After taking a short break last year, the purmundus challenge is back for 2016, calling all innovators, designers, students and engineers. Challenges from previous years asked participants to develop concepts and products such as forward-thinking jewelry, customizable tools, and conscious, everyday products. The focus for this year’s challenge will be: 3D printing for people on the go.
Calling all creatives
Partnering with formnext powered by tct, an international exhibition and conference, the purmundus challenge – which has been taking place in Frankfurt am Main since 2012 – invites creative minds to make innovative use of 3D printing technologies to manufacture inspiring products that tackle major world issues. The purmundus label accepts all kinds of submissions for this challenge, from futuristic concepts that require technologies that have yet to be developed, to market-ready designs available to consumers instantly. Since the first annual purmundus challenge, judges have seen ingenious ideas and products meant to address various issues including:
- Climate change and climate-related goals
- Overpopulation
- Increasingly large conurbation due to a rising share of the growing global population
- Lack of job stability
- Location flexibility in job markets
- Car sharing concepts and public transport issues
- Internet delivery services
- Increasing popularity of self-driving vehicles
- Growing importance of all forms of e-bikes
- Connectivity at all times, in all places
In the challenge description, purmundus explains, “In this world, we are looking for products and concepts that make use of the freedom and potential offered by generative production. We are looking for mobility solutions, luggage, and accessories. We are looking for everyday items that have been made more appealing thanks to bionic, lightweight design as well as completely new ideas for portable products.”
Grand prizes and trophies
Participants have until 30 September 2016 to submit their designs for free, with finalist designs displayed at formnext from 15-18 November. First, second and third place winners will be selected at a ceremony on 17 November by a qualified jury. Additionally, all three winners will receive an attractive purmundus challenge trophy. The first place winner can look forward to a €3,000 cash prize and an annual license to solidThinking Suite, which includes both solidThinking Inspire and Evolve. The second place winner will receive €2,000 and a license to solidThinking Inspire, while the third place winner receives €1,000 and a license to solidThinking Evolve. All winners are also automatically entered to win an additional audience prize to be determined during the course of the challenge. For more information about the challenge including T&Cs and to register, please visit the purmundus website.
About purmundus
purmundus challenge is a trademark of cirp GmbH. Since 1994 the cirp GmbH produces prototypes and small series in polymers with additive manufacturing such as stereolithography, laser sintering or polyjet. The cirp GmbH works for many industries with a particular focus on the automotive industry. As a partner in collaborative research projects, the cirp GmbH is also involved to shift and expand the possibilities and limitations of additive manufacturing continuously.
