Win a Form 2 in Pinshape’s Newly Launched Bike Accessory Design Contest

It wasn’t too long ago when we were preparing a farewell to the Canadian-based online 3D printing community and marketplace Pinshape, which announced that they would be shutting down operations back in March 2016. Luckily, the faltering company was saved right in the nick of time by Formlabs, which decided to acquire the online 3D model marketplace shortly after Pinshape initially announced that they would be closing their doors. As a 3D printing marketplace and community consistently recognized for hosting a handful of innovative design contests, such as the recently held Batman v Superman design challenge, Formlabs has ensured that the recently revived Pinshape will continue to offer their close-knit community opportunities to enter and win 3D design competitions.

Now, Pinshape has launched the Bike Accessory Design Contest, challenging their community to create a bike accessory that will either expand the capabilities of the bicycle or make it an all-around more enjoyable experience. The contest, which closes on June 30, 2016, will be judged by renowned 3D product designer Agustin Flowalistik (aka FLOWALISTIK) and Zachary Frew, the current community manager for Pinshape. The two judges will select their favorite bicycle accessory designs based on the following criteria: technical excellence and ease of printing, design functionality and application, design creativity and uniqueness, and finally, the presentation of the contest submission.

An example submission: Handlebar smartphone clamp

You can enter the Bike Accessory Design Contest with two simple steps. First, by designing any sort of accessory that is fit for a bicycle, and secondly, by uploading the design to Pinshape and checking off the contest box on the upload form. These are a number of rules in order to ensure eligibility for the contest, for instance, entries cannot be previously submitted to a Pinshape contest, and must also comply with the 3D marketplace’s content policy. Not only is there absolutely no fee required to enter the contest, but competitors are also allowed to submit as many unique designs as they see fit.

It seems that Formlabs’ acquisition of Pinshape has been paying off dividends thus far, as the first place prize for the contest will be the Form 2 Complete Package, a $3499 package that includes everything needed to get started with the Form 2 3D printer, including their one-click printing PreForm Software, a one liter cartridge of resin, and much more. The first place prize will also serve as a celebration for the conjoining of Formlabs and Pinshape, likely making this one of the most valuable contest rewards ever provided to the Pinshape community.

Aside from Formlabs, the contest is also sponsored by Pure Cycles and Wacom, which together will be providing the second and third place prizes. Second place will receive $100 gift card for Pure Cycles, a Wacom Intuos Creative Pen, as well as a medium-sized Touch Tablet. Third prize will include the $100 gift card for Pure Cycles. The winners will be announced in the week following the contest deadline, and all winners will keep ownership of their design, which will be made available to the Pinshape community.

As a bicycle enthusiast myself, I can think of a dozen accessories that would make pedaling a more convenient and joyful time. Whether it be an iPhone holder mounted on the handlebars or a recycled mud guard for the back tire, there are numerous ways that 3D printing technology could potentially improve the bicycle riding experience. The contest is already filled with a number of unique submissions, and it’s safe to assume that the Bike Accessory Design Contest will yield a vast number 3D printed accessories that I wouldn’t mind printing and placing upon my own bicycle. Fill us in on your own ideas! Discuss further over in the 3D Printed Bike Accessory Contest forum at 3DPB.com.