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Esso partners with MyMiniFactory for upcycling 3D design challenge

Earlier this year, MyMiniFactory teamed up with Esso (Exxon) in a 3D design challenge based on upcycling.

The brief was to upcycle and repurpose the 250ml slim can into something new. The aluminium drink can is one of the most commonly consumed products in the world – almost 6,700 cans every second are thrown away. This challenge was designed to test the 3D printing community, through MyMiniFactory, to harness the potential of using 3D printing and bringing fresh ideas to a wider audience.

Showcasing 3D designers on the global stage

Unlike other MyMiniFactory challenges, this challenge gave participants the opportunity to be considered for future marketing campaigns by Esso. This opportunity can propel the designer into a global stage and greatly impact their career to be partnered with such a priceless opportunity.

The first prize for this design challenge was the BCN3D Sigmax worth $5,000. The BCN3D boasts of a Independent Dual Extruder system, which allows printing of two materials or colours with a smooth finish, and soluble supports, which remove the need of post-processing. It also has a duplication mode, mirror mode and many other features.  Second place received a STARTT 3D Printer.

With a plethora of exceptional designs entered, it was a difficult decision. Exxon was so impressed they nominated a third winner who also received a STARTT printer.

The third place winner was @DrMake, creator of the ‘Can-Bot’. By printing a selection of 10 connectors, extenders and hinges, one can create a ‘bot’ limited only by the imagination and the number of 250ml cans to hand. In second place was @Mark.Chester. Designer of the “Print For..” programme. By printing parts and exchanging them in Esso stations for money off and the parts get sent to either programme. The ‘..Pollen’ programme helped build upcycled hives for bees, and the ‘..Build’ programme helped build structures that can be homes in developing countries.

DrMake's Canbot. Photo via MyMiniFactory.
DrMake’s Canbot. Photo via MyMiniFactory.

The first prize goes to….

Winning the BCN3D Sigmax printer was @Makit aka Cristobal, with the ‘250 Office Garden’. This garden compromised of triple and double connectors which when added to a tray, plant pot, noteholder, display platform and even a plastic flower gave a green-fingered feel to the room. Such a ingenuity it was sure to be the winning submission. When we spoke to Cristobal, a high school technology teacher, with interest in DIY, IT and electronics, to describe himself he said, “I’m not a pro designer, maybe not even a proper one (I’m 100% self-taught), I can contribute with my designs because I love to create new things with my printer and sharing them, and that’s what this is really about, sharing.”

Makit's 250 Office Garden, the winning entry in the MyMiniFactory - Esso competition. Photo via MyMiniFactory.
Makit’s 250 Office Garden, the winning entry in the MyMiniFactory – Esso competition. Photo via MyMiniFactory.

To find out more information about upcoming design challenges, you can sign up for the MyMiniFactory newsletter which users can register for here.

Makit's 250 Office Garden, the winning entry in the MyMiniFactory - Esso competition. Photo via MyMiniFactory.
Makit’s 250 Office Garden, the winning entry in the MyMiniFactory – Esso competition. Photo via MyMiniFactory.

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Featured image shows Makit’s 250 Office Garden, the winning entry in the MyMiniFactory – Esso competition. Photo via MyMiniFactory.