The ultimate goal of every designer is to have their unique work recognized. 3D printing competitions offer a great chance not only to showcase your design but also to improve skills. Winners get various awards including 3D Printers. In addition to prizes, the selected design is labeled as a winner on STL sharing websites. For the designer, this means special recognition in 3D printing society.
3D printing competitions are mostly sponsored by manufacturers who want to promote their products. While file sharing communities are brilliant platforms for that. As result we see them cooperate well with each other. Please see “Basic tips for best results in 3D printing competitions” below the table.
3D Printing Competitions
Color codes: Open, Closed.| Competition | Details | Prize | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrades | Modify existing products Organized by: PrusaPrinters | MK3S+ Kit Prusament | 2021.10.25 |
| Anycubic's Grand Tour | Print and Paint Organized by: MyMiniFactory | Anycubic Photo Ultra | 2021.11.17 |
| Print-in-Place | Print-in-Place Designs Organized by: PDO | 10+ Prizes | 2021.10.08 |
| Plastic | Use Tinkercad or Fusion360 Organized by: Instructables | 19 Prizes | 2021.10.18 |
| RAPDASA | Re-design for 3D Printing Organized by: RAPDASA | 3x 3D Printers | 2021.10.10 |
| AFRL MAM Grand Challenge | US. Large Format MAM Organized by: NSIN | $1 Million Contract | 2021.10.15 |
| Halloween | 7 categories Organized by: Instructables | 36 Prizes | 2021.11.08 |
| Back to School | US Students, Fusion 360 Organized by: Instructables | 19 Prizes | 2021.10.18 |
| 3D Printed | US Students, Fusion 360 Organized by: Instructables | 21 Prizes | 2021.11.01 |
| #DesignShuffler | Use the Design Shuffler for 3D print ideas. Organized by: PTT | Mars 2 PRO, 15 Prizes | 2021.09.30 |
| Contestmania 2021 | Categories: Print in Motion, Multicolor Print, Design a Filament, Maker Coin. Organized by: ERRF | 3D Printers, Filament, more | 2021.09.30 |
| Student Design | Tinkercad only Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.10.18 |
| Halloween | Facebook. Share images of the prints. Organized by: eSUN | PLA and Resin | 2021.10.11 |
| Solvay AM Cup 2021 | Design an industrial application to revolutionize production line agility. Organized by: Solvay, L’Oréal, Ultimaker | EUR 5000 in Cash, more | 2021.10.15 |
| Make Changes Happen | Snapmaker Only Organized by: Snapmaker | $3000 in Vouchers, more | 2021.10.17 |
| Dynasty’s Traveller | Print & Paint. 1 free and 3 via crowdfunding categories. Organized by: MyMiniFactory | 3D Printer, more | 2021.09.27 |
| Expedition | Submitting the photos or processed model. Organized by: MyMiniFactory | $600 3D Scanning Trip, more | 2021.09.30 |
| Push the red bell in the lower right corner to receive weekly notifications. |  | ||
| Make it Move | Tinkercad special Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.09.20 |
| Purmundus Challenge | Annual international design competition. Organized by: Purmundus | 30,000 EUR in Prizes | 2021.09.22 |
| Made at Home | 18-30 Only. Design, print, and make a video. Organized by: YML | Original Prusa MK3S+, Mini+, Prusament | 2021.09.20 |
| Monster in the Closet | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.09.22 |
| Lunar TORCH | Design a mobile lunar heliostat Organized by: NASA, GrabCAD | $7000 in Prizes | 2021.09.13 |
| 3D Printed Tabletop | Print & Photo Contest Organized by: The Lost Adventures | $9,000 in Prizes 15 Winners | 2021.09.07 |
| Back to School | DIY it by 3D printing. Organized by: PDO, Thangs, Flashforge | 10+ Prizes 7 Winners | 2021.09.03 |
