Show off your skills and solve real design problems
FATHOM is challenging designers and engineers to reimagine two off-the-shelf components: hinges and fasteners, by leveraging the design freedom of 3D printing.
FATHOM is challenging all designers and engineers to think differently about how they design and manufacture products today by leveraging the unlimited design freedom made possible through additive manufacturing. From prototypes to production, the winning submission selected by a panel of judges in FATHOM’s Make the Unmakeable Challenges of 2015 will demonstrate an original way 3D printing can enhance the product development process.
Throughout 2015, FATHOM will be holding three different Challenges, all hosted through GrabCAD. In addition to scoring great prizes, the winning design of each of the three Challenges will be judged for a grand prize. In September of 2015, the ultimate Make the Unmakeable champion will win a professional 3D printer from FATHOM.
CHALLENGE 2 of 3: REIMAGINING HINGES AND FASTENERS FOR 3D PRINTING
FATHOM is challenging designers and engineers to reimagine two off-the-shelf components: hinges and fasteners. Having to design around traditional stock components is a problem because it increases part count, limits functionality, and hinders design freedom.
Leveraging the unlimited design freedom of 3D printing—such as the ability to 3D print moving assemblies in a single build—design a hinge or fastener that improves upon conventional designs. In this Make the Unmakeable Challenge, reimagine a hinge or fastener for the future of direct digital manufacturing.
- Entries will be judged on originality, both aesthetic and mechanic
- Designs should be mechanically sound
- Traditional concepts will not be considered
With this challenge, we turn to the GrabCAD community—what can you FATHOM?
You must include:
- A version in one of the following file formats: STEP or IGES.
o Preferred file naming convention for single material builds should identify project name, technology, material, and color (if applicable).
- For all assembly submissions, follow guidelines specified in Rhino and SolidWorks White Papers by FATHOM:
o Preferred file naming convention for multi-material or multi-technology builds should
identify project name, material, and color.
o Single files should be organized in folders that identify technology.
- Visual presentation with renderings of design with clear and concise explanations.
- Description on how your design is the best solution and why it is the winning design for this Challenge (300-500 words preferred but not required).
- Video submissions are optional.
Technical requirements:
Consider scales and options as the winning design will be 3D printed at one of FATHOM'S production centers — could be built on any of our machines, from the FDM-based Fortus 900mc with a build tray size of 36 x 24 x 36 in to the PolyJet-based Objet500 Connex3 with a build tray size of 19.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in and the widest range of multi-material options.
Designs will be judged with the following in mind:
- Design Freedom: Exploration into unique geometries that can only be made using 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
- Structural Optimization: Exploration into how 3D printing and additive manufacturing can improve upon lean and efficient design.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Exploration into how 3D printing and additive manufacturing can increase the efficiency of how products are manufactured today.
BY REGISTERING FOR THE COMPETITION, YOU ACCEPT THE CONDITIONS STATED IN THE OFFICIAL RULES (http://blog.grabcad.com/make-unmakeable-challenge-official-rules/), agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges and warrant that you are eligible to participate in the competition. If you do not accept all of these official rules, then please do not register for the competition. We recommend that you print a copy of these official rules for your future reference.
Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
THESE OFFICIAL CHALLENGE RULES SUPERSEDE OUR GENERAL GRABCAD CHALLENGE RULES AND TERMS & CONDITIONS.
This Challenge starts on May 4th 2015 and ends on June 15th 2015.
Winners will be announced on July 15, 2015.
Awards for Top 20 places.
- $2,500 credit for 3D printing services from FATHOM production centers (includes PolyJet, FDM, and SLS technologies, excludes model finishing);
- Extensive press coverage through industry-leading publications;
- Featured in the FATHOM trade show booth at highly publicized events located all across the United States;
- The winners of each of the three (3) challenge Competitions will be assessed and evaluated by the Judges for the grand and ultimate prize, which will be announced in September 2015: the ultimate Make the Unmakeable champion will win a (uPrint SE 3D printer by Stratasys) from FATHOM (value $15,900);
- Custom 3D printed trophy designed and 3D printed by FATHOM.
