Innovative 3D prints from the 2017 Simplify 3D contest

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Simplify 3D 4.0 Contest

Simplify3D CEO Clayton Webster tells us:
"We are thrilled to showcase how our community is using Simplify3D Version 4.0 to unlock new capabilities. We were very impressed with the intuition and skill shown to create these fantastic models. As we continue to pioneer new techniques for additive manufacturing we are excited to see what our users will come up with next!"
Let's look at them now.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Hockey Clock by Greg Takacs

A father/son team used single extrusion and thin wall features to get the fine features of this print.
We like the mix of 3D printing and electronics (plus, you can never go wrong with Nixie tubes).

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Battleship by Maurizio Castiglioni

Look how small this is!
Printed at 1/3000 scale, Simplify3D 4.0 small features and thin wall settings were used to print the small details.
With the right printer and the right settings, you can get incredible detail.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Architectural Model by Garrett Faulkner

This architectural model is almost four feet long and took 350 hours to print. It used some bridging features of the slicer to span the windows and door frames.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Bridge by Frank Lenski

Speaking of bridges, this meter long model is based on New Zealand's Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Beyond its basic cool factor, what makes this model interesting is that it was built for wind tunnel testing.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Camera Case by Albert Kelnberger

If you're curious about the exact settings for Simplify3D, check out the attached image. This is a camera case for a Raspberry Pi.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Fantasy Castle by Luke Sideras

My wife sometimes knits with yarn that varies in color. You can also get filaments that come in many colors, providing a wonderful rainbow effect. This 57 hour print used special settings to reduce the infill for large base areas.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Simplify3D Cookie Cutter by Brandon Delph

There are a lot of 3D printed cookie cutters. What sets this one apart is the different depths and effects, allowing individual cookies to come out with texture and wording. Yum! Hungry now.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Shoe by Shwetabh Jo

It's a 3D printed shoe. How much cooler can you get from that? Using TPU (a flexible filament) and special extrusion settings for the sole and base of the shoe, this project is a preview of what shoes might be like in coming years.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Hexapod by Alexander Wessling

This is a custom designed walking robot. Internal structural details were managed in the Simplify3D slicer.
Remember that a 3D modeling program can determine shapes and dimensions, but the internal material properties are the domain of the slicer.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Hairy Lion by Tony Akens

Notice the hair in the two lions above. First, you can 3D print hair. Wow! But second, the hair on the right lion is thinner than the lion on the left. It's using a single wall extrusion feature that allows for very fine printing.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Rings by Guy Vagman

Combining "vase mode" (a way of printing continuous layers in a spiral) with a layer-by-layer printing process, the artist was able to create a unique ring design with a unique look.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz
Yo-Yo by Jason Preuss

Yo-Yos aren't just donuts on strings. Paper yo-yos are long strips of paper on a stick that also fling out and return. Unfortunately, they can break easily.
This yo-yo is modeled on the paper design and is paper thin, but since it's plastic, it's far more durable.

Published: October 6, 2017 -- 14:23 GMT (07:23 PDT)
Photo by: Simplify3D

Caption by: David Gewirtz

Simplify 3D, makers of a sophisticated 3D printing slicer, recently held a contest for the most innovative uses of their technology. We spotlight the finalists here.