Learn about the GrabCAD Platform
Get to know GrabCAD as an open software platform for Additive Manufacturing
Visit our new homepage
Show off your skills and solve real design problems
Proto Labs challenges you to design the next educational aid that will serve as an instructional desktop reference for product designers who are designing plastic parts.
Proto Labs provides custom CNC-machined and injection molded parts for prototyping and short-run production to product developers in as fast as one business day. Designers who need injection molded parts can upload a 3D CAD model via Protomold and get back an interactive quote with manufacturability analysis. To help designers and engineers design parts that are optimal for the injection molding process, Proto Labs has created a variety of free educational aids. Our current design aids demonstrate how complex features can be designed into parts for injection molding, how different resins impact finish, and other design elements that can enhance or compromise quality.
As we began considering what our next design aid would be, we came to think – who better to design it than the very people who will benefit from it? So, we’d like to extend an invitation to the GrabCAD community to design our next design aid. In addition to a cash reward, the winner will receive acknowledgement in the instructional booklet that will accompany the design aid.* Each year, we receive thousands of requests for our design aids, so get ready to earn some major props from your fellow design comrades.
Go ahead and get creative. What can you design to best illustrate the features listed in the requirements?
Most of the components listed in the requirements can be found on two of our existing design aids: the Protomold® Design Cube and Protomold® Torus. If you don’t already have them, you can request them for reference. We’ll be sure to get them out to you quickly.
Click here to request the Protomold® Design Cube
Click here to request the Protomold® Torus
For additional guidance, visit the Resources section of our website.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL THE ENTRIES HAVE TO BE PRIVATE. SEE RULES BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
*Proto Labs reserves the right to decide whether or not to produce and distribute the winning design.
The design must include a majority of the following components:
-> Uniform wall thickness versus inconsistent wall thickness and the result of not following uniform wall thickness design
• Warp
• Flow lines
• Knit lines
• Sink
-> Draft
-> Sink caused by internal geometry.
• 50% +/-10% rule for internal geometry
• Effect of not following this rule
-> How to adjust geometry to correct inconsistent wall thickness
• Solid versus cored out feature
• Maintaining uniform wall thickness ex: decal recess with added material inside of part to adjust for decal recess
-> Surface finishes
• Provide 7 locations for surface finishes offered by the Protomold process
• PM-T 1 required 3 degrees of draft
• PM-T2 requires 5 degrees of draft
• High polish finishes should have a minimum of 1 degree draft
• Comparison between good rules and bad rules and resulting surface finishes (drag marks, scuffing)
-> Off angle features like text / bosses / ribbing
-> Cams / Side actions
-> Living hinges
-> Text – Minimum of .020in cutter to mill text
• 0 degree drafted text versus drafted text 1 degree minimum draft.
-> Bump-offs
-> Pickouts
The design must NOT include any of the following features:
-> Over molding
-> Two shot molding
-> Insert molding
The overall design may have anywhere between 1 – 10 parts.
Each part must be able to be single shot injection molded.
The design must be visually appealing and appropriate for an engineer’s desktop.
The design must be educational and must not resemble a toy.
Each part must not be deeper than 4 inches.
When fully constructed, the design must not exceed 6”x6”.
Your design must follow the requirements listed above, but if you’d like to add other features related to injection molding that you feel would be useful to demonstrate, don’t hesitate to include them.
Only private entries are accepted in this Challenge. Send an e-mail to challenges@grabcad.com and request access to upload a private entry.
After upload add the following emails as collaborators: kaspar@grabcad.com, sara@grabcad.com, sarah.braun@protolabs.com, jackie.schneider@protolabs.com and don.krantz@protolabs.com.
Only designs in the following formats will be accepted:
- IGES
- STEP
- SolidWorks
- ProE
- Parasolid
- ACIS
- AutoCAD
- Autodesk Inventor
By entering this competition, you
1. Warrant that the work is your original work.
2. To the best of your knowledge, it is not, and has not been in production or otherwise
previously published or exhibited.
3. Neither the work nor its use infringes the intellectual property rights (whether a patent,
utility model, functional design right, aesthetic design right, trademark, copyright or any
other intellectual property right) of any other person.
You can submit as many designs as you’d like, given that each follows the listed requirements.
Team entries are welcome. In case of team win, prize money will be transferred to team leader who is solely responsible for splitting it among team members.
