Challenges

In the old times they used a different word for April, which meant "the month of openings". Christians celebrated the resurrection of Christ during the month of openings, hence the Easter egg that symbolizes new beginnings, new life and fertility. We don't really bother finding out facts that our traditions sit on anymore, and who could blame us? Given the speed we live at and the different perspective we have on life, less and less people care about looking back to learn about the history and focus on imprinting their mark on the future. And this, we believe, is where 3D printing emerges offering a different take on new beginnings, a way to apply one's imagination, creativity and skill to contribute to shaping the future.

The Easter 3D Printing challenge is an attempt to liven up the traditional spring festival that celebrates the idea of new life using modern technologies. What comes to mind when we think about the Easter festival is family gatherings, sprouting flowers, chocolate eggs and colorful decorations. The question we want you to ponder is how 3D printing models could be used to infuse the festival with new ideas, state-of-the-art product designs and unusual knick-knacks for decorating. Let the 3D printed games begin.

The winners will receive awesome prizes: 3Doodlers by 3Doodler, Filaments by 3D Filaprint and Extrudr, 10% discount when ordering your print through i.materialise, 10% discount to shop in the store by Pirx3D, credits and promotional features by CGTrader.

Let's 3D print the old festival a new face!

Tell us what you see when you lift the veil and peek into the dystopian or utopian future worlds. What is your idea of alternative universe and highly altered state of existence? Are there beings out there? What do they look like? What do they do and how do they live? When you step into those parallel planets, does your heart stop due to their colorful beauty or overwhelming fear? Can we take a space lift to travel there? Let the current of questions take you to unimagined places and thrill you with implausible adventures and stories. Ignite the future with a spark of untamed imagination.

We have run a similar challenge last year and have been taken aback by the creativity and effort that went into modeling 3D spaceships, characters, buildings, vehicles, guns and all kinds of concept 3D models (halo 3D models page is a good place for ideas) that intensified the experience of visiting future worlds. In fact, it's rather addictive, so here we are again, asking you to pull the big guns and show us some back to the future stuff (Star wars 3D models, anyone?) that would make this challenge a roaring adventure.

The best visionary proposals will receive awesome prizes: Substance Indie Packs and Substance Painter / Substance Designer licenses by Allegorithmic, interviews in the magazine by 3D Artist Online, $1000 render fee by Rayvision, 1 Year Professional level Clara.io accounts by Clara.io, store credits by Daz3D, Maxwell Render Suite Node Lock and Learning Edition licenses by Nextlimit, credits and promotional features by CGTrader.

Good luck!

Wearable technology is spinning the tech-lovers out of control. There's so much media frenzy about the upcoming release of Apple Watch that, no matter whether you love or hate the idea of the first chic wearable, it's in your face.

The new 3D printable models free challenge is all about the Apple Watch and the commercial possibilities waiting to be unlocked. It's a fantastic opportunity for you to use the vibrant pre-sale anticipation period to promote your 3D print designs and earn money off your talent. Submit 3D printable accessory designs compatible with the new smart watch, such as watch-stands, cases, buckles and straps, travel pouches, and so on, to win sparkling prizes and see your 3D models added to the special Apple Watch Accessories collection, boosting your chances to hit the jackpot. Let the 3D printed games begin!

We say the smartwatch needs a smart touch to take the world by storm.

Environment. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when reading this word? Rocks? Trees? Maybe your hometown? Dozens of different scenarios and all of them are the right ones, as we decided not to put any limits on this challenge!

So remove the imaginary boundaries, turn on your fantasy and create the environment that you are or would like to be surrounded by. Yes, it means that your models can be both realistic and imaginary (take a look at sci fi 3D models for a little inspiration), just keep in mind that the natural environment should dominate.

It doesn't matter whether you are professional or just starting your path down the road to becoming a skilled 3D models artist - surprise the judges with the originality of the model / rendering, artistic skills, or quality, and win great prizes that will help you create even more amazing models.

The best visionary proposals will receive awesome prizes: DOSCH 3D: Splash Effects packages by Dosch Design, Colimo and RealPerception licenses by Motiva CG, plugins of choice by R&D Group, courses of choice by 3D Buzz, subscriptions for three months by Digital Tutors, credits and promotional features by CGTrader.

Compel us by recreating nature or designing a completely different environment to what we are used to live in! We want to see it!

You won't be surprised to learn that schools and universities around the world are starting to adopt 3D printers. The potential to innovate teaching methods using additive manufacturing technology is insane. To illustrate how huge it is, we would actually go so far as to say it might be the end of sleeping through math or biology class. (yeap, that's right)

The problem here is that cool 3D print models for educational purposes are still difficult to find. The science category may not be the sexiest one, but it is super important, and we like to think that developing this discussion we're contributing to a brighter and tech savvier future for us all. Is your inner geek still alive and well? Then shake off that cool designer's vibe and help us reshape modern education.

Science, technology, engineering, maths, design and technology - these are the disciplines that could greatly benefit from 3D models for printing. The purpose of this challenge is to generate a collection of smartly-designed and useful 3 dimensional visual aids that would help teachers illustrate hard-to-grasp concepts, enhance hands-on learning and learning by doing. Think of what drove you crazy back in school (or still is!) and what could be explained in a much much simpler way. Whether it's a 3D printable skeleton or a rocket, an engine or a set of planets - enter the challenge to woo the future adopters of 3D printing. Embrace your inner geek and win amazing prizes from 3D Printing Store, Cartesio3D, 3D Buzz and Tinkercad!

The new generation of robots is nothing like the sandwich-maker-type of machines that we thought them to be 20 years ago. Modern robots can look and behave like humans, pushing the imagination boundaries to extreme lengths. Here at CGTrader we think robots(like the recent ultron 3D model) are cool and they'll be integral to our future, but everyone knows that creative projects like building a robot have to start from the basics - it starts with an idea. What will the robot look like? What functions and features will it have? Will it be a cute, functional, military, utilitarian or steampunk machine? We love them all, bring it on!

The CG Robots Challenge is designed with 3D artists in mind who are interested in exploring new concepts and creating something fresh and mind-bending. Don't worry about rules or restrictions - there are none. All 3D robot designs are welcome, but we thought you might want to know that we're very bad at saying no to inventive and new ideas. Can you imagine (and 3D model) the future today? Then we want to see it! Showcase your skills and win prizes worth more than $7000!

February is mostly about love and love is all about the great DESIGN of faith.

So no matter if you've got someone to share your breakfast with or you're still single because you have not yet met someone who can handle all of your awesome, we want you to put your creative energy to work and design the perfect Valentine's day gift.

What 3D printing models bring to the table is the unexpected, the impossible-made-possible and the truly personal. So we think it's time to 3D print the present that will leave your SO in awe (and get you all the great prizes!). Let's not have another Valentine's day filled with chocolates and meaningless postcards...

What could make a good present? Aim for classics and add your own twist: jewelry, art, home or gadget categories seem to be the best fit for this occasion. You can even print your beloved's 3D dog model for a perfect surprise. Show us some love!