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3D Print Meetup Challenges
Welcome to our monthly 3D printing challenges! Each month features a unique theme designed to test different aspects of 3D printing skills, from material handling to design innovation.
Active Challenge
November 2025: "Wait, This Was Printed?"
Theme: Achieving the smoothest, most layer-line-free surface finish possible.
Key Details:
- Model: 25mm x 25mm x 25mm cube (2 walls, 0 top layers, 0% infill)
- Goal: Create a surface so smooth it doesn't look 3D printed
- Judging: Based solely on surface smoothness and lack of visible layer lines
Upcoming Challenge
December 2025: "Bring Your Test Models"
Theme: Sharing and comparing printer calibration and test models.
Status: To be announced at December 10th Meetup.
Expected Timeline:
- Announcement: November meeting (November 12th, 2025)
- Submission Period: TBD
- Judging: TBD
Challenge Archive
2025 Challenges
| Month | Challenge Name | Theme | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | "Is it Glass or Clearly Natural?" | Transparency & Clarity | Active |
| November | [TBD] | [TBD] | Planning |
| December | [TBD] | [TBD] | Future |
How Challenges Work
Challenge Structure
Each monthly challenge includes:
- Specific theme focusing on different 3D printing aspects
- Clear requirements for models, materials, and techniques
- Multiple award categories for different achievements
- Community judging during show & tell sessions
- Documentation sharing for learning and improvement
Participation
- Open to all skill levels - beginners to experts welcome
- Bring your submission to the monthly meetup
- Share your process - settings, techniques, and lessons learned
- Vote on favorites during community judging
- Learn from others through shared experiences
Awards & Recognition
Each challenge features multiple ways to win:
- Technical excellence awards for best execution
- Innovation awards for creative approaches
- People's choice awards from community voting
- Category-specific awards based on challenge theme
- Social media features for all participants
Challenge Development
Suggesting Challenges
Community members can suggest future challenge themes:
- Submit ideas during meetup discussions
- Discord voting on proposed themes
- School partnership input for educational value
- Skill development focus areas
Challenge Template
For organizers developing new challenges, see our Challenge Template which provides the standard structure and guidelines for creating engaging monthly competitions.
Current Focus: Join us for the October transparency challenge and help shape November's theme!