Winning designs will be chosen based on the rules and requirements.
Applicants are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any costs. The applicant’s participation shall not constitute employment, assignment or offer of employment or assignment.
Only models uploaded to GrabCAD library through this Challenge page will participate in the competition.
Winning designs will be chosen based on the rules and requirements.
This Challenge starts on June 5, 2013 and ends on July 10, 2013, at at 11:59pm UTC. Winners will be announced no later than August 7, 2013 on GrabCAD.
Limit one prize per person/team.
All cash prizes awarded through Paypal (http://grabcad.com/faq#money). Void where prohibited.
The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature.
Tag your model with "PLdesignaid"
Cash awards of $3,500
$2,000 + PL t-shirt + PL bag
$1,000 + PL t-shirt + PL bag
$500 + PL t-shirt + PL bag
PL t-shirt + PL bag
The jury is comprised of experts from Proto Labs and GrabCAD.
Proto Labs (PRLB) is a leading online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer of low-volume CNC-machined and injection molded custom parts for prototyping and short-run production. The company provides “Real Parts, Really Fast” to product developers worldwide and has two quick-turn services in North America, Europe and Japan: Firstcut CNC machining and Protomold injection molding. Both are capable of providing parts in as fast as one business day. Product developers who use Proto Labs for prototypes and short-run production can upload a 3D CAD file at any one of Proto Labs online sites, get an interactive quotation and place an order for Proto Labs services directly online.
For more information, visit Proto Labs
Don Krantz
Kaspar Kiis
Jackie SchneiderHave an awesome idea for this competition? Want to win cool prizes? Sign-up now to upload your entries.
If you don't receive the email within an hour (and you've checked your Spam folder), email us as confirmation@grabcad.com.
76 comments
Stephen Nyberg almost 11 years ago
SWEET!!! I love the current aids, I hope I will be able to come up with an idea for this one.
Joe Valverde almost 11 years ago
Will an entry have to include a design aid instructions sheet/manual? What material will be used to mould the final aid? (as this will effect the results shown)
If the aid is to demostrate sink or dwell marks than it may not want to have the same surface finish or paint coating as over parts of the aid, as these can disguise these marks to some degree. Will that be an issue to have multiple finishes on the aid?
If the aid where to include knite/weld lines these problems can often be difficuclt to see. Can these be exaggerated to help show them clearly on the aid?
If the final design needs sliding cores to make it mouldable will that be ok?
Could the design aid just show the feature/problems if the design aid sheet Explained the causes and soloutions for each area on the aid?
Thanks
Dragan Beljan almost 11 years ago
We are not able to mail to your country. - message when i try to Request a Protomold Design Cube
Mark Holub almost 11 years ago
this challenge is like asking the impossible. you want us to brainstorm, design, rethink, refine, and build a working product this complex in a little over a month on top of our personal life schedule? that's just not possible. it takes companies years to do projects like this. i'll pass on this challenge and i'm not normally one to do that but a hurried schedule is not a creative one. engineers need time to think or they will hit a mental block.
Simonr almost 11 years ago
What about adding shear lines / perforations to the list of items. One of the things I've struggled with is security seals where you tear off a strip or break off a seal on a bottle cap - getting the material thickness or mark-space ratio of perforations correct for a reasonable amount of force and given material.
Likewise with hinges & convolutions for expanding joints - finding the right compromise between strength, elasticity and usability.
An aid like this could be invaluable!
Joe Valverde almost 11 years ago
@Simonr As a toolmaker myself i see a lot of these issues daily, over the years i have seen several data sheets to try and help give some general guide lines to these issue.
http://www.plasticsportal.net/wa/plasticsEU~en_GB/portal/show/common/content/technical_resources/calculation_programmes
The link i have posted is pretty good, it comes from BASF a leading chemical company, they supply most companies with a very wide range of plastics.For every plastic they have a data sheet which can be used to work out most things.
If you search around on the link you will also find links to problems such as weld lines, sink, warp, clips, ghosting etc.They list several calculations that can be applied to get you started. Although its still better to play meatl safe when designing.
Hope it helps
Joe
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Joe Valverde,
No, you do not have to include an instruction sheet/manual along with your design aid submission. Should we choose your submission, we will create the instructional accompaniment. Material choice(s) is yours to make (check out our material selection here: http://www.protomold.com/MaterialSelection.aspx). It will not be an issue to have multiple finishes on the aid; the aid can possess as many surface finishes as you would like(within reason and physical capabilities). These finishes will be available in any of these options.