- $100 USD cash;
- 20% discount promo code for SmartQuote, FATHOM’s online tool for 3D printing quotes and orders;
- Custom FATHOM thank you package (t-shirt and other branded items);
- Press coverage through industry-leading publications;
- 20% discount promo code for SmartQuote, FATHOM’s online tool for 3D printing quotes and orders.
FATHOM is driven by advanced technologies that enhance our customers' product development process. We change the way products are being designed and manufactured by helping designers and engineers make the unmakeable, innovatively compressing industry standard lead-times so products go to market faster and more efficiently. Every day industry-leading companies leverage FATHOM'S 3D printing expertise to put satellites into orbit, electric cars on freeways, and a full spectrum of devices into people's hands and homes. The FATHOM team is uniquely blending additive technologies and materials with
legacy manufacturing methods so companies can go from concept to prototype to manufacturing in a way that wasn't previously possible. Our product portfolio includes professional 3D printers and manufacturing systems, prototyping and advanced manufacturing services, with design and engineering resources in support of these. We strive to be our customers' preferred partner by providing best-in-class equipment, services, and support.
If you don't receive the email within an hour (and you've checked your Spam folder), email us as confirmation@grabcad.com.
87 comments
Bar Danino almost 9 years ago
Does anyone know of a research about mechanical properties of printed materials? Made with any printwr you can use for this challenge. I want to run some numbers but can't find enough information (like elastic modulus in different directions relative to print direction, stress-strain curves etc.)
Robert King almost 9 years ago
@Bar Danino, http://www.makeitfrom.com/material-properties/Polylactic-Acid-PLA-Polylactide/ for PLA
Robert King almost 9 years ago
@Bar Danino, http://teststandard.com/data_sheets/ABS_Data_sheet.pdf for ABS
Robert King almost 9 years ago
https://www.google.com/search?q=stress+strain+curve+for+PLA&biw=1611&bih=902&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=6VtLVZnLFPPHsQSDnoDAAg&ved=0CB0QsAQ
Robert King almost 9 years ago
http://www.solid.lth.se/fileadmin/hallfasthetslara/utbildning/examensarbete/TFHF5123.pdf
REDA DJABRI almost 9 years ago
Good luck for All i have the crown ;)
Bar Danino almost 9 years ago
Thanks everyone, but I am looking for information regarding printed material specifically...
Ernesto Chavez almost 9 years ago
@Fathom, I'm not sure I follow. Do you want us to create an object that would normally use traditional hinges/fasteners, but for this challenge does away with the traditional methods of hinging/fastening and uses a new type of mechanism of our own invention?
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hello Everyone—Here is some information about the 3D printing materials offered at FATHOM production centers: http://studiofathom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/FATHOM_Materials_Datasheet_2015.pdf We do also offer DMLS in aluminum, titanium, and steel.
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Ernesto—Reimagine traditional fasteners and hinges. Meaning, what kind of design could be created that a designer or engineer could incorporate into a model that makes better sense for additive manufacturing. Instead of 3D printing something and adding a traditional hinge after 3D printing, what about adding an already made digital hinge design that leverages additive manufacturing before 3D printing it. Thanks to 3D printing, true design freedom is possible. Geometry of the part is not limited to traditional manufacturing methods.
Ernesto Chavez almost 9 years ago
Thanks for the response. Two more questions. First, you mentioned in the brief at the top of the page that traditional concepts will not be considered. Can you elaborate? Does that mean no threaded fasteners, door hinge-type hinges, and the like, in your design? And question two: with regards to your link to the 3D printing materials, are we allowed to design something for printing by DMLS as opposed to FDM or Polyjet?
