3D Design Entries Now Being Accepted for 2018 purmundus challenge

For the sixth year, the purmundus challenge will be taking place, asking participants to design solutions that address the challenges of the modern world using 3D printing. The theme for the competition is “3D printing gears up our future,” and asks what the place of 3D printing is in the quickly-evolving culture of demanding technology. As people grow to expect more and more in the way of ease, customization and access, the challenge asks how 3D printing can help to meet those demands.

“3D printing has what it takes to influence our future in a way that is both lasting and positive. It gears us up for all eventualities,” said Corinna Ray, Manager of the purmundus challenge.

The challenge asks entrants to consider how 3D printing is already opening up new opportunities to shape tomorrow’s innovations. How can 3D printing influence the future? It’s a very broad topic, with a lot of room for creativity. The competition encourages people to find the brand new, to experiment with materials and procedures that haven’t broken through yet, are still being researched, or even that haven’t been invented yet.

Last year’s entrants [Image: Mesago / Thomas Klerx]

“The vision of a more ecological system for locally productive and globally networked, self-sufficient cities is within our grasp,” the contest page states. “It is time to prepare, to position ourselves and to think ahead in the interest of comfort and efficiency. The limits of manufacturing are being shifted, and we are facing a future that we all need to learn to understand. There are a lot of new opportunities for innovations and niches. But we already need to set the course today. We need to think about what design will look like in the future, not just in terms of what technology makes possible today but also what potential and conceivable fields of application will present themselves in the future.”

Participants are also encouraged to combine 3D printing with other manufacturing methods in a single design, and to submit unfinished ideas that still have potential. Finalists and winners will be announced at formnext 2018, which is taking place from November 13th to the 16th in Frankfurt, Germany.

The winner of the purmundus challenge will receive €3,000, while the second place winner will receive €2,000 and third place €1,000. The first three winners will also receive licenses for topology optimization software: first place will receive the solidThinking Suite, which consists of EVOLVE and INSPIRE software. Second place will receive INSPIRE, and third place will receive EVOLVE. There will also be an audience prize, chosen by – you guessed it – the formnext audience.

It’s free to enter the challenge, and entries are being accepted until September 23rd. Participants will be notified on October 10th, and submitted designs will exhibited at formnext. Judges will be looking for designs that stand out in terms of design, innovation, and sustainability, as well as utility, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. Jury members include prominent individuals from the 3D printing industry and representatives from well-known industrial companies and research institutes, as well as experts in the surrounding market.

If you’re interested in competing in the purmundus challenge, you can enter here.

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