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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 Specification: Cylinder - 25mm diameter × 50mm height
  • Print Mode: Vase mode (approximately 6 grams of filament)

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

  • Model Compliance: Cylinder must measure 25mm diameter × 50mm height
  • Vase Mode: Must be printed in vase mode (single perimeter wall)
  • Weight Verification: Should use approximately 6 grams of filament
  • 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 Specification Released: October 13, 2025
  • Submission Deadline: October 28, 2025
  • Judging Period: October 29-30, 2025
  • Winner Announcement: October 31, 2025

<EFBFBD> Creating the Cylinder Model

Using Bambu Studio

Step 1: Add Primitive

  1. Open Bambu Studio to a new project
  2. Right-click on the build plate
  3. Select "Add Primitive"
  4. Select "Cylinder"

Adding Cylinder Primitive

Step 2: Resize the Cylinder

  1. Click to resize the cylinder
  2. Uncheck "uniform scale" if checked
  3. Set X and Y to 25mm
  4. Set Z to 50mm

Resizing Cylinder Dimensions

Alternative Methods

  • Fusion 360: Create cylinder sketch, extrude to 50mm height
  • Tinkercad: Use cylinder shape, adjust dimensions
  • FreeCAD: Create cylinder with specified dimensions
  • Any CAD Software: Simple cylinder 25mm diameter × 50mm height

<EFBFBD>💡 Tips for Success

  • Vase Mode Settings: Ensure single perimeter, no infill, no top layers
  • Layer Height: Experiment with smaller layer heights (0.1-0.2mm) for better clarity
  • Print Speed: Slower speeds in vase mode often improve surface quality
  • Temperature Tuning: Optimal temperature is critical for transparency
  • Cooling: Proper part cooling helps maintain wall quality in vase mode
  • Post-Processing: Light sanding or vapor smoothing can enhance clarity