Modular, Flexible, 3D Printed ‘BendyBag’ is the Winner of the NinjaFlex / 3DShare Design Contest

One of the great things about the ever expanding list of 3D printable materials available, is that we are constantly seeing more and more ways in which we can utilize 3D printing as a means for producing one-of-a-kind works of art.  Only a couple years ago we were basically limited to 3D printing with two materials; PLA or ABS.  Now there are composite materials, conductive materials, and even flexible filaments which can be extruded from most FFF-based desktop 3D printers.  One of these flexible materials is filament from a company called Fenner Drives, called NinjaFlex.

The end of April saw the end of the first 3DShare design competition — a competition which asked designers to come up with the most creative design for a product that could be printed with NinjaFlex filament.  The winner was just announced, and 3DShare is delighted to announce that it is a user named “Castomized” for their 3D printed Bendybag! This modular system is flexible in more ways than one, but could only truly be brought to life with NinjaFlex’s filament.

As Castomized describes it:

“BendyBag is a modular system that allows you to make the perfect bag for every occasion. Choose the elements, print them with NinjaFlex and create your own style! There is no limit, small, large, colorful or elegant, the choice is yours. Will you create the most beautiful bag?”

And to the winner, the spoils.  Castomized will receive the following:

•   3 spools of Ninjaflex or SemiFlex filament in a color of their choice!
•  Castomized’s design will be featured on 3DShare & 3DPrint.com.
•  The design will be entered the annual 3DShare ‘Design of the Year’ award competition.

Judging representatives from 3DPrint.com, 3DShare and Ninjaflex all decided that the BendyBag was the most creative use of the flexible filament. However, the judges were also very impressed with the high standard of design and levels of creativity that the designer implemented in creating this unique product. Other designs which made a notable impression on the judges and were highly commended included an ingenious Magnetic Watch Strap and a Soft Lure for Cod Fishing.

The BendyBag is exclusive to 3DShare and is available to download for just 99 cents.  Once downloaded, you are permitted to 3D print as many copies as you would like.  3DShare will be starting up their next competition soon and they would love to see even more entrants next time.

What do you think of the BendyBag? Is this something that you will be 3D printing yourself?  Did you enter the 3DShare / NinjaFlex contest?  We’d love to see your entries.  Discuss and show off in the 3DShare/NinjaFlex Contest Forum thread on 3DPB.com.