How can additive manufacturing contribute significantly towards environmental sustainability and energy efficiency? Can we develop a roadmap that bridges engineering and environmental science, with the aid of additive manufacturing / 3D printing technologies to propose solutions that address one of the biggest challenges of our times?
To encourage researchers to come up with new ideas, Elsevier is holding its first 3D Printing Grand Challenge. The winning project will receive a prize of $15,000. An innovation prize of $10,000 will also be awarded.
The Elsevier 3D Printing Grand Challenge is open for proposals. Participants are asked to submit proposals outlining innovative ideas and solutions using additive manufacturing technology to advance healthcare, education, clean water, food, energy, transportation, and heavy manufacturing while protecting our natural environment and human well-being.
Projects will be reviewed by a Panel of Judges on the basis of the following criteria:
Adequately meet current sustainable manufacturing practices, procedures, and definitions;
Be replicable, scalable, sustainable and set a benchmark for innovation.
Address issues such as energy or resources efficiency based on the current status
Demonstrate cost-effectiveness, break-even analyses and life-cycle assessments, and offer a critical comparison to conventional manufacturing practices with clear data to support the same
Have at least one of the following objectives:
Provide a more sustainable method for using resources, through the modeling, design, manufactured demonstration of a final product.
Present a new business model fitting into the criteria of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