| Treasure Chest | Create, but not just any treasure chest. Organized by: Sketchfab | $600 in Cash, more | 2021.08.30 |
| Tabletop Games & Puzzles | Board games, puzzles, card games, dice games, etc. Organized by: Prusa Printers | MK3S+ Kit, Prusament, more | 2021.08.31 |
| Treehouse | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.08.25 |
| Fandom | Tinkercad special. Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.08.26 |
| Make it Fly | Tinkercad special. Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.08.23 |
| DIY Summer Camp | Tinkercad special prize Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.08.23 |
| Olympics | Facebook. Olympics themed contest. Organized by: Creality | $1000, CR-10, Halot | 2021.08.08 |
| Death Plague | Print & Paint Organized by: MyMiniFactory, RPG | Brushes, Resin | 2021.08.11 |
| Hemistorm | Customize Crawler/Trail Truck Organized by: MyMiniFactory, Hemistorm | Snapmaker 2.0 3D Printer Sets | 2021.08.07 |
| Storybook Scene | Model and Hand Paint Organized by: Sketchfab, XP-Pen | x3 Tablets, Cash, more | 2021.07.30 |
| Summer Theme | Create an original summer-related 3D model. Organized by: PDO, Thangs | $500 in Prizes | 2021.07.30 |
| Garden | Design and 3D print. Organized by: Cults3D, Anycubic | 3D Printers, filament | 2021.08.05 |
| Dream Car | Design Your Dream Car Organized by: Cults3D, Voxelab | 3D Printers, more | 2021.07.31 |
| Chinchilla | 3D print in Chinchilla filament Organized by: NinjaTek | Filament | 2021.07.31 |
| Move It | Share Your Movable Work Organized by: Snapmaker, ELEGOO | $5000 in Prizes | 2021.07.26 |
| Start-up 2021 | Businesses not older than 5 years. Organized by: Formnext, 3DPI | Participation, media coverage, more | 2021.07.16 |
| Life on a Train | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.07.21 |
| Feywood | Print & Paint Organized by: MyMiniFactory, Iain Lovecraft | Anycubic products, more | 2021.07.21 |
| Soda Pop Bottle | NA Only. Packaging. Organized by: Stratasys, KeyShot | $6000 in SDM vouchers, more | 2021.07.19 |
| Mechanical Maker | 3D print and submit the image. Organized by: MyMiniFactory | x4 3D Printers x10 kg of PLA | 2021.07.13 |
| 100 Spools | NA and Canada Only. 2 Categories Organized by: Chris Riley, Printed Solid | 100 Spools | 2021.07.14 |
| Vases | 3D Printed Vases Organized by: Fulament | $500 in Prizes | 2021.07.12 |
| Garden | Design Functional Garden Tools Organized by: PDO, Thangs | $500 in Prizes | 2021.07.02 |
| Nature | 3D Scanning - Nature Organized by: Sketchfab, Metashape | Software subscription, $50, more | 2021.06.28 |
| Timekeepers | Design anything about time. Organized by: Prusa3D | Mini, Prusament, etc. | 2021.06.27 |
| Fantasy Tavern | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.06.23 |
| Box | Tinkercad Special Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.06.21 |
| Furniture | Best use of Fusion 360. Organized by: Instructables | 21 Prizes | 2021.06.21 |
| Toys and Games | Tinkercad Special Organized by: Instructables | $500, 250, 100, 20 Prizes | 2021.06.21 |
| Children’s Day | Gifts For Kids Organized by: Snapmaker | Snapmaker products | 2021.06.14 |
| Fixture/Tool | US and Canada. Pro Division. Organized by: GrabCAD | Vouchers, Material, more | 2021.06.14 |
| Fixture/Tool | US and Canada. Students. Organized by: GrabCAD | Vouchers, Material, more | 2021.06.14 |
| HOME DECO | Home decoration contests Organized by: Anycubic | 3D Printers, filament | 2021.06.15 |
| Interdimensional Art | Design Gallery Space or Avatar Organized by: Sketchfab, Mozzila Hubs | Mouse, $250, more | 2021.05.31 |
| Robot Pet | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.05.27 |
