If you have ever taken part in a do-it-yourself project, then you more than likely have stumbled upon Instructables before. The Autodesk-owned DIY hub was launched back in 2005, and has grown to feature over 100,000 innovative projects, while the site itself is visited by over 30 million individuals each month.
As the 3D printing space continues to expand its reach, an ever growing number of Instructables projects are utilizing the technology in some form or another. Let’s face it though, a large portion 
of the DIY community has yet to dig deep enough into their pockets to purchase a 3D printer. This means they either have to forgo these projects altogether, or get someone else to print the parts they need for them. This is where Amsterdam-based 3D Hubs comes into play. With over 14,000 members around the world who offer their 3D printers up for use in exchange for a little bit of cash, the platform is becoming the go-to place for those wanting to print an item, without dishing out hundreds or even thousands of dollars for their own machines.
Starting this week, a new partnership is being enacted between the two companies. Instructables will now place a ‘Print with 3D Hubs’ button next to each and every 3D model file posted within their DIY community. When clicked, users will immediately be taken to 3D Hubs, where they can order their printed part from a local printer within the network, and then either pick it up within hours, or have it delivered to them.
Additionally, the two companies have also announced a co-sponsored contest in which thousands of dollars in cash and prizes will be awarded to the individuals who present to the community the best 3D printing related DIY projects.
“Share your 3D models, projects with 3D printed parts, homemade 3D printers, and anything else your 3D printing-loving brain comes up with in the 3D Printing Contest,” states the contest page.
This is likely one of the largest contests we have ever seen within the 3D printing space. It ranks up there with our sister site 3DPrintBoard’s giveaway last year. In total there will be 13 3D printers (chosen from the top machines ranked by the 3D Hubs community), and $2,000 worth of 3D Hubs print credits given away. There will also be 25 runners up who will receive an Instructables t-shirt, adding up to 39 total prizes available. Furthermore, anyone who decides to participate will get a $10 3D Hubs print credit regardless of how good or bad their project may be,
Additional details of the contest and a full list of all the prizes which will be awarded can be found at the official rules page. For those interested in participating, the 3D Printing Contest will run from now until June 22, 2015, at which time entries will be judged for “clarity, ingenuity, creativity, quality of presentation, and execution of the Instructable.”
Let us know if you have participated and what your thoughts are on Instructables integrating a 3D Hubs button into their site. Discuss in the 3D Hubs and Instructables Partnership forum thread on 3DPB.com.
