The annual batch of finalists for the 3D Pioneers Challenge design competition is always an inspiring look at innovators on the cutting edge of what’s possible with 3D printing. This year’s collection of finalists is even more impressive than usual.
Now in its eighth year, this international design competition for additive manufacturing recognizes individuals and companies pushing boundaries in ten categories of 3D printing, including design, architecture, electronics, medtech, and machinery.
The 42 finalists in 2023 cover 3D printed retail products available now, as well as concepts and research into materials, methods, and technologies to advance manufacturing with 3D printing.
The 2023 finalists range from 3D printed shoes and skateboards to prosthetics and space habitats. There’s even a chocolate 3D printer. The designs in this competition are not only aesthetic; finalists are honored for their mechanical designs, as well.
Among the finalists, one of our favorites combines sustainability, design, and e-mobility in a thought-provoking way.
The 3D printed E-Jet research vehicle (above) serves as an innovative example of alternative mobility concepts of the future. As a “human-hybrid” vehicle with pedal power, it represents a sustainable mobility solution and can also be used as a piece of sports equipment.
On the theme of e-vehicles, finalist Add To Shape has designed a new take on hairpin technology used in electric motors and generators. The company’s 3D printed copper Windings offer new geometries not possible with traditional manufacturing that leads to higher power density and longer lifespan batteries.
Another finalist we’re excited about is Force Flow, which is a method of reinforcing 3D printed concrete construction materials. By integrating reinforcement into the process, builders can gain greater control over material and shape options.
No design competition is complete without something fashionable, and for that, there are three finalists we love. First are the 3D printed Zellerfeld shoes, which are not just footwear, but an entire shoe fabrication system. The bespoke shoes use a single recyclable material to eliminate waste and democratize footwear production. Accessorize your shoes with the parametric handbag, which is a transformable bag made in knit and created with customizable 3D printed decoration on demand. Lastly, the Reframd 3D printed eyewear is focused on more than fashion. Their custom solutions address face shapes not served by the “standards” of eyewear shapes.
View the complete list of finalists here.
Winners receive nearly $40,000 in prize money, an invitation to join the Autodesk Technology Centers Outsight Network (a type of start-up design incubator), 3D printers from Asiga, Ultimaker, or Makerbot, plus a full version of nTopology software. The “Best Industrial Project” will win a three-month software package for “on-demand manufacturing software” by 3YourMind. The “Best Start-Up” will receive support in additive manufacturing and customized coaching from AM Ventures. Books by Avedition, the publishing house for architecture and design, round off the prize packages.
nTopology made its platform for AM design and engineering software available free of charge during the competition.
Finalists were chosen by a jury of industry experts, including All3DP Editorial Advisory Board members Sonja Rasch from Materialise and Kristin Mulherin from AM-Cubed, who is also the current president of Women in 3D Printing.
The 3D Pioneers Challenge is organized by d.sign21 in collaboration with the Rapid.Tech 3D conference. Join All3DP at Rapid.Tech 3D on May 10, when the winners will be announced and presented.
License: The text of "3D Printing Inspiration from Design Award Finalists" by All3DP Pro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.