PM-F0 (as milled with end mill swirl marks.)
PM-F1 (most milling marks removed)
SPI- C1(600 grit stone finish, more refined than the F1)
SPI- B1(more polished than C1 600 grit paper)
SPI-A2 (grade 6 diamond buff)
PM-T1(light bead blast/sandblasted texture/matted)
PM-T2(medium bead blast/sandblasted texture/matted)
Exaggeration of sink and knit lines and marks should be designed into the piece. If the part is designed with adequate thick areas and knit line areas a ProtoQuote through our website will predict it and show it, using it as a resource early and often can greatly help in your designs.
Sliding cores are very acceptable; it is not uncommon for us to have design aids with multiple cams and pick outs to demonstrate our capabilities(see Protomold Torus).
Ideally we would want these areas called out in the part geometry to unify the need of the part with the design. If the sheet accompanying the aid were to get lost or thrown out, then the part would just look to be poorly produced. That said, the instruction sheet/manual will expound upon the features designed into the part.
@Simonr,
Absolutely, if you’d like to add other features related to injection molding that you feel would be useful to demonstrate, don’t hesitate to include them in your design.
Jake almost 11 years ago
@Mark Holub
Remember, they're going for volume of individuals looking at this idea, a month is more than enough time for the amount of engineers here to come up with something. Even if it's garbage, they it's also a great way to get a company name out into our field. Might be using this company to do some small run parts actually
Alberto Sanchez Garza almost 11 years ago
@Mark Holub
This is not a complex product, an experienced designer could easily develop the full concept in 2-5 days. Time is more than enough. Pretty interesting challenge btw.
Simonr almost 11 years ago
@Proto Labs, do you have example CAD files for the finishes?:
PM-F0 (as milled with end mill swirl marks.)
PM-F1 (most milling marks removed)
SPI- C1(600 grit stone finish, more refined than the F1)
SPI- B1(more polished than C1 600 grit paper)
SPI-A2 (grade 6 diamond buff)
PM-T1(light bead blast/sandblasted texture/matted)
PM-T2(medium bead blast/sandblasted texture/mattedv
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Simonr
Not able to attach images in a comment, but to explain, ideally, we would like to see a very well composed annotated image with color coding or arrows, etc. indicating different finishes. As long as there is a document that is reasonably straight forward to follow, we will be able to apply a custom finish and get a quote back to you with all of the finishes on it to check. We will even take a printed image that has marker on it that the customer has rescanned or one that is mailed to us.
Simonr almost 11 years ago
@Proto Labs, I mean so that we can include the correct finishes in the model file we are going to submit on GrabCad. Then, the model we submit can be photo-realistic and include the finishes as you have them.
Jake almost 11 years ago
@Proto Labs, just got your current aids in today. Can't wait to start designing my entry for this competition!!
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Simonr
The application of finishes to the model is a great idea and is good for many things including rendering and computer artistry, however the process by which we process your drawings strips those finer details from the model in order to provide you with a geometry analysis and quote in our process. It is because of this that we will need screen captures or image files of your model with these textures called out as in order to reapply texture in a format compatible with our computer manufacturing systems.
In short, we really appreciate the extra effort of adding the textures to your model but the effort might not be fully utilized as you envisioned it and the simpler 2D drawings will be the ones we will inevitably use for the final process.
@Jake
Good to hear! Good luck!
Sean almost 11 years ago
I have been redirected here with my question as there may well be others in the same boat as me. I am keen on applying my mind to this challenge and would really like to get my hands on the current design aids. Problem being I am in New Zealand and they are not normaly shipped here. Any way us folks far away can get these. Very willing to pay for shipping.
Zoltan almost 11 years ago
Dear Sean,
I have one of these models.
I takes to all size patterns, and takes many photo for myself.
If good for you.
I check how much to send cost.
And I this week send for you.
Best regards Zoltan
Zoltan almost 11 years ago
Anyway, good tutorial is on the PROTOLAB website.
Though, I know it is not a substitute for the experience gained through the sense of touch.
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Sean, I'll send you a direct message.
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
Is it really 0 entries or that's because entries are private?!
