FangShi 3D Printing Hollow XO Cube

FangShi 3D Printing Hollow XO Cube

The FangShi 3D Printing Hollow XO Cube is a puzzle for collectors and anyone who wants something different from yet another 3x3 cube. It is made by FangShi, and some shops sell it under the LimCube brand. Instead of being injection-moulded like typical cubes, it is 3D printed. It uses a mechanism described as virtual 8-axis, and its most noticeable feature is right there in the name: as you turn it, the inner pieces shift and the centre of the cube stays empty (hollow).

What is the Hollow XO Cube?

From the outside, it is a cube with sides of about 60 mm and a black body. Inside, there is no classic solid core, and you can see the empty interior while solving. The word "virtual" in the mechanism's name usually means that the rotation axes are not physical pins in the centre but come from the shape and arrangement of the pieces. That is why the centre can be empty. The goal is simple: scramble it and return it to its original state. Puzzle Master rates this puzzle at level 7 on its difficulty scale (Challenging).

3D-printed construction

The Hollow XO Cube is a mod-type puzzle made in small batches. Distributors say it takes the manufacturer some time to make each piece, as this is not mass production. 3D printing makes it possible to create shapes that are hard to achieve with injection moulds. However, it moves differently from speedcubes, so don't expect fast turning, corner cutting or tension adjustment. According to the available information, the cube has no magnets.

Who is it for?

For puzzlers who collect unusual mechanisms and shape mods, and for cubers who already know the standard puzzles and want to take on something new. It is more of a display piece and a puzzle to work out at your own pace than a cube for timed practice. Because of its difficulty and handmade construction, it is not a good choice as a child's first cube.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: FangShi (LimCube)
• Type: mechanical puzzle, virtual 8-axis mechanism, hollow interior
• Manufacturing technology: 3D printing
• Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 60 mm
• Weight: 124 g (approx. 138 g with packaging)
• Packaging dimensions: 68 x 68 x 68 mm
• Body colour: black (Black)