Mini superheroes and villains took over the streets of Manchester to extol the virtues of 3D printing as part of a competition run by Stockport-based cartridgesave.co.uk.
Designers, hobbyists and students from across the North West and more stepped up to the challenge of creating an original character using 3D technology, in order to win the inaugural 3D Print Cup and a £2,000 3D printer all of their own.
Each designer was asked to submit their model which was then printed by cartridgesave.co.uk using a Makerbot Replicator 2X before being returned to the designer for finishing (sanding, painting, etc.). Taking part in the competition were the likes of Kilogramme, Code Computerlove, Fuzzy Duck as well as international entrants from Brazil, Switzerland and the US. “The characters were absolutely unbelievable; they exceeded our expectations in every way. For many it was their first opportunity to experience the power of 3D printing - something that has the power to revolutionise design over the next few years,” commented Ian Cowley, managing director of cartridgesave.co.uk.
Jonathan Salter’s ‘Brooke and Pacu’ was judged to be the best use of the 3D print technology with design aesthetics, best student entry was scooped by Jamie Carr, Manchester-based Kilogramme won best team, and Ross Phillips was named best individual by a team of judges which included acclaimed 3D modeler Andrew Hickinbottom and Grammy Award nominated illustrator Stanley Chow.
A limited edition ‘Top Trumps’ style game using the characters designed has been created to showcase the entries.