Stephen Nyberg almost 11 years ago
I am having a hard time coming up with a better design then the existing design aids
Joe Valverde almost 11 years ago
Hi,
I have entered the challenge, can you confirm you have recieved my entry correctly? I did it via this page but as a work bench project (as the other option was to upload publically, which is not allowed for this challenge).
Thanks
Abhijith almost 11 years ago
What should we design exactly??
Stephen Nyberg almost 11 years ago
@Abhijith, for this challenge, you should design the next Proto Labs design aid.
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
Hi @Joe, yes, we received your entry!
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Abhijith, yes, as @Stephen said, we're calling on the GrabCAD community to design our next design aid.
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
...I can hear the ideas brewing... Great challenge for the Community. I know you guys will blow this out of the park!
Zoltan almost 11 years ago
I do, this my idea. Just go slow with it.
6 day work a week, and I just the freetime do it. but to finish before by the end of the deadline.
Good luck to everyone! Zoltan
Luis Filipe Ferreira de Moraes almost 11 years ago
Is it possible for you to post a link for us to access the cad models of your current design aids? Since some of us neither have the time nor the possiblity of aquiring a sample of those?
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Luis, I'll send you a direct message.
Jake almost 11 years ago
@Proto Labs may i request the same as Luis?
Ajay Agrawal almost 11 years ago
@Proto Labs Same for me.
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
Hello,
Can I have a confirmation for my entry? And may I ask you, how can I tag a project to workbench mode?
Thank you
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
Good idea @Luis. @Protolabs, I can give you a secure way to share these.
Please note: We have removed the ability to tag your work using private, Workbench entries. So, you will no longer be asked to add PLdesignaid as a tag to participate. Email me sara@grabcad.com with questions. Good luck to all!
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
It's getting close to the final week. Who is working on their designs? If you're crunched for time, consider teaming up to split the work. We want to see what ideas you've got!
Julius Siador almost 11 years ago
@Proto Labs, can I have one same as Luis too?
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
If anyone needs access to the previous design aid, please let me know. I can share some detailed PDFs with you courtesy of @Protolabs.
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Jake, @Ajay, @Julius, and anyone else who is interested in images of the design aids, please contact Sara Sigel above.
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Apostolos - your entry has been received!
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
Thank you @Proto Labs ! Hope you gonna like it :)
Luis Filipe Ferreira de Moraes almost 11 years ago
Witch are the four most common materials you use? Abs is the most common?
Zoltan almost 11 years ago
Hi
Can Somebody help me, how I can upload the private entry?
Thank you, Zoltan
Joe Valverde almost 11 years ago
hi zoltan,
Have you requested the ability to upload private models yet? If not you will need to email GrabCad first.
If you have then you can go into the upload a model section on this page. Next click add a workbench project after this follow the tips on screen, be sure to add the correct collaborators to your project.
.hope that helps, if not please ask further questions. Good luck
Zoltan almost 11 years ago
Thank you. I follow the instruction.
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
@Luis - we see a lot of ABS, PC, PP, and nylon.
Seth Muller almost 11 years ago
Do you want the 3D "Completed" or do you want it in an exploded view. I don't know if you want the living hinges by me or if you have other plans.
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
@Seth.Muller You can explode 3D models in our viewer on GrabCAD so I would say upload the "completed" version and explode can be done afterwards.
Seth Muller almost 11 years ago
Awesome Thank You!
Seth Muller almost 11 years ago
Is fleck a possible additive for the design?
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
Could you please clarify what you mean by fleck? If it is in reference to metallic flecks in our resins we currently do not allow for those. All additives to our process must be in a pelletized form and I do not believe metallic fleck additives are offered in this pelletized form currently. If you have any concerns about additive just know we allow all additives (customer supplied or otherwise) as long as they are in a pelletized form before processing and will not pose any health or safety hazards.
jamie almost 11 years ago
can someone please confirm that they have received my entry??. As this is the first time i have entered a private challenge.
Proto Labs almost 11 years ago
Hi Jamie,
Yes, your entry was received - thanks!
jamie almost 11 years ago
im wondering why the entry number has dropped from 25 to 19??? is this because of duplicate entries?
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
@Jamie There were a few blank projects (accidentally created) that were removed, no entries were removed from the group.
