For all the talk of high end 3D Printers, solar panel printing, and printing in conductive materials, many people still think 3D printing is just a toy. They may be right. Many of the companies who make 3D printers use simple toys as display models because they can easily communicate complex ideas. Toys, despite their young users, still capture many high end engineering and design concepts that keep many professionals and hobbyists busy. For the ultimate toy tinkerers, those who think they have the next Lego, Transformer, or Bakugan, there is now a contest!
GrabCAD and Ultimaker have teamed up for the “Ultimate 3D Printer Toy Design Challenge”. The prizes include a total of 5 Ultimaker 3D Printers. The requirements:
- Model parts should fit, be scaled to or be cut into sections of no greater than 21 x 21 x 21 cm.
- Your submission should be exported in STL and STEP format and preferably include the native file-formats of the CAD-software they were made in.
- Assembly can be via snap fit, bolts, screws or glue. See www.ultimaker.com for more information.
- The model has to be 3D printable.
- Entries will be judged based on creativity, feasibility in 3D printing on Ultimaker, and overall coolness.