3DPrintMeetup/challenges.md

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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