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hi Ernesto—First answer: You are correct, no traditional concepts. That means we are not looking for designs of hinges or fasteners that can be found from McMaster-Carr or Grainger, for example. The task is to reinvent a design that leverages the benefits of 3D printing such as intricate complexity that can't be machined or moving parts that can't be injected molded. Second answer: Yes, you can design with DMLS in mind. I hope this helps!
Arman GhaffariZadeh almost 9 years ago
Hi Elizabeth, I was just wondering if we could submit the project as a group or it should be done individually? thanks
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hi Arman—Teams are welcome to submit but you may have to do so individually under one account. Be sure to include all their names in the description. Also, I recommend reading the terms regarding group entries. Excited to see the entry! Good luck!
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Awesome to see so many entries so far! Remember, you can submit more than one entry.
#David almost 9 years ago
I'm sorry but this challenge doesn't make sense to me where the awards are concerned unless the winner can convert the 1st place prize into a cash award. It's like holding a running contest and giving the winner a pair of running shoes. Most of the serious designing folks like me on here already have a 3D printer among other rapid prototyping equipment...and to us an award that honestly isn't set up for the talent you seem to want to attract, is turning us off not only to this competition but also to the folks involved. My opinion may not mean much, but I'd like to think that if the awards were set up differently, you guys might end up finding something that, well...really blows the sh!^& off the fan!
abdulrehman almost 9 years ago
does any one know how can i enter a solidworks assembly file? the rules say '' For all assembly submissions, follow guidelines per (Rhino and SolidWorks White Papers by FATHOM). ''
Ernesto Chavez almost 9 years ago
^ Pretty sure you have to include all the individual part files or else the assembly file won't be shown correctly when you upload it.
Ben Ewing almost 9 years ago
Hi abdulrehman, sorry about that. We updated the links to the guidelines for assembly submissions. Let us know if you have any questions!
Ben Ewing almost 9 years ago
Thanks for the feedback #David. We'll keep this in mind for future challenges!
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
David—Thank you for the feedback! We'll consider that next time. What kind of professional-grade 3D printers do you own?
#David almost 9 years ago
Hi Elizabeth, I currently own a Makerbot Replicator 2 (but that's not a professional grade 3D printer is it...but that of course depends on the level of service required right? I used to own an Objet Alaris 30 (now the 24 model - talk to Ammon Hamami or Ben Arnold- if they are still at the original Objet company) but have used DMLS, SLS, other FDM, etc. service bureaus for printing out prototype devices for myself and clients, particularly clients in medical fields where DMLS of medical grade Stainless Steel 316 and high resolution plastic prototypes were necessary. What I couldn't do on my metal CNC and lathe equipment, I had done using DMLS tech or printed using my alaris or someone else's. I've currently got about 2400 3D printing hours on my Makerbot, and looking through my notes see that I had put about 3300 hours on the Alaris 30 Polyjet 3D printer (which is a 3D printer that I'm sure everyone will agree IS a professional grade machine considering the resolution...material characteristics on the other hand are another matter). I can go and on about my 3D printing and prototyping experience which is apparently what you were interested in knowing a bit more about, but what exactly does this have to do with my comment regarding the incentives of this challenge?
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
What the main purpose of this challenge to create innovated 3D Printed hinge or fastener?
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hi David—Just asking for conversation because it's great to always talk with people who are experienced using 3D printers. I'm a personal fan of the uPrint SE, so I was curious what types of systems you are using. I'd like one for myself. We have the same MakerBot in the office. It gets used pretty often. DMLS on an EOS is great, and it's nice what can be done around 3D printed tools for quick injection molding! Hope my reply reaches you well!
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hi Ridwan—Yes, that is correct. We are asking people to design hinges or fasteners that leverage the design freedom of 3D printing.
shubham gupta almost 9 years ago
will we get certificate of participation???
