3D model marketplace CGTrader has teamed up with 3D printing service provider imaterialise for their latest 3D design and 3D printing contest. The Holiday Design Challenge asks participants to design or customise an existing model and optimise it to be 3D printed in silver or ceramic with the winners receiving a 3D print of their entry, 3D printed chocolates and credit with imaterialise and CGTrader.
Yes, it’s that time of the year again, when we start being besieged with reminders of the impending holiday season while complaining about how it’s too soon to be besieged with reminders of the impending holiday season. It’s a dance as old as naked consumerism, but this year you can feel like you’re breaking the cycle by designing and 3D printing gifts for your friends, family and social obligations rather than purchase them. And you might even get paid to do it.
This Holiday Challenge also serves as a showcase of imaterialise’s wide range of available material options and you can enter your design in two categories, either ceramic or silver. Winners from each category will receive a copy of their design 3D printed for them as well as a $75 imaterialise voucher. You will also receive a 1 year premium membership for Autodesk 123D, a selection of 3D printed chocolate creations from Choc Edge and a t-shirt and $200 in credits from CGTrader.
Judging will be at the discretion of CGTrader, imaterialise and Autodesk and the criteria will be based on the quality of the model, how well the design will print in ceramic or silver and on model printability. The judges are asking that you state the material that you are planning to use and make sure that your model will print while keeping imaterialise’s silver and ceramics design and printing guidelines in mind.
“What makes a 3D-printed gift so unique is the way it is created: it requires genuine thought and personal input to design a custom item that would mean something to the recipient. It can be a bespoke, one-off design or a personalized version of a pre-designed model – anyhow, it’s a heart-melting gesture that would not go unnoticed.” said CEO of CGTrader Marius Kalytis. “imaterialise brings the quality and expertise in 3D printing that will, we hope, encourage consumers to include 3D-printed items in their Christmas shopping list and make this challenge a staggering success”.
All entries must be uploaded to a valid CGTrader account by November 9th 2014 in order to be considered and make sure that you tag each entry with “3D Holiday Challenge”. You must select either silver or ceramic as your printing material, however you may use any of the colors or finishes available. All entries must be unique designs that have not previously been uploaded to CGTrader, designs that have been re-tagged or removed and re-uploaded will not be entered into the contest.
