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All the 3D Print Cup entrants
The models all printed in FDM with moving parts were finished to a particularly high standard this year.
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The winner
Kilogramme's design Howl was the overall winner of the competition, bagging a MakerBot Replicator 5th Gen
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Werewolves of Manchester
Howl's hood flips down turning the character into a werewolf.
The North West’s premier 3D Printing competition has drawn to a close, as the second 3D Print Cup winners are announced.
The competition, hosted by Cartridge Save, encouraged the country’s upcoming 3D model makers to create a 3D printable superhero with the added complexity of incorporating moving parts, with the chance to win a fifth generation MakerBot Replicator.
The winner of the competition was by animation studio Kilogramme, whose work “Howl” was based on a werewolf concept. A Native American character, whose hood when flicked down turned into a wolf. You can see the process the process Kilogramme went through to make Howl on their blog.
Showing that there is really a burgeoning community within the North West 3D printing scene, the winning agency have offered fellow contestants use of the MakerBot for any models they require printing. This sense of community was developed during the various workshops and networking events held during the, now annual, 3D Print Cup. Even the judging panel bonded as Neighbourhood’s Rob Millington, DigitMe’s Mike Mead and Manchester School of Architecture, Matt Pilling are now to collaborate on a forthcoming art project.
Michael Snowdon, Graphic Artist at Draw and Code, awarded ‘Best Team’ said: “The competition allowed us to enter the world of 3D printing, putting our design to the test, against both the other companies and the capabilities of the MarkerBot machine. With aims to move into the toy market the 3DprintCup gave us a fantastic opportunity to test the technology and with the award for ‘Best Team’ we’re confidently moving forwards in that direction.”
All contestants, winners or not, received a printed model of their character and many have decided to use the model as their calling card, displaying their ability to design, print and finish in 3D.
Ashley Sparling, 3D designer and winner of ‘Best Individual’ category said: “I start my new job on Monday as an award winning 3D print expert. I was already a competent 3D designer before but now I have finessed my skills in the printing and finishing process - a skill my new company can use in pitching new and growing current business.”
Ian Cowley, Managing Director at cartridgesave.co.uk, hosts of the 3D Print Cup concluded: “We established the challenge to provide a forum for creatives to explore the emerging technology, which includes the technology’s commercial benefits. What has become clear is the time invested in taking part in already reaping a return.”
