Laboratories play a vital role in healthcare, but field doctors and lab technicians often find themselves in situations where they need to improvise solutions on the fly. Whether it’s connecting items together, holding equipment in specific positions, or finding efficient storage solutions, creativity is key. With its versatility and accessibility, 3D printing can offer a practical solution to overcome these challenges. Especially in challenging environments and remote locations where access to specialized tools may be limited, 3D printing can provide invaluable support to lab technicians.

That’s why, in collaboration with Doctors without Borders Czech Republic, we’re launching a new competition where you can also be part of the change and help others!

Challenge

Design 3D-printable accessories for laboratory equipment, whose primary purpose is to directly facilitate lab activities related to clinical, biological, or chemistry laboratories. The contest covers various aspects of laboratory work, including sample handling, measurement, analysis, safety, and ergonomics.

The best models will be chosen in collaboration with Doctors Without Borders Czech Republic, and be tested in an MSF lab in Sierra Leone!

Ultimate Laboratory Bench Organizer by vsaggiomo

We’re seeking designs that directly improve functionality and ergonomics in the lab. To ensure the contest stays focused, we’re not considering accessories unrelated to lab work. This includes items like generic holders, stands, and other standalone components that aren’t related to lab tasks. So let’s stay focused and craft designs that enhance comfort, efficiency, and make a positive impact in the lab!

If you’re looking for some lab inspiration, we’ve got you covered! Check out the MSF Printables collection or some of the selected models below:

Sample test tube holder rack	Medical Glove Enclosure Mechanism
Falcon Holder – tilt 40degree angle	Pipette Stand
Parametric CPAP Hose Coupler	Immunohistochemistry Staining Chamber for Medical Research
Rack for washing Illumina glass back plate	PPipette Holder

Please note that this round of the competition is tailored for designers who have firsthand experience verifying the practicality of these tools and understanding the expectations for such models. If you aren’t familiar with the field, we encourage you to carefully consider whether your design aligns with the objectives of this competition.

Prizes

First place

The first-place winner will unwrap a brand new Original Prusa MK4 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!

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

Third place

For third place, you’ll get 700 Prusameters , perfect for picking out 2 spools of Prusament or exploring other products.

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

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.

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 “Lab accessories and enhancements for MSF” 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 May 08, 2024, to June 08, 2024.
• You can submit up to 5 unique models to the competition and increase your chances of winning.
• 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.