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
When will results come up? It says up to 7th August but I am really curious to see the other designs!
jamie almost 11 years ago
i would imagine it would be before that with only 19 entries - i would hope so anyway lol. @sara thanks for the reply.
David LARBI / Funkey Team member almost 11 years ago
Hi,
Do you already downloaded the projects, because I don't see anything appear in my project, no comment, nothing ?
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
We have your entry @David.Larbi - thanks to the GrabCAD 3D viewer, the jury does not necessarily need to download your entry to assess it. If they have any questions, they contact you via your entry update feed.
@Apostolos.Veltsin We cannot guarantee a time before the date stated but will get them out as soon as we can :)
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
@Sara.Sigel Thank you! We are all waiting for that :))
David LARBI / Funkey Team member almost 11 years ago
@Sara. Thanks for the reply.
Zoltan almost 11 years ago
Dear Sara
@ Apostolos Veltsin raised an interesting thought. (fumble inside me ever since.)
I do not know how much secret the entries.
But if it is possible.
it would be good if to select a jury a picture of each entries.
And shared among the participants.
Of course, the conditions for the jury. (e.g.: forbidden to share for third party)
.
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
how 19 entries become 22 entries after the deadline of the competition ? O.o
Sara Sigel almost 11 years ago
Some members were unable to add the correct "tag" to the project, since we took this function out of Workbench projects during this Challenge. Our support team manually added them for all entries and the 22 entries number is correct. I hope that helps explain @Apostolos, I understand the confusion!
Apostolos Veltsin almost 11 years ago
Ok! Thanks for the explanation!
Tyler Ivory almost 11 years ago
Was my entry received? I just want to make sure because I added all the names as collaborators but I am not sure how to tag the model in workbench. Thanks!
jamie almost 11 years ago
Just a quick question - The winner gets $2000 paid through paypal - but paypal take a chunk of this for using their system. So is the prize fund increased to compensate for these charges or does it come out of the prize fund itself???? Thanks
Proto Labs over 10 years ago
@jamie - any fees taken by PayPal would be independent from the prize money and is not taken into consideration in the award amounts.
Proto Labs over 10 years ago
@Tyler - yes, your entry was received.
Sara Sigel over 10 years ago
Congratulations to the winners! The winners have been announced in the Results tab. Full project details (CAD files and project description) will not be available if you click on the entry due to the private nature of the Challenge. Well done GrabCADrs :)
Stephen Nyberg over 10 years ago
Congratulations to all of the winners! When will the the new design aid be available to the public? Will we ever be able to see any of the other winning designs?
Joe Valverde over 10 years ago
Well done everyone, personally my favourite challenge to enter so far! I understand that because of the private nature of the challenge we can't see the other winners.
But it would be great if grabcaders who entered the compition were able to see the other winning entries . Mainly to be able to compare the other ideas and see how others interpreted the rules etc....maybe that could be considered for future challenges;-)
David LARBI / Funkey Team member over 10 years ago
Congratulations to all, especially to Jamie, you're a regular winner on GrabCAD :-). It's not easy to not see the other projects (even a small thumbnail), especially when one is in fourth place (not on podium ...), but it was very interesting to compare himself with designers from different countries (england, slovenia, australia,...)...
I am already a customer Protomold (3 parts) is I can tell you they really do a good job, fast, good quality and competitive prices.
Thanks you GrabCad and ProtoMold.
Apostolos Veltsin over 10 years ago
Congratulation to the winners and everyone that participated to this competition :)
My only problem is that I don't find the reason of showing the names of the designs without showing at least a picture. My personal opinion I think that this is extremely bad and does not help any of us to improve. I think this website is for learning each other and help to improve our own skills. But this cannot happen by hiding the designs. I hope in the future, GrabCad will change the rules on that topic!
Proto Labs over 10 years ago
Thank you to all who participated in our challenge. We hope you enjoyed it, and congratulations to the award winners! As Sara Sigel mentioned, only a main image of the winning entries are made available due to the private nature of the challenge. Since this was a search for our next design aid – which are used as educational items unique to Proto Labs – it’s necessary for us to protect details of the winning entries. We hope you understand, and that you found value in participating in the challenge. We’re evaluating winning entries to determine if we’ll be moving forward with production as a design aid, and if so, will be in touch with their creators.
Andrew Coyne over 10 years ago
Can't even view the thumbnail!
Please log in to add comments.
Log in