| Mothers Day Remix | Remix the existing models. Organized by: Thangs, 3DPN, CCT | $600 in Prizes | 2021.05.22 |
| STEM Workshop | England and Wales. Organized by: Tablet-Academy, CraftBot | 3D Printer Bundle | 2021.05.21 |
| CNC | Autodesk Fusion 360 Special Organized by: Instructables | $500, 250, 100, 20 Prizes | 2021.05.24 |
| Creality Cloud | Create 3D scan & 3D print related post. Organized by: Creality | 3D scanner, more | 2021.05.05 |
| Gardening Tools | Helping Your Garden Grow Organized by: Prusa Printers | MK3S+ Kit, Prusament | 2021.05.02 |
| Fiverr | Create a printable 3D model that is useful in your office. Organized by: Cults3D | €1000 in Prizes (credits) | 2021.04.30 |
| RPG | Tinkercad Special Organized by: Instructables | $250, 100, 50 20 Prizes | 2021.04.26 |
| All Humanoids | Patreon Printing & Painting Organized by: mz4250 | Custom 3D Models | 2021.04.25 |
| Futuristic Transport | Create a 3D render. Organized by: CG Boost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.04.28 |
| Loot’s Golden Brush | Print and paint. Organized by: Loot Studios | Photon Mono, more | 2021.04.25 |
| Gardening | Tinkercad Special Organized by: Instructables | $250, 100, 50 20 Prizes | 2021.04.26 |
| Portrait from the Future | Create a portrait from the future. Organized by: LGF, Sketchfab | Looking Glass, more | 2021.04.26 |
| Enapter | Design devices and systems for hydrogen applications. Organized by: GrabCAD | $3.000 in Prizes | 2021.04.19 |
| Original Superhero | Store challenge Organized by: Sketchfab | XP-Pen Tablet, Subscription | 2021.04.19 |
| Airship Print and Paint | Print and Paint Airship Organized by: MyMiniFactory | 7.000 in Prizes | 2021.04.14 |
| Loopy Looper | Create modification of the Loopy Looper. Organized by: Cults3D | x4 Printers | 2021.04.15 |
| Fantastic Print & Paint | Print STL from the campaign and paint it. Organized by: MyMiniFactory | Phrozen, Resin, more | 2021.04.14 |
| 3D Printed Speakers | 3D Printed Speakers Organized by: 3DPN, Thangs | Prusa Mini, Proto-Pasta... | 2021.04.04 |
| make:able | An assistive technology design challenge for students. Organized by: PrintLab | 6 for each age group | 2021.04.01 |
| Shiba Inu | Use your preferred tools and workflow to texture the model. Organized by: Sketchfab | $100, Subscription | 2021.03.29 |
| Smart Home Accessory | Create an accessory for your smart home device. Organized by: PDO, Thangs | 3Dconnexion Spacemouse, $440 in Prizes | 2021.03.31 |
| Daft + Punk Universe | Model a scene reminiscent of Daft Punk’s style. Organized by: Sketchfab | DP Album, Turntable, more | 2021.03.29 |
| Simple Machines | Create a simple machine Organized by: Instructables | $500, 250, 100, 19 Prizes | 2021.03.29 |
| 3D Pioneers Challenge 2021 | International Design Competition for Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Technologies Organized by: 3DPC | €35000, more | 2021.03.31 |
| Woodland Hideaway | Create a low poly hideaway. Organized by: Sketchfab | Framed Art, $50 | 2021.03.22 |
| Folklore | Create a 3D render. Organized by: CG Boost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.03.24 |
| Innovation Award | For 3D printing applications startups. Organized by: Forward AM | $100.000 in goods and services, more | 2021.03.28 |
| E3DFlexibles2021 | Design something that makes interesting use of flexible 3D printing material. Organized by: E3D-Online | “Flowalistik” Signature Hemera, more | 2021.03.14 |
| Modified 3D Printers | Show and share the creative DIY modified printers. Organized by: Creality | $20.000 in Prizes, more | 2021.03.09 |
