purmundus challenge 2019 launches with theme ‘Beyond 3D Printing’
Each year at Formnext, a number of innovative 3D printing concepts and projects are brought to the fore through the purmundus challenge, which recognizes the most imaginative and trend-setting projects. This year, the additive manufacturing challenge will be seeking submissions relating to the theme “Beyond 3D Printing.” The overall aim of the challenge is to serve as the international trend radar for creative developments in the industry.
“Beyond 3D Printing” is admittedly a bit of a vague theme, but it provides room for interested parties to go in a number of different directions. One important element that will come into play through the theme is the fact that AM has reached “a plateau of productivity,” meaning that the technology doesn’t solely rely on innovation in the way of technical feasibility. The 2019 purmundus challenge will thus emphasize innovation through increased utility and efficiency as well as through “outstanding and appealing design.”
On a more literal level, the challenge is also welcoming submissions from the world of 4D printing. 4D printing brings the elements of time and motion into play for the creation of structures that are reactive and can change their forms when exposed to certain environmental stimuli.
“Once again in 2019, designers in the 3D and 4D sector can take part in the purmundus challenge completely free of charge,” said Corinna Ray, head of the challenge. “The design competition offers newcomers and professionals alike a great opportunity to boost the confidence of potential customers and sponsors in their additive solution.”
The purmundus challenge will be accepting submissions for its 2019 edition until September 30, 2019. The 3D printing challenge is open to individuals, professionals, organizations and companies of any size who have ideas or projects that are compelling in relation to the theme.
The submissions will be judged by a panel of experts, including designer Christoph Behling, Professor Richard Bibb from Loughborough University, Isabelle Fröhlich from Volkswagen AG, James Helliwell from McLaren Group, Prof. Dali Sun from the Beijing Institute of Technology and more.
Winners will be eligible for prizes worth up to a total value of 12,000 euros. There will be prizes for the top three submissions, as well as an Innovation Prize, a Special Mention and an Audience Award. The winners will be presented on November 21, 2019 at Formnext. The international AM event also recently launched its Start-Up Challenge 2019.
