We have seen 3D printed sex toys, which may not be the safest things to 3D print, as their porosity could cause unwanted bacteria to build up and lead to nasty infections in the long run. We’ve also seen a Japanese artist go to jail quite recently, for the second time, for 3D printing out models of her vagina. Neither of these applications may end well for the vagina artist or the owners of the bacteria infested dildos, but with that said, one magazine is taking a stab at using 3D printing in a bit of a less sexual way. In doing so, they hope to more thoroughly engage their readers.
Cosmopolitan Magazine South Africa has just released their annual ‘South Africa’s Sexiest Men‘ calendar. Every year the magazine allows readers to vote for the sexiest man from the calender, prior to choosing country’s Sexiest Man. This year things are a bit different. Instead of allowing readers to judge with their eyes only, the calendar will actually have some of the men’s abs 3D printed so that readers can judge with their hands as well.
“For the first time in (the calendar’s) 17-year history we are including twin brothers and we are giving readers the opportunity to feel some of the guys’ abs,” explained Cosmopolitan editor Cathy Lund.
Once a decision is made, magazine subscribers may vote for their favorite guy by SMS, sending their choice to 35441. The full instructions on how to vote will be included in the calendar which is available immediately. Those who vote will have a chance to win a Jenna Clifford pendant, as well as Brutal Fruit products.
Now, we haven’t seen the actual calendar yet, and more than likely the magazine has not used 3D printing in a traditional sense, (meaning thousands of abs were not printed on MakerBot machines). However, this is a very interesting way to add another sense for readers to engage this sexually driven calendar with.
The Sexiest Man will be announced on January 29, at a Calendar party which takes place in Joburg, South Africa, and the winner will take home R10,000, thanks in part to sponsor Brutal Fruit. To purchase tickets to the event, or get more information about the contest, head on over to cosmopolitan.co.za. For those who were wondering, last year’s winner was a fellow named Jonathan Boynton-Lee.
Let us know if you have purchased the calendar or have voted in the contest. Feel free to post a picture of the calendar in the 3D Printed Sexiest Man forum thread on 3DPB.com.