| Painting Contest | Patreon. Print, paint, and post. Organized by: WWTavern | Phrozen, more | 2021.03.10 |
| Upcycling | Recycle materials or unwanted products. Organized by: Snapmaker | Rotary module, more | 2021.03.07 |
| #3DPetPrint | Design something "Pet inspired" for a chance to win a Creality CR-10s & more. Organized by: ptt.live, Thangs | 3D Printer, Filament, $50, more | 2021.02.28 |
| Gaming Mouse | US and Canada. Design a computer gaming mouse. Organized by: GrabCad | $3000 Cash, more | 2021.03.01 |
| Make It Glow | Make something that glows. Organized by: Instructables | $500, $250, etc. 19 Prizes | 2021.03.01 |
| Robot | US and Canada. Create a 3D model of an innovative, futuristic robot. Organized by: Sketchfab | Sony’s Spatial Reality Display, more | 2021.03.01 |
| Miniatures | Share a picture or a video of your own favorite miniature Organized by: Anycubic | Photon Mono, Resin, more | 2021.02.25 |
| TownBuilder | Use TownBuilder to design your 3D terrain. Organized by: MyMiniFactory | 1x Phenom 3x Mars Pros | 2021.02.22 |
| Jewelry | Special prize for using Tinkercad Organized by: Instructables | 20 Prizes | 2021.03.01 |
| Power of Nature | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.02.24 |
| Movie Role Scene | Submit your entry shots.. Organized by: Elegoo | 3D Printers, more | 2021.02.16 |
| Painting Contest | Patrons Only. Print, Paint, and Post on Instagram. Organized by: BTB | Phrosen Mini, more | 2021.02.15 |
| Alien Moon Landing | Use Blockbench to create an alien moon landing scene. Organized by: Sketchfab | $50 Gift Card, Subscription | 2021.02.08 |
| #Thangs100K | Print a model from Thangs & share it on FB, Twitter, Insta Organized by: Thangs | $5000 in 3D Printers | 2021.02.06 |
| Anything Goes | Open to any project ... Organized by: Instructables | $500, $250... 19 Prizes | 2021.02.08 |
| Street Art | 3D Scanning Challange. Use iOS LiDAR Scanning Apps. Organized by: Sketchfab | $100 Gift Card, Subscription | 2021.02.01 |
| Fantasy Island | Create a low poly fantasy island. Organized by: Sketchfab | Framed Art $50, $25, Cards | 2021.02.01 |
| #sculptjanuary2021 | Challenge yourself over 31 days with a set of 31 topics. Organized by: CGBoost | NA | 2021.01.31 |
| 3D Modeling Contest | Create a posed, stylized fantasy character ... Organized by: AnimSchool | Cash Prizes Subscription | 2021.01.29 |
| Underground City | Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost | Subscriptions and Credits | 2021.01.27 |
| Gaming Guy | Editing Challange. Use data from the original model. Organized by: Sketchfab | $100 Gift Card, Subscription | 2021.01.25 |
| HeroesToo | Schools only. Develop innovative and sustainable solutions for social distancing. More details: https://bit.ly/3nswCBI | x3 3D Printers | 2021.01.15 |
| X-mas Tree Decoration | Make a Christmas ornament, share a picture on FB. More details: http://bit.ly/38lc9d6 | Filament, Resin, More | 2021.01.15 |
| Enapter Challenge | Design a water trap that can remove moisture ... More details: https://bit.ly/3fAfLKz | Up to $2000 in Prizes | 2021.01.09 |
| Christmas Printing | 3D print and paint your baubles ... More details: http://bit.ly/3r69Hik | Phrozen Mighty & Mini, More | 2021.01.01 |
| 3December 2020 | Create a model every day ... More details: https://bit.ly/33EeY6w | Framed Art $50 Gift Card | 2021.01.04 |
| 3D Printed Bedroom | Create a printable 3D model that is useful in a bedroom. More details: https://bit.ly/2Tug5jG | Adventurer 3 Filament | 2021.01.05 |
Due to the heavy loading pages, we had to divide a few tables. The older events have been separated out and can be accessed via Resource Library (please find in the footer).