#David almost 9 years ago
@ Elizabeth - Thanks for taking an interest in my comments. I and others here at Grabcad always appreciate it when clients and participants engage in an open dialogue that can potentially benefit all the parties involved. We can (more appropriately) take a discussion about 3D printing and about what your company is trying to do and about how I might be able to help in the future offline. However for all intents and purposes regarding this challenge, I don't think think that there would be anyone who would disagree about there being a readily apparent disconnect between the challenge and the awards: Guaranteeing an "Unmakeable" product will definitely cost you more than $2500 in 3D printing credits. It's not that it's a completely worthless award (3D Printing credits is NOT easily transferable in any economy), but rather folks like me have a hard time finding this to be an "incentive" to get them away from what they do to make actual cash. Then again, that's only my opinion. Please do consider a cash award for your 3rd and final challenge...I'd really like to get in on this.
Robert King almost 9 years ago
#David, if you're seeking serious rewards for your work, then maybe consider elsewhere to focus your talents. Many of us are doing this for the fun and uniqueness of the challenge--nobody is considering this for their livelihood.
Henk de Jong almost 9 years ago
@Robert King: Hear, hear
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Robert and Henk—Thank you for participating!
hobbes almost 9 years ago
@FATHOM: When you say "design a hinge or fastener that improves upon conventional designs." Does this include being "tougher" than a conventional hinge? I ask because most are metal and that's hard for printed plastic to compete against.
Is the driving idea behind this project to create product assemblies entirely through additive manufacturing? Does this include things like hardware/screws/bolts? I'm sorry if i seem to be going on a tangent, but I want to have a clear idea of my objective. Looking forward to submitting something.
Also, the hinge/fastener should be made in a such a way that it can't be manufactured in any other way than additive manufacturing, correct?
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Dear FATHOM Marketing Team and judges,
Please kindly to critism my submission :)
3D Print Technology Hinges.
I just want improve my submission until the end of challenges with help from your comments all.
Best Regards,
Ridwan
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hi Hobbes—To answer your first question, durability depends on the application. It's up to you and it's good to advise your reasoning behind the design in the description so judges fully understand your design. What is important is that the CAD leverages the ability to build geometries that can't be achieved through traditional manufacturing methods. That is what judges are looking for during this contest. To answer your second question on the driving idea behind challenge #2, FATHOM wants designers and engineers to take on this project from the perspective of direct digital manufacturing. If your inventory is digital, why wouldn't everything be optimized to take full advantage of the additive technology? You wouldn't want to use just a standard component only because it's available in CAD. You would reimagine it for additive technologies. This contest is about really taking advantage of 3D printing... not just 3D printing for the sake of 3D printing. We challenge all users to think differently.
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hi Ridwan—We are taking a look! Feedback coming soon.
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
thanks for fast response Elizabeth, I'll be waiting for the feedback.
Best,
Ridwan S
hobbes almost 9 years ago
I have to admit: this is pretty hard! Good thing I got 2 weeks. :)
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
The best of luck!
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Hi FATHOM Marketing Team and all judges,
I hope you want to give me feedback for this submission too : 3D Printing Fastener (Bolt Bearing)
Best Regards,
Ridwan S
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Need critism Eyeglasses 3D Printing with Flexible Hinge
Best Regards,
Ridwan S
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
HI Ridwan—Working on it! Thanks for your patience!
Bar Danino almost 9 years ago
Hello everyone,
I'd love to hear some opinions about my model as well :)
Prototyping Fastener - V2
thank you!
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
3D Printed Rotational Stopped Hinge
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
3D Printing Bolt Fastener Hinge Joint
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
3D Print Double Bolt
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Hi FATHOM Marketing Team and all judges,
This is my all submission for this challenge. I need your feedback to improve this all to get the best result.
https://grabcad.com/library/the-unmakeable-challenges-2-compilation-1
Best Regards,
Ridwan S
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Leaving some feedback today!
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
to FATHOM Marketing Team
thanks for feedback :).
For this one
3D Printing Fastener (Bolt Bearing)
I've already change it one day after I submit my submission. Please see the revised files.
