The 3D Print Design Competition is a national competition that forms part of the annual Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) conference.
The competition is aimed at encouraging designers, engineers & artists to use the latest technology, to promote awareness of Additive Manufacturing (AM)and attempts to gauge the country’s capability to design and engineer for AM.
This year’s challenge is to design a miniature mechanical object (gadget), especially an ingenious or novel one, to make life easier, simpler, better or just more fun.
There are 5 categories to choose from, with a 3D printer to be won in each of the categories. Participants can enter as many times as they wish, in as many categories as they want but may not enter the same design in multiple categories.
Prizes:
- First Prize: 1x UP Box+ from 3D Printing Systems valued at R39,000
- Second runner up Prize: 1x UP Plus 2 3D Printing Systems valued at R17,000
- Third, Forth, and Fifth runner up Prizes: 1x UP Mini 2 3D Printing Systems valued at R11,000
- Sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth runner up prizes: 1x 3D printing voucher from Rapid 3D valued at R6,000 each
How to enter:
- Choose a design category
- Design a 3D model for the chosen category. Convert the file to stp. OR stl.
- Explain the function of your design in a supporting document. Pdf format. Include visuals.
- Attach your model and supporting document to RAPDASA website.
- Enter your details & submit before 1 October 2017.
General Considerations:
When designing your gadget, it is important to take into account the materials that will be used to print it, as well as the limitations of the printer itself.
Factors such as structural integrity and durability affect how well a design is able to function, while efficient use of material must be considered to reduce costs and avoid over-designed products.
Entrants are limited to the printing volume of a UP Mini 3D printer (120 x 120 x 120 mm) for their designs. All components of the design must fit within the allowed volume. Designs may incorporate multiple components.
It can also be made up of components that can be assembled afterwards. Components will be printed in ABS or PLA plastic, using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology.
Judging Criteria
All entries will be judged according to a score card MATRIX and points will be awarded against each of the following criteria:
- Novelty
- Inventiveness
- Functionality
- Cost effectiveness
- Aesthetic appeal
- Engineering principles
- Perceived value
- 3D printing knowledge
- Target market
- Creativity
- Environmental impact
- Freedom of expression
- Geometry quality (3D printability)
In the case of a draw, points will be allocated to the quality of the presentation and supportive documentation.