Please post your comment below or contact us if we’ve missed any 3D printing-related contest/competition. We will update our table accordingly.
Basic Tips For Best Results in 3D Printing Competitions
– Please read competition instructions carefully before entering any contest.
– In most 3D printing competitions designers would come up with totally new designs, however, in some cases, designers will be asked to redesign existing objects.
– You don’t have to be a top designer to participate. Unique idea is paramount.
– Ability to use various design software skills will make you competitive but it will not guarantee the first place.
– Research the subject of competition and try to find topics that have not been overused.
(Image: 3DWithUs)
– If competition involves redesigning something you should analyze it and find weaknesses and areas of improvements.
– When posting your entry describe it clearly with a good quality picture. The way you post the entry is as important as the design itself.
– It is a good idea to share your competition entry in social media. This can win you vital likes together with possibly gaining some useful advice.
– Competitions may carry additional requirements such as for loading multiple parts or restrictions concerning age, country of origin, etc. Please pay attention to the small print at the end of announcements.
Read More: 30 Day Challenges
If you are active on social media, you may come across weekly, monthly and even yearly challenges, promoted by people you follow. Here you can find 3D Design or 3D Printing related 30 day challenges that are about to start, are ongoing, or happened in the past. We will dig into the subject and find out how 30 day challenges empower designers.
3D Printer Giveaways – Entry for Free 3D Printing Related Products
Did you know that 3D printer giveaways are an often occurrence? Manufacturers, together with community members, frequently organize such promotional events. For them, it is a great opportunity to advertise their products, promote their 3D printing-related channels, and grow the follower base. With minimal effort, participants can obtain their first or additional 3D printer, try new filaments or other 3D printing-related products.
12 thoughts on “3D Printing Competitions – List of Contests”
the feywood contest i cant get teh download to make or paint the miniatures i feel cheated out of my chance.
Hi Ted, “Buy to Participate” or “… Residents Only” competitions are an often occurrence. We can feel your frustration, but please be assured that open to everyone competitions are also an often occurrence.
Hi 3DWithUs. You’d probably want to add the 3D Hubs Student Grant to the list. The 2019 edition was just launched. The winners get $5.000 in total, plus professional support to further develop their project.
Hi Alkaios! Thank you for letting us know. We have added the 3D Hubs Student Grant 2019 to the table.
Hey 3DWithUs! There’s also a 3D printing contest designed for multi-color 3D printing. Winner gets a DOBOT MOOZ-3 color-mixing printer(value $599 USD). Deadline to submit 3D printing works is September 26th! It will be helpful if you can list the competition here. Thank you!
Hi Dobot! Thank you for letting us know. We have added the Color-mixing 3D Printing Contest to the table.
Hey 3DWithUs! There’s also a 3D printing design challenge for fast furniture for hurricane recovery. Winner gets $250 USD. Deadline to submit STL files is Aug 8th!
Hi Cat, thank you for letting us know. We have added the Fast Furniture Challenge to the table.
Solvay just launched the Additive Manufacturing Cup. This might be interesting to have registered here.
Thank you Amaury. We have added the Additive Manufacturing Cup competition to the table.
My Precious Plastics – the organizer of the competition is mything.
Thank you Nicolas. We have added My Precious Plastics competition to the table.