Best,
Ridwan S
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Hi FATHOM Marketing Team,
I've replied your feedback in
Eyeglasses 3D Printing with Flexible Hinge & 3D Printing Fastener (Bolt Bearing)
please kindly to check it again :).
Best Regards,
Ridwan S
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Dear FATHOM Marketing Team
I need your and everyone feedback to improve this model.
3D Printing Fastener (Bolt Gear) & 3D Print Simple Flexible Rigid Hinge
Best Regards,
Ridwan S
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Dear FATHOM Marketing Team and every one,
I need your feed back for my last submission in this challenge RidwanS Lock and Release Surface
Best Regards,
Ridwan S
Ivan Tilev almost 9 years ago
Ridwan, sorry but you are boring. We see your submissions. If I want i will give feedback. Please don't ask for every submission.
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Sorry for this uncomfortable Ivan Tilev. But that's the last, I hope you want to give feed back :)
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Good luck to everyone! We are trying to give feedback. If we didn't make it to your design, just remember, it's all about pushing the design freedom of 3D printing!
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
[ BLOG ] Interview with Winner of the First Make the Unmakeable Challenge: http://studiofathom.com/blog/make-the-unmakeable-1-winner-qa/
"Devin Sidell, Lead Industrial Designer at Likuma Laboratories, was ultimately named by judges the winner of Challenge #1 for his Grow Pod concept. After Challenge #2 was launched, FATHOM asked Sidell to elaborate on his winning design and offer advice for other Make the Unmakeable contestants ...READ MORE"
Winston Jennings almost 9 years ago
Hi FATHOM Marketing Team. I have a question. Is the grand prize the uPrint SE or the uPrint SE plus as mentioned in the interview? I think we would all prefer it to be the later :) Thank you for this challenge and good luck to all!!!
FATHOM // Nicole Antonio almost 9 years ago
Hi @MrJentis, good catch on the typo! The grand prize is in fact a uPrint SE, which is an excellent machine that you can read about here: http://studiofathom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/uPrintSESellSheet-INTL-ENG-10-13-WEB.pdf
Winston Jennings almost 9 years ago
There are some really fantastic designs in this challenge. Good luck to everyone and thanks for making it worthwhile!
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
Hello everyone! Just wanted to say that FATHOM really appreciates everyone's patience as we collect information on the winners! So many great entries that it is really tough to pick. Hope everyone is doing well.
Ben Ewing almost 9 years ago
I'm happy to announce the finalists for The Fathom Make the Unmakeable Challenge #2: https://grabcad.com/challenges/make-the-unmakeable-challenge-2/results! We're really excited by the originality that all of these great designs offer. Next the judges will be taking an in-depth look at how each finalist stacked up in terms of design freedom, structural optimization, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Which one is your favorite? Did we leave anything amazing off the list? See something we should know about? Let us know in the comments!
Ben Ewing almost 9 years ago
I also want to mention that due to a technical error, Peter Hanaway's design is not appearing as nicely in the results page as the finalist entries usually do. I do want to reassure everyone that this entry is a finalist like the others however and will be considered by the judges as the process continues. Cheers!
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
this is the first time I see same people held 2 project submission as finalist :) Good luck every one
Patel Deepak almost 9 years ago
Is there a chance of any entry whiChat is not in the final list but may come out as winner entry?
If yes ,than I request all to look into the following entry. :)
Octopus Snap hinge
Ali ZAHI almost 9 years ago
Congrats to all finalists!
First of all, I mention that this challenge is amazing and all entries are very interesting!
About the result, I hope that the model newt for ERIC GARCIA will be the winner in this challenge because it's a new wonderful concept and I like it!
Also, Hinge 3D Printing #3 for Acop Minasean is an amazing entry!
So, good luck for them and for other finalists!
By the way, don't hesitate to took a look for my entries : 3D Cylindric Hinge & Pacman Hinge for the criticism and in order to find points to take in consideration in my future entries.
Thank you!
