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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
- Clarity & Transparency (40%): How clear and glass-like is the final print?
- Print Quality (30%): Surface finish, layer adhesion, and overall structural integrity
- Technique Innovation (20%): Creative printing techniques to maximize transparency
- 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