October 2025 Challenge: "Is it Glass or Clearly Natural?"

Challenge Overview

Experience the clarity of 3D Fuel's "Clearly Natural" filament in this transparency-focused challenge! Participants will attempt to create the clearest possible print, testing the limits of clear filament printing techniques.

Challenge Rules

Materials & Constraints

• Filament: 3D Fuel "Clearly Natural" - Available in two variations:
  • PCTG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
  • PLA (Polylactic Acid)
• Maximum Filament Usage: 250g per entry
• Model Specification: Cylinder - 25mm diameter x 50mm height
• Print Mode: Vase mode (approximately 6 grams of filament)

Competition Categories

• PCTG Division: For prints using Clearly Natural PCTG
• PLA Division: For prints using Clearly Natural PLA
• Overall Winner: Best clarity across both divisions

Judging Criteria

1. Clarity & Transparency (40%): How clear and glass-like is the final print?
2. Print Quality (30%): Surface finish, layer adhesion, and overall structural integrity
3. Technique Innovation (20%): Creative printing techniques to maximize transparency
4. Challenge Adherence (10%): Following material constraints and using supplied model

Submission Requirements

• Model Compliance: Cylinder must measure 25mm diameter x 50mm height
• Vase Mode: Must be printed in vase mode (single perimeter wall)
• Weight Verification: Should use approximately 6 grams of filament
• Documentation: Include photos showing transparency (with light sources)
• Settings Documentation: Share printer settings used (layer height, temperature, speed, etc.)
• Process Notes: Brief description of techniques used to achieve clarity

Evaluation Process

• Transparency Test: Prints will be evaluated under controlled lighting conditions
• Comparative Assessment: Side-by-side comparison with actual glass reference
• Community Voting: People's choice award for favorite clear print
• Technical Review: Expert panel assessment of print quality and technique

Prizes & Recognition

Awards

• PCTG Division Winner: Recognition + prize
• PLA Division Winner: Recognition + prize
• Overall "Glass Master" Winner: Grand prize + recognition
• People's Choice Award: Community favorite
• Innovation Award: Most creative clarity technique

Documentation

• Winner photos for social media sharing
• Video documentation of winning techniques
• Settings and process sharing for community learning

Timeline

• Challenge Announcement: October 1, 2025
• Model Specification Released: October 13, 2025
• Submission Deadline: October 28, 2025
• Judging Period: October 29-30, 2025
• Winner Announcement: October 31, 2025

Creating the Cylinder Model

Using Bambu Studio

Step 1: Add Primitive

1. Open Bambu Studio to a new project
2. Right-click on the build plate
3. Select "Add Primitive"
4. Select "Cylinder"

Step 2: Resize the Cylinder

1. Click to resize the cylinder
2. Uncheck "uniform scale" if checked
3. Set X and Y to 25mm
4. Set Z to 50mm

Alternative Methods

• Fusion 360: Create cylinder sketch, extrude to 50mm height
• Tinkercad: Use cylinder shape, adjust dimensions
• FreeCAD: Create cylinder with specified dimensions
• Any CAD Software: Simple cylinder 25mm diameter x 50mm height