Overview

It’s time to unleash your 3D powers, the 2016 3D Printing Contest is here! Show us what this exciting new technology inspires you to create. Share your 3D printed parts, homemade 3D printers, and other 3D printing-related projects.

In partnership with 3D Hubs, world's largest network of 3D printing services, we are giving away 15 (!) of the best 3D printers chosen by their community.

With so many prizes, now you can win in 3 categories:

Best Instructable (open category): 3D models, projects with 3D printed parts, or any other 3D printing-related project.
Prizes: BEETHEFIRST, CEL Robox, Craftbot Plus, LulzBot Mini, DeltaWASP, MakerGear M2, Witbox 2, Rostock Max, Ultimaker 2 Extended+

Ultimaker prizes for best fully 3D printable Instructable: Projects that are 100% printable or just need a few screws to get their final shape and function.
Prizes: Ultimaker 2 Extended+, Ultimaker 2+, Ultimaker 2 Go

Zortrax prizes for best health-related project: Assistive technology, ergonomic builds, bio related, or anything that makes lives better.
Prizes: 3X Zortrax M200

Additionally, 50 more projects will win a $50 3D print voucher, and all contest entrants will receive $10 3D printing voucher from 3D Hubs for future projects.

Entries will be judged based on clarity, ingenuity, creativity, quality of presentation, and execution of the Instructable. Start thinking (and creating) in three dimensions!

Don't have a 3D printer (yet)? Find an online 3D printing service on 3D Hubs: A fast and affordable way to get your 3D prints done.

Want more contests? Check out Instructables' current contests here!

The 3D Printing Contest 2016 is closed.

Grand Prize

65 Prizes

Grand Prize (5)

Five Grand Prize winners will receive one of the following 3D printers:

Ultimaker 2 Extended+ - As the largest model of the Ultimaker family, the 2 Extended+ comes with a huge 223 x 223 x 305 mm build volume. It is amongst the most precise FDM printers with layer resolution going up to 20 microns. Setting it up takes only a few minutes and the new Extended+ version is now updated with a geared feader, a swappable nozzle and optimized airflow for even smoother prints.

DeltaWASP - With its stunning looks, this Italian 3D printer could be the crown jewel of any design studio. It's not afraid to get its hands dirty either: the DeltaWASP is equipped with a changeable extruder and can print with a wide range of materials including ABS, PLA, PET, Nylon, Flex, Polystyrene, Laywood and experimental materials such as clay and porcelain.

Witbox 2 - The 2nd generation Witbox is an open source 3D printer with a fully-enclosed build chamber that provides a stable and safe printing environment and one of the largest build volumes for any desktop 3D printer. With its Double Drive Gear traction system it can print with PLA, bronze, wood, copper and even flexible materials like FilaFlex.

MakerGear M2 - Manufactured in Ohio, the M2 is a top choice for anyone with minimal 3D printing experience, while it has great potential for experienced users as well. It has a solid steel chassis, a large 203 × 254 × 203 mm build volume, a heated glass platform and you can tweak it with on board controls and interchangeable nozzles.

Rostock Max v2 - The second release of the popular delta printer is without doubt one of the coolest looking machines out there with its insect like structure. The Max is fully open source and upgradeable, and has a large printing volume (270 mm ø x 375 mm). Takes some effort to assemble, just as any great Instructable!

Grand Prize (4)

Four Grand Prize winners will receive one of the following printers:

CEL Robox - Made in the UK, the Robox is an award winning FDM printer with advanced features like an interchangeable print head, a heated build plate and auto-leveling. Inside the closed build chamber, it is equipped with dual nozzles and smart extrusion system for fast prints, consistent quality and many possibilities to experiment.

LulzBot Mini - The LulzBot Mini makes 3D printing easy and accessible for everyone. Built with Free Software, Libre Innovation, and Open Source Hardware, the Mini print right out of the box and is packed with ease of use features like an auto-leveling bed and a self-cleaning nozzle. Great choice for anyone who loves to tinker and try out a variety of materials.

BEETHEFIRST - This sleekly designed machine doesn’t just look pretty, it prints directly out of the box and has great print quality too. Its compact size and the built-in handle makes it simple to carry around. Top choice for anyone who’s looking for a hassle-free machine, from professionals to the use in education.

Craftbot Plus - The updated version of the acclaimed Craftbot sports a clean design with a cut steel frame and a 2.8-inch color touchscreen. It’s takes only minutes to setup, and features advanced functions like pause print and layer-by layer visualization. Build volume is sizable at 250 x 200 x 200 mm, and you can experiment with a wide variety of materials from PLA and ABS to wood and carbon.

Judges' Prize: Health (3)

Three Judges' Prize winners for the best health related project, assistive technology, ergonomic builds, bio related, or anything that makes lives better, will receive:

Zortrax M200 - An easy to use, real prosumer 3D printer that produces reliable and accurate prints without the need to dive deeply into multiple control settings. Made from sturdy aluminum, the M200 is capable of printing straight out of the box with very little setup. The 200x200x180 mm build area includes a perforated build platform and it prints with a variety of materials for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

Judges' Prize: Fully 3D Printed (3)

Three judges' prize winners for the best fully 3D printed project will receive one of the following printers:

Ultimaker 2 Extended+Ultimaker 2+, or Ultimaker 2 Go

The Ultimaker 2 family includes 3 versions of the popular multifunctional 3D printer. Build volumes range from the compact 120 x 120 x 115 mm to the ultra-large 223 x 223 x 305 mm. All models can print right out of the box, with up to 20 micron layer resolutions. The new 2+ versions are now updated with a geared feeder, swappable nozzle optimized airflow for even smoother prints.

3D Hubs Prize (50)

Fifty Runner up prize winners will receive:
  • a $50 3D printing voucher to 3D Hubs
  • an Instructables prize pack including a t-shirt
How It Works

Write an Instructable

Create a new Instructable that fits the guidelines outlined in the contest description above. To be eligible, Instructables must be published between Apr 4, 2016 and Jun 27, 2016 (11:59pm PT).

Enter

Upon publishing your Instructable you'll see checkboxes for open contests. Select 3D Printing Contest 2016. If you have entries currently eligible for entry, it will also show up by clicking "Enter this Contest" on the right side of this page.

Accepting

Entries are accepted by Instructables staff within one business day Monday - Friday. What matters is the submission time, not acceptance time.

Judging

A panel of judges made up of Instructables staff and respected members of the community rate the finalists. The averages of the ratings determine the winners.

Winners

When the winners are decided they will be notified and announced here on the contest page.