The OpenRC Project, Pinshape and MagicFirm Europe Announce First-Ever OpenRC Design Competition

The OpenRC Project started in 2012, when engineer and designer Daniel Norée started tinkering with 3D printing as a way to design and build RC cars. Since then, the project has turned into a community of several thousand members, who share their ideas within an online forum. The community has spawned lots of creative designs and productive collaboration, but until now, there haven’t been any actual design competitions. It’s a bit surprising, actually, that there haven’t been any formal challenges yet – the group seems like the perfect venue for them. Anyway, we’re about to find out if that’s the case, as the OpenRC Project is launching its first official design challenge.

The challenge was developed through a partnership between the OpenRC Project, Pinshape and MagicFirm Europe, creator of ZYYX 3D printers. The idea was conceived by Norée and his Swedish compatriot, MagicFirm Europe CEO Mats Moosberg.

“Even though the 3d printer scene in Sweden is growing, ZYYX is the only Swedish desktop 3d printer so Daniel and I got to talking about how we can put Sweden more clearly on the 3D printing map. Eventually, the idea of an Open RC contest formed,” says Moosberg. “I am very excited to see what designers will come up with! The OpenRC initiative is a really wonderful example of what creative people can do with a 3D Printer and I love the fact that ZYYX is a part of this, both as a tool used in the work process as well as an official sponsor. Good luck to all the contestants!”

The contest rules are pretty simple: design new accessories for the classic RC car, the file for which is available on the contest website. (The design file has been updated to include holes on the front end, bumper, sides and the inside of the cockpit.) Entrants are challenged to create any accessory that will fit into the provided holes, such as “spoilers, a driver, car tires, or a gopro mount.” Once your design is completed, upload it to the Pinshape contest page.

“We are very proud to have such a strong RC community on Pinshape and we want to host a contest that supports the creativity behind this awesome project,” says Lucas Matheson, CEO of Pinshape. “I’m very excited to see what different accessories designers come up with.”

The contest runs from February 1 to March 15, and entries will be judged on the criteria of creativity, presentation and technical excellence. The winner will receive a new ZYYX+ 3D printer, which was just introduced a couple of weeks ago and retails for $2,077 – not a bad prize at all. Second place will receive a printed Open RC F1 car, Norée’s recently released, eagerly anticipated new model. An electronics kit will also be included. Third through fifth prize winners will get a 20% off coupon for a ZYYX+ printer, and sixth through tenth place will receive a limited edition ZYYX polo shirt, which all other winners will receive as well.

There is no limit to how many entries can be submitted by one person, as long as none of those entries have been submitted to any previous Pinshape contests. There’s no fee to enter, and the contest is open to RC enthusiasts worldwide.

“The Open RC community is all about innovation and constantly experimenting to improve the Open RC design,” says Norée. “I hope this contest will inspire more people to get involved in 3D printing, the maker community, and of course the OpenR/C Community.”

Discuss your thoughts on this contest in the OpenRC Project 3D Design Competition forum over at 3DPB.com.