‘Beyond 3D printing’ is the theme of this year’s purmundus challenge, the ideas competition for imaginative, aesthetic and trend-setting product ideas and innovative projects. Once again in 2019, the competition will serve as the international trend radar for creative developments in additive manufacturing. The winners and finalists of the purmundus challenge will be appearing in a special showcase at Formnext 2019 over all four days of the show.
This year, the international competition allows for the fact that additive manufacturing has reached a plateau of productivity and no longer defines innovations solely in terms of technical feasibility. Other important factors include increasing utility and efficiency through tailored solutions and an outstanding and appealing design.
In addition to trend-setting 3D printing products and projects, the purmundus challenge also recognizes innovations from the world of 4D printing. The 4th dimension is achieved through special material properties of additively manufactured products and components, which react with parameters within the environment (heat, humidity, light, magnetic fields etc.) and change form accordingly.
This allows workpieces to be manufactured using AM processes, which change their shape after production. The components can also be given sensory properties. Potential areas of application include architecture among others.
The purmundus challenge is open to talented individuals, professionals, organizations, and companies of all sizes who believe their superior design quality, innovation and attention to detail will win over the international panel of high-profile judges, comprising: Christoph Behling (Christoph Behling Design Ltd.), Prof. Richard Bibb (Loughborough University), Isabelle Fröhlich (Volkswagen AG), Tilla Goldberg (Ippolito Fleitz Group GmbH), James Helliwell (McLaren Group), Dr. Alexander Hildebrandt (Festo AG & Co. KG), Frank Kleemann (Selbstständiger Industriedesigner), Andreas Pany (Ernst Strassacker GmbH & Co. KG), Prof. Dali Sun (Beijing Institute of Technology), Graham Tromans (G. P. Tromans Associates) and Rainer Zimmermann
(zimmermann produktgestaltung).
Corinna Ray, head of the purmundus challenge, explains; “Once again in 2019, designers in the 3D and 4D sector can take part in the purmundus challenge completely free of charge. The design competition offers newcomers and professionals alike a great opportunity to boost the confidence of potential customers and sponsors in their additive solution.”
Various prizes with a total value of 12,000 euros will be awarded. In addition to the top three places, there is also an Innovation Prize, a Special Mention and an Audience Award up for grabs. The Award Ceremony will take place during the Formnext in Frankfurt am Main on Thursday, November 21, 2019.
With its cross-industry innovations, the special showcase of the purmundus challenge finalists at Formnext 2019 provides an exciting insight into creative innovations in the world of additive technologies. It will also offer interesting inspiration for Formnext 2019 visitors and exhibitors to develop and design their own product ideas and concepts.
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2019.
