Staples 3D Printing Challenge
Do you hear the creativity singing to you from the stock of paper? You should. We challenge you to bring the brilliance and magic of the digital world into the analog life. Design the best 3D print models for Staples and bank in 1000 EUR in cash as well as an opportunity to sell your design at Staples – one of the largest office supply retailers in the world!
The models should be specially made for MCor Iris True Color 3D printer. This amazing printer uses standard copy paper to print 3D models – it prints 3D object layer by layer on paper sheets. Colored ink is being deposited on both sides of the paper sheet in the printing process – forget about the single color, you can use more than 1 million of them in your design.
The best models, made for this challenge, will be made available for buyers in Staples MyEasy3D store. Staples and CGTrader give you a unique opportunity to not only touch what you created with your fingers – literally, but also make it a stylish and popular souvenir or business gift. So, have it in mind and create something that looks attractive, interesting, and unique. Upgrade the art of origami – make the paper dance for you!
Entries
Below are the top quality models that were participating in this challenge.
Awards & Prizes
For the winner
- 1000 euro
- 12 months free Designer subscription* on Staples MyEasy3D (valued 900 euro)
- CGTrader's T-shirt
For the 1st runner-up
- 6 months free Designer subscription* on Staples MyEasy3D (valued 450 euro)
- CGTrader's T-shirt
For the 2nd runner-up
- 3 months free Designer subscription* on Staples MyEasy3D (valued 225 euro)
- CGTrader's T-shirt
*Designer subscription contains promotional features of models and shops on Staples MyEasy3D
Terms & Conditions
In order to qualify for the prize winnings, you must agree to terms & conditions.
Submission deadline: October 21, 2013, 23:59:00 PST
- Staples 3D Printing Challenge will run from the 25th of September, 2013, to the 21st of October, 2013.
- The files must be submitted as .STL .OBJ or .VRML and be 3D printable.
- 3D models have to be compatible with MCor IRIS 3D Printer in order to be eligible.
- Check the Model's printability via Staples My Easy 3D by creating a free store. Uploading your 3D models for printing for printability review is required to participate.
- Upload the model to CGTrader.com and check the box "Staples 3D Printing Challenge" when uploading a model.
- A competition is open to everyone, including teams and legal entities.
- Participating in the challenge and uploading 3D models to 3D model website CGTrader and Staples platform is free of charge.
- All the entries must be original and not derivable.
- Employees and relatives of the CGTrader and Staples are not allowed to participate in this challenge.
- Any existing taxes or duties must be paid by the winner. CGTrader and Staples are not responsible for any illegal actions taken by the prize winners.
- You can find more information how to meet the requirements on CGTrader.
Judging
The judging of the challenge is supervised by CGTrader staff. Winners will be chosen following the requirements below:
The judging of the challenge will be performed by CGTrader staff and Staples. Winners will be chosen following the requirements below:
Best Printable 3D Model
- Quality of the 3D printable model
- Uniqueness, innovation, and general achievement in design of the 3D printable model
- Model printability is approved
- Clear and attractive presentation on CGTrader.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Please go through these questions before contacting us
What printable 3D models are eligible for the challenge?
Mainly all 3D printable models in .STL format ar eligible for the challenge. You need to keep in mind that you can add colours to your printable model (see next question). There are some tips and tricks how to meet the requirements and how to add colours, follow Learn How.
How to incorporate the element of full colour into a 3D design?
Traditional 3D printing makes use of STL files as standard. MCOR can still use these file types but also adds a new depth with the ability to handle both OBJ (grouped) and VRML files types that allow the user to incorporate full colour into the design. This can be done either through digital scanning or a 3D design package such as ZBrush, Blender or similar. In house we use ColorIT to add colour to non colour files. Users can either draw a model in a dedicated package such as Solid works or AutoCAD and then export this mesh into a color package such as Zbrush, Blender, Cinema4D to add colours and then export the final VRML or OBJ to the printer software.
These governing overhang, bridging, directional, and cohesive strength factors - are they necessary design considerations?
Overhangs are not generally an issue with this technology as the images are pre-printed onto paper before the part is built.
A consideration for the design of MCOR parts is that all objects should be a single shelled mesh and unlike other printers the waste material does not add cost to the build and therefore objects do not need to be made hollow.
The strength of the parts tends to be high, in particular along the x and y directions . In the Z direction the compressive strength is again high and the cohesive strength can be increased by applying an exterior coating such as PVA or Cyanoacolyte.
Complicated internal structure can sometimes make it difficult to remove waste material from a part. The waste material should be considered when designing a complex part. The size of the waste material can be altered in the printers software but should not be reduced lower than about 10mmx10mm. Larger waste material obviously will decrease the time required to remove the waste. If required cut planes can be added to a print to help weed complex structures or delicate areas such as a nose on a face or a leg of a table.
What are the main advantages of MCor technology?
Low cost, eco-friendly and FULL COLOUR!
I have already published some of my printable 3D models on CGTrader.com. Are they eligible for the challenge?
No. Only 3D models uploaded in the period from the 25th of September to the 21st of October, will be treated as valid entries.
Do free 3D models participate in the challenge?
Yes, absolutely. Sharing artwork is always appreciated in the community.
Can I sell my 3d models which participated in other challenges elsewhere?
Yes. There are no restrictions on publishing and selling your models elsewhere.
Do price tags play any importance when entries are being judged?
No. But do not forget that the prices are always judged by the customers.