Design a 3D Printable Toy or Logo, Win $10,000 in Cash — 2015 Singapore International 3D Printing Competition

While 3D printing is busy blasting down quite a few barriers lately regarding manufacturing and design, one I enjoy the most is the progress of 3D printing toy makers. As so many serious issues abound in the news on a constant basis, we all need to take more time out, relax, and have a little bit of fun. They say play is the work of children, and sometimes we need to put a bit more of that on our to-do lists.

Designers and toy builders are having barrels of fun — as well as refreshing latitude — due to the advent of 3D printing. With a design and manufacturing technology that gives them prototyping and production independence, toy designers and makers are able to reach for exposure in the toy industry more affordably and easily, in a market known for being very difficult to break into historically.

The merriment escalates though when a little competition and cash prizes come into play. And Singapore has the right idea with their vintage toy contest, meant to come up with some ideas using our new technology to dial it back to a time when kids’ toys didn’t come with a stack of batteries attached, and parents weren’t waking up in the middle of the night to a squawking toy gone rogue in the living room.

In a competition sponsored by Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, 3D designers have the opportunity to win up to $10,000 SNG (around $8K USD).

This is the third year for the now annual Singapore International 3D Printing Competition, which features a different theme each year. With toys on the marquis this year, 3D designers are asked to reach back into the vintage toy box to create a fully functional 3D printed model of a toy that has a retro feel but also includes some contemporary engineering and innovation. The toys should have an old-fashioned, traditional concept that invokes a sense of history and culture.

Take note, however: this contest is double-fold, as they also seek a logo design for the newly minted Singapore Centre for 3D Printing. The center, with $113 million SGD infused into it, endeavors to be the world’s most comprehensive center for 3D printing research, development, and subsequent breakthroughs. They are committed to the areas of aerospace and defense, building and construction, marine and offshore, and the future of manufacturing.

The Centre now seeks a logo design that embodies the innovation of 3D printing, with a futuristic twist. Anyone can enter the contest for the $10,000 SNG top cash prize, but there are two other levels for students who wish to enter, as well:

• Singapore school students from primary, secondary, and junior-college levels have the opportunity to win $5,000 SNG.
• Students at the tertiary level — polytechnic schools and universities — can enter their 3D printed toy designs to win $5,000 SNG.

Designs for toys and/or the logo must be ready in physical form by April 24^th for submission to the Centre. Click here for more information. Is this a 3D printing contest you have a great idea for? Share with us in the 2015 Singapore International 3D Printing Competition forum over at 3DPB.com.

First place 3D printed design for 2014 – the Orchid Spirit Hair Pin, which can also be converted to a bracelet.