Competition Information

The 3D Print Design Competition is a national competition that forms part of the annual Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) conference. The competition is aimed at encouraging designers, entrepreneurs, engineers and artists to use the latest technology, to promote awareness of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and attempts to gauge the country's capability to design and engineer for AM.

The idea this year is to challenge 3D designers' capabilities by providing them with a scenario which they would need to solve by exploiting the advantages of 3D printing. The theme to be considered in this year's competition is:

"Re-imagining the Future"

There are 4 categories to choose from, with a prize to be won in each of the categories. Participants can enter as many times as they wish, in as many categories as they want but may not enter the same design in multiple categories. The 4 categories are:

1. Medical: Given the current outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, you are challenged to develop creative ways in which to assist medical professionals in their fight against the virus.
2. Design: With current trends in mind, you are faced with the challenge of redesigning public seating. This will be applied to areas where large amounts of people gather i.e.: hospitals, airports, etc.
3. Industrial: (E.g.: industrial application: product development, etc.)
4. Engineering: (e.g: vehicle components)

Note: Designs may incorporate multiple components. It can also be made up of components that can be assembled afterwards.

How to enter

1. Give your 3D model a title, description and choose a design category.
2. Upload a picture of your 3D model for the chosen category (Max 10 Mb).
3. Enter your details & submit before midnight 15 September 2020 - Please see our Facebook page for updates.
4. Explain the function of your design in a supporting document - PDF format and include visuals and renderings.
5. Email your model (.stp OR .stl) and supporting document to competition@rapdasa.org in a zipped file.

Judging Criteria

All entries will be judged according to a score card MATRIX and points will be awarded against each of the following criteria:

• Novelty
• Inventiveness
• Functionality
• Cost effectiveness
• Aesthetic appeal
• Engineering principles
• Perceived value
• 3D printing knowledge
• Target market
• Creativity
• Environmental impact
• Freedom of expression
• Geometry quality (3D printability)
  In the case of a draw, points will be allocated to the quality of the presentation and supportive documentation.

General Considerations

When designing, it is important to take into account the materials that will be used to print it, as well as the limitations of the printer itself. Factors such as structural integrity and durability affect how well a design is able to function, while efficient use of material must be considered to reduce costs and avoid over-designed products.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY, Click here for the T's & C's.