August 25, 2022

Kymberlyn Calderon

12th Grade

Baldwin Senior High School

When the Rubik’s Cube was first released in the 1980s, it was seen as a toy that only the smartest people might figure out. Eventually, people realized that the need for patience surpassed the need for intelligence to solve it. Solving the puzzle once creates a euphoria for people to improve, and one of the easiest ways to improve is by buying a puzzle that turns better. Traditional Rubik’s Brand puzzles are often quite stiff and may require the solver’s entire wrist to turn a single side, but innovations throughout the decades have allowed people to turn the puzzle with up to fifteen turns per second. Though Rubik’s Cubes operate primarily on mechanics and mathematics, science also made this innovation possible. 

Magnets may seem just as strong as ball bearings at first, but that is not the case. The magnets are never more than 5 millimeters in diameter, and often 1 or 2 millimeters in height. The maximum magnetic force of the neodymium magnet (N) is also considered, often going up to N40. As a result, the magnets only provide a minimal click when a complete turn is made. The click once again adds extra stability by creating a compliant alignment system. The force of the click can be modified using the Inverse Square Law. The intensity can also change depending on where the magnet is placed inside of a cube. If the magnet is closer to the core of the puzzle (which holds the 6 centers), the feeling will be more prominent and vice versa. Today, companies are experimenting with adjustable magnets. 

The mechanics of a Rubik's cube can only enhance its function to this point given there's no lubrication involved. The typical lubricants are made of silicone. In the earlier years, it was typically silicone spray in a can, but over time silicone oils and differential oils used for race car trucks became the most popular options. The silicone oils are long-lasting and reduce friction made between screws and springs, two metals that make heavy contact. The plastic contact points are also lubricated to reduce friction and to avoid plastic dust building up inside the puzzle. Water-based lubricants are also an option and are used to add bursts of speed to puzzles, but they do have some problems.

The original water-based lubricants dried up incredibly fast. They would leave residue in the cube and would only work for a few dozen solves. Chris Tran, known as the “Rubik’s Cube Scientist” throughout the community, used his knowledge of chemistry to solve this issue. He created a lubricant called DNM-37 and used a concept called hygroscopicity as an inspiration. Hygroscopicity is when a substance is extremely attracted to water. Tran, who realized that the air has water droplets, made DNM-37 a lubricant that can absorb the moisture in the air; making it last longer. 

Overall, the innovations in Rubik’s cubes have been revolutionary to the speeds people achieve now. Magnets have been especially helpful for puzzles with more layers, and the numbers serve as a clear illustration. Some barriers that were thought unimaginable just a few years ago are currently being broken. The current 7x7 Rubik's Cube World Record (set in 2019) is 1 minute and 40 seconds, which was the 6x6 world record in 2013. 

Just like anything, a cube will never be perfect. People value some things more than others in a cube, so there's no one-size-fits-all puzzle out there. Although speedcubes are great now, new ideas will arise and remind us that there's always room for improvement.