack the plywood maze and clear acrylic cover on top of the MDF base.

6. Insert one M3 × 8 screw into each corner and tighten them evenly. Do not overtighten the acrylic

That’s it—the maze is ready to play!

5

Step5: Find the Way!

Tilt it, turn it and try again: Can you guide the ball through the IFA and xTool paths without getting trapped in a dead end?

This maze is part souvenir, part game and part maker showcase. It is quick to produce, easy to carry and perfect for sharing at an exhibition booth.

Inspired by IFA’s “The Future Is Now” and xTool’s “The Human Age of Making,” this project turns technology into something people can touch, play with and take home.

Made for the xTool IFA Creative Challenge 2026.

#xToolIFA2026 #xToolMade #IFA2026 #LaserCut #PocketMaze

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