Acop Minasean almost 9 years ago
Hello everyone!!!
In this challenge has many interesting and very worthy works.
I would choose else 20 works minimum for the final.
I like PUSH TO OPEN HINGE V.2 by Tamas Jager, Push N Turn Fastener by aniket and Ball-Bearing Hinge (Version AA) by Roland Schneider more of these finalists.
Good luck to everyone!!!
aniket almost 9 years ago
Congratulations to all the finalists.....Many many good entries in the contest...some are really out of the box ideas....below are the ones which I liked more
PUSH TO OPEN HINGE V.2 by jager.tamas
Hinge 3D Printing #3 by acop
DuraCleat by lukas.brigys
Ball-Bearing Hinge (Version AA) by roland.schneider
Sphere Wall Mount V2 by mrjentis
newt by eric.garcia
3D Printing Fastener (Bolt Bearing) by ridwan.septyawan
Newt is my favorite among these.....simple yet efficient.
All the best to all !!
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Fastener entry 4-Push&Lock
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
Hinge
Nicolas Marc almost 9 years ago
Congratulations to all finalists and participants, many great conceptions and ideas for this challenge.
My choise is 3D Printing Fastener (Bolt Bearing)
because this conception offers many possibilities and i am very interested to use for my work.
Good luck to all.
aniket almost 9 years ago
200 entries and so few comments...cmon guys, we should do better than this !!!
Ben Ewing almost 9 years ago
The winners have been announced: https://grabcad.com/challenges/make-the-unmakeable-challenge-2/results. Congratulations to the winners! There were so many unique designs for this amazing challenge. To pick the winners, the judges took an in-depth look at how each finalist stacked up in terms of of design freedom, structural optimization, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Thanks to everyone who participated!
FATHOM Marketing Team almost 9 years ago
FATHOM is very excited for this announcement! Thank you to everyone who participated!
Fred Co almost 9 years ago
Congrats to all. Mr. Jentis, from your website I see that you're a "Maker." The Stratasys printer would be a great addition to your shop. Good luck in the finals.
Winston Jennings almost 9 years ago
Thank you Fred Co and congrats on your win also. Thank you Fathom for the challenge and the top spot. Congrats to all winners also, this was a great challenge indeed!
Ridwan Sept almost 9 years ago
congrats to all winners and to Mr Jentis :) !!!
aniket almost 9 years ago
Congratulations to Mr Jentis and all the winners !!!
Winston Jennings almost 9 years ago
Thank you Ridwan Septyawan and aniket for your kind words.
Andrew J Young almost 9 years ago
Congrats MrJentis great design, my other favorites were Aniket and lukas.brigys designs. Great job!
Naila almost 9 years ago
Congratulations for winners ... Great job
FATHOM Marketing Team over 8 years ago
We will be in touch with winners soon! Thank you!
Check out these 3D printed trophies—it only seemed appropriate that the FATHOM team match the talented winners with the same effort and imagination they put forward to win the attention of our judges!
http://studiofathom.com/blog/3dprinting-the-mtuc-2015-trophy/
Winston Jennings over 8 years ago
I made a revision to Sphere Wall Mount V2 addressing the printing errors found based on feedback I received from others. Feel free to check it out.
Ben Ewing over 8 years ago
In conjunction with FATHOM, we are super excited to announce that the Ultimate "Make the Unmakeable" Winner is Casey Rogers, the winner of the 3rd challenge. All three winners had submitted unique designs to the 3D printing challenge so it was very hard for the judges to pick just one champion. To select the ultimate winner, the judges took an in-depth look at how each finalist stacked up in terms of design freedom, structural optimization, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Congratulations to all of the winners—Devin Sidell ranked first place in round one, Winston Jennings ranked first place in round two, and Casey Rogers ranked first place in round three. Thanks to everyone who contributed to these innovative challenges!
Ben Ewing over 8 years ago
Casey's winning design can be seen here: Quadcopter Universal Gripper Accessory
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