85 lines
3.3 KiB
Markdown
85 lines
3.3 KiB
Markdown
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# 3D Print Meetup Challenges
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## 🗓️ October 2025 Challenge: "Is it Glass or Clearly Natural?"
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### 🎯 Challenge Overview
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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.
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### 📋 Challenge Rules
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#### Materials & Constraints
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- **Filament**: 3D Fuel "Clearly Natural" - Available in two variations:
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- PCTG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
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- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
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- **Maximum Filament Usage**: 250g per entry
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- **Model Specification**: Cylinder - 25mm diameter × 50mm height
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- **Print Mode**: Vase mode (approximately 6 grams of filament)
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#### Competition Categories
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- **PCTG Division**: For prints using Clearly Natural PCTG
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- **PLA Division**: For prints using Clearly Natural PLA
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- **Overall Winner**: Best clarity across both divisions
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#### Judging Criteria
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1. **Clarity & Transparency** (40%): How clear and glass-like is the final print?
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2. **Print Quality** (30%): Surface finish, layer adhesion, and overall structural integrity
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3. **Technique Innovation** (20%): Creative printing techniques to maximize transparency
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4. **Challenge Adherence** (10%): Following material constraints and using supplied model
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#### Submission Requirements
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- **Model Compliance**: Cylinder must measure 25mm diameter × 50mm height
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- **Vase Mode**: Must be printed in vase mode (single perimeter wall)
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- **Weight Verification**: Should use approximately 6 grams of filament
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- **Documentation**: Include photos showing transparency (with light sources)
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- **Settings Documentation**: Share printer settings used (layer height, temperature, speed, etc.)
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- **Process Notes**: Brief description of techniques used to achieve clarity
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#### Evaluation Process
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- **Transparency Test**: Prints will be evaluated under controlled lighting conditions
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- **Comparative Assessment**: Side-by-side comparison with actual glass reference
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- **Community Voting**: People's choice award for favorite clear print
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- **Technical Review**: Expert panel assessment of print quality and technique
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### 🏆 Prizes & Recognition
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#### Awards
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- **PCTG Division Winner**: Recognition + prize
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- **PLA Division Winner**: Recognition + prize
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- **Overall "Glass Master" Winner**: Grand prize + recognition
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- **People's Choice Award**: Community favorite
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- **Innovation Award**: Most creative clarity technique
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#### Documentation
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- Winner photos for social media sharing
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- Video documentation of winning techniques
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- Settings and process sharing for community learning
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### 📅 Timeline
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- **Challenge Announcement**: October 1, 2025
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- **Model Specification Released**: October 13, 2025
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- **Submission Deadline**: October 28, 2025
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- **Judging Period**: October 29-30, 2025
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- **Winner Announcement**: October 31, 2025
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### 💡 Tips for Success
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- **Vase Mode Settings**: Ensure single perimeter, no infill, no top layers
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- **Layer Height**: Experiment with smaller layer heights (0.1-0.2mm) for better clarity
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- **Print Speed**: Slower speeds in vase mode often improve surface quality
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- **Temperature Tuning**: Optimal temperature is critical for transparency
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- **Cooling**: Proper part cooling helps maintain wall quality in vase mode
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- **Post-Processing**: Light sanding or vapor smoothing can enhance clarity |