Design a device that performs useful work and produces a product of value.

For 2013, student designers are asked to go beyond “just parts” to utilize additive manufacturing (AM) for the creation of a machine.

The result will be a functional mechanism or assembly with moving parts. The geometry of the design must be defined within a three-dimensional (3D), computer-aided design (CAD) system capable of producing robust STL files. The deliverable shall include a complete bill of material/parts list where file transfer enables reproduction of the device.

Additive manufacturing embraces a wide range of materials and derivative processes building parts suitable for end-use service. The virtually unlimited design freedom enabled by additive manufacturing allows the creation of shapes and the integration of feature and function that previously required subassemblies. Employment opportunities for creative individuals are growing while industry adopts AM methods. Ready access to workstations and service providers makes the Internet a growing marketplace for public AM gadgets.

This year’s challenge seeks to showcase AM in the age of Web sharing and point-of-use manufacture. As the designer, you are only limited by your imagination. Use this opportunity to reveal your Additive Manufactured Machine in a device everyone can appreciate.

View the winning entries from the 2012, 2011 and 2010 competitions.

Entries are welcome from both college/university students and high school students. The two categories will be judged separately according to the following weighted criteria:

Criteria	Weight of Criteria
Functionality and durability – Provide a description and analysis of features and functions	25%
Cost-benefit/value analysis – Justify reason(s) for using AM	15%
Utilization of DDM material(s) – Justify the material(s) selected	15%
Utilization of DDM process(es) – Justify the AM process(es) used	15%
Component integration and innovation – Showcase AM capabilities	20%
Judge's discretion	10%
	Total 100%

Each category submission will consist of a zipped file, which includes:

1. A completed 2013 entry form (PDF).
2. An STL file(s) of your design.
3. A one-page summary stating why your design is suited for DDM.
• Include the benefits your design would bring to the customer.
• Indicate the volume of the build.
• Include your name(s) and contact information.
• Include your school name along with the name of your academic advisor as well as his/her email address plus title of your entry.

In addition, college/university entrants will also need to submit a three-page report containing the following additional elements:

First Prize (One university winner and one high school winner)
The designer* whose design is judged as being the best example of how DDM can be fully exploited will receive:

• A complimentary conference pass to the 2013 RAPID Conference & Exposition.
• A stipend of $300 to use for travel and lodging to the conference.
• A personalized recognition award.
• A certificate of achievement.
• A complimentary, one-year SME student membership.
• An SME logo gift.
• A recognition letter sent to the winner with a copy sent to the university advisor/employer.
• A recognition letter sent to a student newspaper/technical publication designated by the winner.

*Only one (1) individual in each category will be awarded first prize. If the design is submitted by more than one individual, the designated leader will receive the total prize and any co-designer(s) will receive a certificate of achievement only. 
 

Runners-Up

Second and third-place winners in each category will receive:

• A certificate of achievement
• A complimentary, one-year SME student membership

*Only one (1) individual from each category will be awarded the prize for second place and one for third place. If the design is submitted by more than one individual, the designated leader will receive the total prize and any co-designer(s) will receive a certificate of achievement only.

In addition, the winning design and two runners-up will be manufactured using DDM technology. The models will be presented to the student who designed them (or an individual representative of a design team). All design entries may be used in future publicity by SME and other organizers of the competition. The competition review committee will be comprised of members of the RTAM/SME's Direct Digital Manufacturing Tech Group.

Note: Design teams are restricted to a maximum of four (4) members per team.

The first-place winner in both categories will have the opportunity to present their project during the DDM Tech Group Meeting being held onsite at the RAPID Conference & Exposition.

**Judging may be subject to change based upon the number of entries received.
*** All college/university teams' submittals must be complete, or the submittal may not be considered.