Challenges

It may seem a little early, but being early can’t hurt, right? Remember last year’s shipping nightmare? Yeah, we thought so. Let’s take the hassle out of this year’s Christmas shopping and start thinking about the perfect gift for your friend, your loved one, your home or pet. We have a little surprise this time that will keep you on track and motivated!

Having joined forces with the 3D printing experts from i.materialise, we are thrilled to present you the i.materialise Holiday challenge that has two distinct categories – silver and ceramics.

3D print models are here to make the Christmas shopping a tad more special with the customization and bespoke design options. It’s time that we move away from gift vouchers and ginger cookies to high-quality, beautiful presents that have the power to dazzle or bring back personal memories. Think jewelry, homeware, personal accessories, hobbies, crafts or anything else that can spark a smile.

What we’re asking, really, is to keep in mind the material that you wish your gift to be printed in; avoid the cheap Santa figurines and snowflake decorations and think bigger – what can help you win and then help you sell? Remember, the winner gets his models printed by i.materialise!

3D-Print for your bright Christmas with the right gifts!

Check out the Things you should know section for more info on category specifications!

There are so many mechanical innovations and crazy inventions that technologically it is already entirely possible to have a part car, part bus, part train parked in your garage. It does sound a little insane, but only because it’s a completely new concept to us. We don’t realize that when we’re on a plane, we’re basically flying on a drone, as drones are based on the exact same technology. Does having a personal flying vehicle in front of your home excite you or scare you?

Designing a future vehicle (maybe a 3D spaceship?) is a liberating experience, since there are no rules and no expectations. The Future Vehicles challenge is aimed at those who can’t help but wonder what the future supercars will look like, how we’ll travel from point A to point B and what new and captivating features these vehicles will possess. Any sci fi 3D models are welcome!

Do not limit yourself to the conventional means of transport, let’s explore all possible methods of travelling – from electric rickshaws, to two-wheeled part drone, part car monsters or even flying trams. Any computer-generated 3D model of a fantasy concept vehicle is welcome, as we join forces in unraveling the future travel.

3D Printing Kids Challenge: Learn, Dream, Create

If your brain is bubbling with ideas, you have a flair for technology and have the guts to go head to head with other young geniuses like yourself, take this challenge and see your inventions come to life.

Do you see ways how to improve the school life, home and leisure time using 3D models for printing? Have you developed an inspiring toy concept or come up with a brilliant invention for everyday problems? Then go ahead and design it. The easiest way to develop a truly inventive idea for your project is to find something that causes trouble, a daily problem that gets people frustrated, something that requires a creative approach – then put your mind to it and offer a 3D printing-inspired solution.

We will welcome a wide range of good quality 3D printable models from juniors aged 14 & under.

Let your imagination roam free – learn, dream, create!

Cars are so last season. The world is changing - with the climate change threatening the survival of human beings and gas costs skyrocketing, a record number of people are opting for a much healthier and cheaper commute - cycling. There are billions of bikes produced every year, which basically means one thing - they are mainstream. FlyKly, the main sponsor of this challenge, is just the right example to illustrate cyclists’ devotion to finding the smoothest and smartest way to travel.

“Cycling is a great solution to commute in the city, escape the traffic, save the environment and be part of the community. FlyKly is dedicated to making bicycle friendly cities and improving the way we travel from A to Z in the fastest, smoothest and smartest way possible. With this challenge, FlyKly would like to encourage designers to design innovative 3d printing models for urban cycling that will be available instantly to 3D print and fun to use in order to make the urban cycling fun, safe and smart,” - says Niko Klansek, Founder of FlyKly.

3D printing is here to help us take advantage of mass personalization by offering cyclists the opportunity to customize their urban beasts. 3D Printed Bicycle Accessories Challenge is an opportunity for you to tap into this huge and still growing market. Cyclists take their gear very seriously, so if you can offer them relevant, and (more importantly) better products than the ones that already exist in the marketplace, you can be sure to grow some loyal clientele.

What does it take to turn a standard bike into a street-killer? Just about everything you can think of: valve caps, mirrors, wall mounts, bottle holders, mud guards or handlebar grips… Take a good look at a bike and go reinvent it. Please.

When it comes to 3D-printed jewellery, the new technology is redefining our notion of what is possible. We know the current trends and they’re exciting, but what could really blow everyone’s minds is peeking into the future and bringing those visions to life through 3D printing.

3D printing is said to be completely transforming jewellery industry, but we need a proof. This time we want you to give the fashion world a little shake...

In a society where everyone's striving to stand out, custom products can certainly be the ace in your pocket. Jewellery is an essential part of a stylish look and it’s such a broad range of products, too! Everything from rings, earrings and pendants to headwear or belt buckles is 3d print design.

Can you think of a time when you wanted to purchase a unique piece of jewellery, but couldn't find one that you really liked? Wrong colour, size or a too mainstream design? Sure you can, we've all been there. That's what we're talking about. The 3D Printable Jewellery challenge is all about the eye-catching, memorable jewellery designs and 3D models for printing that are created to impress and match your 3d clothes.

Do us a favour and dazzle us with your creativity.

* Copyrights of the picture published on a banner belong to Yvonne van Zummeren - Dyvsign

3D Sports Challenge: Better Harder Faster Stronger

Whether you’re actively engaged in sports or love spending your evenings watching sport games in your living room (or maybe you’re exceptionally good at inventing new sports?), we are super pleased to announce the new and exciting 3D CG modelling challenge. Take a deep breath and start brainstorming your ideas to produce the most interesting sport-related 3D models and win some amazing prizes sponsored by Maxon, V-Ray, Digital Tutors, Verold and Flare3D.

With the football World Cup holding the world in its grips, it’s the perfect time to express your support for your favourite team, player or coach. Not a fan of football? That’s good too. We invite you to create free 3d game models of any sport – real or soon-to-be-real – and get cracking! There are no rules in the fantasy world, so don’t be shy and show everyone why they should be excited about YOUR imaginary sport!

You are probably well aware that 3D printing is breaking into new territories every day. This time we’re occupying the most important area of all – your home! And every other home around the world. It’s time to really show everyone what can be done with a 3D printer. Why bother going shopping for homeware products, if you can print them at home? We invite you to push the limits of your creativity and design 3D printable items that would be handy at home, which is basically everything from door knobs and picture frames to cutlery sets and bathroom furniture – there are no bad ideas.

Creating a cosy and beautiful home has never been easier. Can’t find a flower pot to fit your windowsill? Print one. Need a custom-made toolbox to hold all your screwdrivers? Print one. A lid of your kettle got broken? Print a new one. It’s okay if you feel a little overwhelmed with the amount of choices that this challenge provides – creative chaos is an artist’s best friend and we’re positive you’ll come back with mind-blowing 3D printable items.

Although it is a very exciting challenge, we don’t expect you to work for free 3D people! Among other fantastic prizes, we have an assembled TAZ 4 3D printer from LulzBot to give away and plenty of cash. You get the idea, now start creating!