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# 3D Print Meetup Challenges

## 🗓️ October 2025 Challenge: "Is it Glass or Clearly Natural?"

### 🎯 Challenge Overview

Experience the clarity of 3D Fuel's "Clearly Natural" filament in this transparency-focused challenge! Participants will attempt to create the clearest possible print, testing the limits of clear filament printing techniques.

### 📋 Challenge Rules

#### Materials & Constraints

- **Filament**: 3D Fuel "Clearly Natural" - Available in two variations:
  - PCTG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
  - PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- **Maximum Filament Usage**: 250g per entry
- **Model**: Pre-supplied design (will be distributed to participants)

#### Competition Categories

- **PCTG Division**: For prints using Clearly Natural PCTG
- **PLA Division**: For prints using Clearly Natural PLA
- **Overall Winner**: Best clarity across both divisions

#### Judging Criteria

1. **Clarity & Transparency** (40%): How clear and glass-like is the final print?
2. **Print Quality** (30%): Surface finish, layer adhesion, and overall structural integrity
3. **Technique Innovation** (20%): Creative printing techniques to maximize transparency
4. **Challenge Adherence** (10%): Following material constraints and using supplied model

#### Submission Requirements

- **Weight Verification**: Final print must be weighed to confirm 250g filament limit
- **Documentation**: Include photos showing transparency (with light sources)
- **Settings Documentation**: Share printer settings used (layer height, temperature, speed, etc.)
- **Process Notes**: Brief description of techniques used to achieve clarity

#### Evaluation Process

- **Transparency Test**: Prints will be evaluated under controlled lighting conditions
- **Comparative Assessment**: Side-by-side comparison with actual glass reference
- **Community Voting**: People's choice award for favorite clear print
- **Technical Review**: Expert panel assessment of print quality and technique

### 🏆 Prizes & Recognition

#### Awards

- **PCTG Division Winner**: Recognition + prize
- **PLA Division Winner**: Recognition + prize  
- **Overall "Glass Master" Winner**: Grand prize + recognition
- **People's Choice Award**: Community favorite
- **Innovation Award**: Most creative clarity technique

#### Documentation

- Winner photos for social media sharing
- Video documentation of winning techniques
- Settings and process sharing for community learning

### 📅 Timeline

- **Challenge Announcement**: October 1, 2025
- **Model Distribution**: October 3, 2025
- **Submission Deadline**: October 28, 2025
- **Judging Period**: October 29-30, 2025
- **Winner Announcement**: October 31, 2025

### 💡 Tips for Success

- Experiment with layer heights (smaller often helps with clarity)
- Consider post-processing techniques (vapor smoothing, sanding)
- Optimize print orientation for minimal support material
- Temperature tuning can significantly impact clarity
- Consider printing speed adjustments for better layer bonding