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The Cool Parts Showcase, a contest from Modern Machine Shop sister brand Additive Manufacturing Media, is again accepting submissions of innovative, unusual and cool 3D printed parts. An extension of The Cool Parts Show video series, the competition is seeking functional 3D printed components that are currently in use or for sale, as well as promising proof-of-concept solutions.
The three winning parts in the 2021 edition of The Cool Parts Showcase are pictured here. Above, the AKZ FDS adapter from DMG MORI. Below, an avionics heat exchanger from Advanced Engineering Solutions and, in the background, an assistive wheelchair for a dog from Dive Design and Braskem.
Finalists in the contest will be invited to display their parts at Formnext Forum: Austin, a new production 3D printing-focused conference and expo coming to Austin, Texas. Cool Parts will be displayed on the expo floor, and their creators will receive all-access passes to the event, happening August 28-30.
Fans and attendees will have a chance to vote on their favorite Cool Parts, and the winners will be announced during the Forum. Each winning part will be featured in a full episode of The Cool Parts Show.
The Cool Parts Showcase is open to manufacturers, designers, inventors, students and anyone engaged in solving problems through 3D printing. Parts entered in the contest should be end-use parts (sorry, no prototypes or molds) and should fit into one of three categories:
- Best Production Part, a product or component that is currently for sale and is 3D printed in full production volume. (Think: industrial filters, cutting tools, valve trims, an accessory for CNC machining — our 2021 winner in this category.)
- Best Bespoke Solution, a part that solves a unique, one-time problem. (Think: scapula implant, zoo enrichment device, Mars rover parts.)
- Best Proof-of-Concept Part, an item not yet in production, but one that illustrates AM’s trajectory or progress toward future applications. (Think: quantum physics research chamber, EV parts, biomimicry-inspired helicopter heat exchanger — our 2021 winner.)
Find more information and submit your Cool Part by May 30 at FormnextForum.com. We hope to see you in Austin!
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