Why to Avoid the Unfair Printables.com Contests

Printables.com 3D print challenges are unfair due to inconsistent rule enforcement, as demonstrated by a recent contest where a three-part, three-color model won despite clear guidelines for two interlocking parts and two colors. This discrepancy reflects a lack of commitment from the jury to uphold contest rules, favoring aesthetics over fairness. Such practices risk alienating participants who adhere to the established criteria, ultimately damaging the competition's integrity. To restore credibility, Printables.com needs to ensure that its contests are judged fairly and transparently.

In the world of 3D printing, contests can ignite creativity and innovation. However, Printables.com’s recent challenges have raised concerns about fairness and adherence to rules. Take, for instance, the “Single Extruder - Dual Color” contest in October 2024, which explicitly requested designs made of two interlocking parts, each showcasing a distinct color. Yet, the winner was a three-part, three-color model, clearly violating the contest's stipulations. Side winners were also multi-color models.

I’ve also noticed a troubling trend with certain designers in these contests. They quickly enter designs that have already been posted, often just “updated” on the same day the contest goes live. A brief investigation reveals these posts have been on the site for some time, and these so-called updates often show no visible differences from the originals. This practice undermines the spirit of the competition and pushes out those of us who put in the time and effort to create fresh, relevant designs.

There are multiple related posts in the internet, for example on Reddit or the Prusa3D Forum site itself. And they gain quite some attraction.

When the contest jury overlooks these issues, it sends a message that creativity trumps adherence to guidelines, which can alienate participants who follow the rules.  Printables.com should reassess how winners are chosen to maintain credibility and foster a community where all participants feel valued and fairly judged. Have you experienced this before? Let me know what you think!