Panex Junior is a simplified version of the classic Panex puzzle, invented by Toshio Akanuma and manufactured by Tricks Company in Japan in the 1980's. Whereas the original Panex puzzle has two columns of ten pieces that need to be switched, Panex Junior has only a single column of six pieces. This makes it much easier to solve. The staircase design assures that each color can only be moved down to its specific depth.
The frame and six colorful pieces took 3½ hours to 3D print on a Dutchy 3D printer, plus some gluing. 32 meter of 1.75-mm PLA filament was used to print it.
Designed by Oskar van Deventer who has created many different puzzles including his brand of Oskar Puzzles which are mechanical puzzles and objects that can only exist thanks to 3D printing technology. Since 1978, he has been creating hundreds of mechanical puzzles, making him one of the world's most prolific designers. Several of his innovative designs are commercially available.
