3DPrintMeetup/challenges.md

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# 3D Print Meetup Challenges

## October 2025 Challenge: "Is it Glass or Clearly Natural?"

### Challenge Overview

Experience the clarity of 3D Fuel's "Clearly Natural" filament in this transparency-focused challenge! Participants will attempt to create the clearest possible print, testing the limits of clear filament printing techniques.

### Challenge Rules

#### Materials & Constraints

- **Filament**: 3D Fuel "Clearly Natural" - Available in two variations:
  - PCTG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
  - PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- **Maximum Filament Usage**: 250g per entry
- **Model Specification**: Cylinder - 25mm diameter × 50mm height
- **Print Mode**: Vase mode (approximately 6 grams of filament)

#### Competition Categories

- **PCTG Division**: For prints using Clearly Natural PCTG
- **PLA Division**: For prints using Clearly Natural PLA
- **Overall Winner**: Best clarity across both divisions

#### Judging Criteria

1. **Clarity & Transparency** (40%): How clear and glass-like is the final print?
2. **Print Quality** (30%): Surface finish, layer adhesion, and overall structural integrity
3. **Technique Innovation** (20%): Creative printing techniques to maximize transparency
4. **Challenge Adherence** (10%): Following material constraints and using supplied model

#### Submission Requirements

- **Model Compliance**: Cylinder must measure 25mm diameter × 50mm height
- **Vase Mode**: Must be printed in vase mode (single perimeter wall)
- **Weight Verification**: Should use approximately 6 grams of filament
- **Documentation**: Include photos showing transparency (with light sources)
- **Settings Documentation**: Share printer settings used (layer height, temperature, speed, etc.)
- **Process Notes**: Brief description of techniques used to achieve clarity

#### Evaluation Process

- **Transparency Test**: Prints will be evaluated under controlled lighting conditions
- **Comparative Assessment**: Side-by-side comparison with actual glass reference
- **Community Voting**: People's choice award for favorite clear print
- **Technical Review**: Expert panel assessment of print quality and technique

### Prizes & Recognition

#### Awards

- **PCTG Division Winner**: Recognition + prize
- **PLA Division Winner**: Recognition + prize  
- **Overall "Glass Master" Winner**: Grand prize + recognition
- **People's Choice Award**: Community favorite
- **Innovation Award**: Most creative clarity technique

#### Documentation

- Winner photos for social media sharing
- Video documentation of winning techniques
- Settings and process sharing for community learning

### Timeline

- **Challenge Announcement**: October 1, 2025
- **Model Specification Released**: October 13, 2025
- **Submission Deadline**: October 28, 2025
- **Judging Period**: October 29-30, 2025
- **Winner Announcement**: October 31, 2025

### Creating the Cylinder Model

#### Using Bambu Studio

**Step 1: Add Primitive**

1. Open Bambu Studio to a new project
2. Right-click on the build plate
3. Select "Add Primitive"
4. Select "Cylinder"

![Adding Cylinder Primitive](./.images/Oct-Comp-ss1.png)

**Step 2: Resize the Cylinder**

1. Click to resize the cylinder
2. Uncheck "uniform scale" if checked
3. Set X and Y to 25mm
4. Set Z to 50mm

![Resizing Cylinder Dimensions](./.images/Oct-Comp-ss2.png)

#### Alternative Methods

- **Fusion 360**: Create cylinder sketch, extrude to 50mm height
- **Tinkercad**: Use cylinder shape, adjust dimensions
- **FreeCAD**: Create cylinder with specified dimensions
- **Any CAD Software**: Simple cylinder 25mm diameter × 50mm height