The next Printables contest is here, and this time, we’re focusing on making learning smarter, easier, and even a bit more fun! For the entire month, our “Education Tools” contest invites all the makers to create 3D-printable tools that can improve the way we teach and learn.

Jet Engine - working compressed air turbofan by rndmframes_printing 

Jet Engine – working compressed air turbofan by rndmframes_printing 

This contest isn’t limited to only traditional classrooms. Participants can design anything from math visualization objects that turn fractions into a piece of cake, to accurate anatomical models that make medical students look forward to study sessions. You can also think about tools that could help someone master a new hobby or finally figure out how that complicated gadget actually works.

A well-designed submission could help a child understand basic science principles, assist a university student in visualizing complex engineering concepts, or aid professionals in improving their skills. Think creatively and consider learners of all ages and fields. The winning entries will likely combine innovation, practicality, and that special touch that makes learning feel like an adventure.

The Printables community has always been at the front of creative problem-solving, and now it’s time to apply that ingenuity to the world of learning. Take a look at models that already took their part:

 

Full-size human brain

Dental Mandible

3D Periodic Table

Animal Cell

Educational Clock

ABACUS

PushRod Engine with Gearbox

Mechanical Planetarium
(Photo by MORON)

Ball and Stick Model		 Electric circuit construction kit

Did you know

Printables has a special Edu section, exclusively for registered schools and teachers? It’s a treasure chest of educational content, filled with lesson plans and age-specific materials. So for all the educators out there: If you can´t wait to share your educational 3D models and plans, head over to Prusa Education site and sign up! Once approved, you’ll also have access to a whole world of EDU projects from fellow teachers. It’s like a secret club, but smarter! 🙂

So whether you’re a seasoned educator or just someone with a talent for making learning fun, this contest is your chance to shine. Who knows, you might just create the next big thing in education!

 

Prizes

First place

The first-place winner will unwrap a brand new Original Prusa MK4S Kit!

 

Second place

Second place will be rewarded with 1050 Prusameters – which is just right for grabbing
3 spools of Prusament or choosing from other selected products including Prusa Merch!

Third place

For third place, you’ll get 700 Prusameters , perfect for picking out 2 spools of Prusament or exploring other options from the rewards section.

Representative images of what you can exchange your Prusameters prize for.<br>Starring: Mikoláš Zuza & Pepa’s head

Representative images of what you can exchange your Prusameters prize for.
Starring: Mikoláš Zuza & Pepa’s head

Community’s Picks

As always you all have a chance to help award some prizes too. We want to see your makes of these designs and the five entries with the most makes (who are not also main prize winners) will each receive 350 Prusameters.

Judging Criteria:

  • The overall quality of the model.
  • Printability – Whether the model has an optimal orientation, whether it is divided into multiple parts so it can be printed more easily (without supports) etc.
  • Originality – If you create something truly unique, it will be rated better than a slightly altered existing model.
  • Popularity – Share your model to increase its popularity, and prove that users appreciate such a model.
  • Your other works – In case we can’t decide between two favorite designs, we often check your other models to see what you can do.
  • Assembly instructions – If your model consists of multiple parts, we check how easy it is to assemble the final product.
  • Photo quality – Well-lit, in-focus, and clear photos help show off your work and help us pick the best designs. For tips, check out our Basics of Product Photography course!

How to participate?

It’s easy to participate in this competition. Just follow these simple instructions.

  • Design and create a model or improve an already existing one (“remix”) so that the result fits the theme of this contest. The model has to be printable on an FFF/FDM or SLA 3D printer (any manufacturer and model). This also means that you don’t need to own a 3D printer to participate. When creating the model, keep in mind the pros and cons of various types of 3D printing technologies and what can and can’t be actually done.
  • Upload the model to Printables.com and make sure it contains:
    1. Model in .3MF or .STL file format (print files are optional)
    2. Photo or render of the model (ideally both)
    3. Model description
  • Add the model to the contest. You will find the new competition button just below the download button on the print’s page after you publish your print. Click the Compete medal and select the “Educationa Tool” contest. After that, your print will be shown on the contest page and you will be in the running.

Of course, you can share your model on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest,…), and don’t forget to add @printablescom. This can help increase the popularity of the model.

Terms and conditions

  • The contest runs from October 02, 2024, to November 02, 2024.
  • You can submit up to 5 unique models to the competition and increase your chances of winning.
  • Models submitted to the contest must be models that have been uploaded on or after September 12, 2024.
  • The model must contain at least one printed part.
  • By entering the contest, you agree to keep your model posted to Printables.com for a minimum of one year. The Prusa team reserves the right to repost your design if it is removed before the end of that year.
  • You must be the original creator of the model you upload, please do not repost other people’s models from other sites.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the competition or change the conditions of the competition at any time. In case of violation of the terms and conditions or attempted fraud, the competitor will be disqualified.
  • Submitting entries that do not fit the contest criteria will result in disqualification and repeated offenses may disqualify you from future contests.
  • Results are at the judge’s discretion and all results are final.