Shapeways and Gravity Sketch Partner to Launch “Spin It to Win It!” Contest

One of the most glaring obstacles standing in the way of 3D printing technology’s expansion throughout the world is the lack of capable 3D designers. With most 3D modeling being done by engineers on professional-grade CAD systems, the maker community has been severely lacking accessible and convenient design software. But, the London-based startup Gravity Sketch is looking to reshape this dilemma with their smartphone and tablet-compatible 3D sketching app. With Gravity Sketch, users can utilize a number of intuitive brushes to seamlessly create 3D lines, shapes, and symmetrical models all in the swipe of a finger.

To celebrate this innovative new application, the esteemed 3D printing service bureau Shapeways has launched the “Spin It to Win It!” contest, calling upon their community to utilize Gravity Sketch to its full potential. In a collaborative effort between Shapeways and Gravity Sketch, they hope to showcase the convenience and simplicity of the 3D sketching app. The competition requires submitters to use the 3D sketch app to create a unique and original model of a spinning top. Submissions for the “Spin It to Win It!” contest must be turned in by June 23, 2016, and the selected designers will have the chance to win themselves some Shapeways 3D printing credit.

The judge panel will be comprised of representatives from Gravity Sketch and Shapeways, who will be selecting the top eight designs based off of originality and creativity, perceived physics, aesthetics, and the best use of the Gravity Sketch app. Once the top eight designs are selected and 3D printed, they will be spun and broadcasted on Facebook Live. The top three spinning top designs will then be selected by the judge panel, which includes Shapeways Community Manager Andrew Thomas, designer and Shapeways shop owner Dalton Bissell, and other assorted members of the Gravity Sketch team.

For the first round of the contest, the top eight selected designs will be 3D printed by the service bureau, after that, the top three designs will be sorted out and given the prizes. First place will receive $100 in 3D printing credit, while the second and third place will win $50 and $25 in credit, respectively. These three winners will be chosen and unveiled during the week of July 11, 2016. Interested in trying to make some heads turn with your own spinning top design? Well, there’s only a few steps to follow in order to get involved in the contest.

First and foremost, competitors must download the 3D sketching app on their iPad, the app itself is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later versions. Next, simply use the innovative features offered on the Gravity Sketch app to create an original and unique spinning top design, which is to be uploaded to Shapeways through your account upon completion. Lastly, contest entrees must be shared on your Shapeways product page under the tag ‘GravitySketchTop2016’. There are a number of guidelines to note before entering the contest as well. Most importantly, entrees can only come from Shapeways users based in the United States or the United Kingdom, and all submissions must be purely designed via the Gravity Sketch app. Discuss over in the Shapeways 3D Modeling Challenge forum at 3DPB.com.