3D Printing Competitions – List of Contests

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.

Design and 3D Printing Competitions

Contests	Details	Prize	Ends
Townbuilder 2.0	Categories: design, render, print & paint. Organized by: Twonbuilder, MyMiniFactory	3x 3D Printers, filament, more	2022.03.31
Flash Contests	Current Themes: Clothes Buttons, Cable Organizers Organized by: PrusaPrinters	400 PrusaMeters, Winner Badge	Weekly
Fix it	Fix it Organized by: Instructables	9 Prizes	2022.02.07
Robot	Model a robot Organized by: Cults, TwoTrees	3D Printer, more	2022.03.10
Modification Master	Modify 3D Printer Organized by: Creality	$30K in prizes	2022.03.16
Sintratec Shoe	Design a shoe Organized by: Sintratec	3D Printed Shoe	2022.02.06
New Year, New Skill	US Students. Fusion 360 Organized by: Instructables	19 Prizes	2022.02.28
Anything Goes	Open to any project Organized by: Instructables	28 Prizes	2022.02.07
Print My Tribe	Print & Paint Organized by: MyMiniFactory, Anycubic	Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K	2022.03.17
make:able	An assistive technology design challenge for students. Organized by: make:able	6 for each age group	2022.05.01
TOTAL WAR 1915	Print & Paint Organized by: Cults, Alphonse Marcel	3D Printer, resin, STL	2022.02.01
	Sign up for weekly notifications on table updates, or push the red bell (excl. Safari) in the right lower corner.
Kaika Challenge	3D print existing model Organized by: Kaika	Kaika Nozzle	2022.01.11
Christmas Print	Post a photo of your artwork with a Creality printer in the background. Organized by: Creality	3x Ender-3S1	2021.12.30
Surprise Inside	Design a specific 3D printable object. Organized by: PDO, Creality Cloud	Gift Cards, subscription, more	2021.12.31
Snap-On Controller Mods	Snap-On Controller Mods Organized by: The Controller Project	Prusa Mini, PancakeBot, more	2022.01.03
Mythology	Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost	Subscriptions and Credits	2021.12.22
2021 Holidays	Design Decorations and Ornaments Organized by: Prusa3D	MK3S+ Kit, Prusament	2021.12.19
E3D Christmas	Make the funkiest Spoolble from existing file Organized by: E3D	Revo Six or Revo Micro	2021.12.24
3D Printed	US Students, Fusion 360 Organized by: Instructables	21 Prizes	2021.12.13
Laser Challenge	Create with the laser Organized by: Instructables	19 Prizes	2021.12.06
Made with Math	Tinkercad special Organized by: Instructables	21 Prizes	2021.12.06
Collision: Nature & Civilization	Create a 3D scene Organized by: Sketchfab, NVIDIA	ConceptD 5 Notebook, more	2021.11.29
Holiday Ornament	Create a 3D printable model Organized by: CIMQUEST	$500, $200 Gift Cards, more	2021.11.30
Quick and Useful Prints	Print in under an hour Organized by: PrusaPrinters	MK3S+ Kit, Prusament	2021.11.30
3D Christmas Decorations	Create a 3D printable model Organized by: Cults, Fiverr	€500, €300, €200 credit on Fiverr	2021.12.01
Architecture	Design and 3D print an architecture model. Organized by: Cults, Creality	3x Halots, resin	2021.12.01
World in a Bottle	Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost	Subscriptions and Credits	2021.11.24
DIY: Don't Buy	Three categories Organized by: PDO, PTT, Thangs	Gift Cards, Subscriptions	2021.11.12
Monocomp	Print & Paint Organized by: Monocure3D	3D Printer, resin, more	2021.11.15
Robots	Use Tinkercad or Fusion 360 for the bonus prizes. Organized by: Instructables	21 Prizes	2021.11.15
Anycubic's Grand Tour	Print and Paint Organized by: MyMiniFactory	Anycubic Photo Ultra	2021.11.17
Halloween	7 categories Organized by: Instructables	36 Prizes	2021.11.08
High-Temperature Carbon-Fiber	Submit a design that makes use of a new material Organized by: Wevolver	$25,000	2021.11.14
Halloween	Use existing STL file Organized by: BIQU	Hermit Crab, filament, more	2021.10.31
Monster Challenge 2021	Create a Monster Organized by: ArtHeroes	Subscriptions, more	2021.10.31
Showcase	Show original and 3D scanned objects. Organized by: Revopoint	3D Scanner, more	2021.10.31
Hallo Wearables	Create a 3D Printed Wearable Design for Halloween Organized by: Zack Freedman, Thangs	LulzBot TAZ, filament, more	2021.10.31
Halloween 2021	Halloween design/remix Organized by: PrusaPrinters	MK3S+ KIt, Prusament	2021.10.26
Halloween 3DP Carnival	3D print your own decoration Organized by: Flashforge	3D Printers, filament	2021.10.25
Halloween	Design your own or remix existing pumpkin. Organized by: E3D	RapidChange™ Revo™ , more	2021.10.28
Scantober	Post your Polycam (iOS) scan video Organized by: Polycam, Looking Glass Factory	Subscription, LG Portrait	2021.10.28
Halloween	Submit your Halloween 3d print project Organized by: Captubes	Filament, more	2021.10.26
Abandoned Space Station	Use any 3D tools to create a 3D render. Organized by: CGBoost	Subscriptions and Credits	2021.10.27
Upgrades	Modify existing products Organized by: PrusaPrinters	MK3S+ Kit Prusament	2021.10.25
Plastic	Use Tinkercad or Fusion360 Organized by: Instructables	19 Prizes	2021.10.18
Back to School	US Students, Fusion 360 Organized by: Instructables	19 Prizes	2021.10.18
Student Design	Tinkercad only Organized by: Instructables	20 Prizes	2021.10.18
Make Changes Happen	Snapmaker Only Organized by: Snapmaker	$3000 in Vouchers, more	2021.10.17
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	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
Print-in-Place	Print-in-Place Designs Organized by: PDO	10+ Prizes	2021.10.08
#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
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
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.

– 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.