3D Printing Competition @ Illinois State Fair

3D Butter Cow Contest

Calling all student makers – this year’s 3D printed butter cow could be designed by you!

This year, we want to see your vision for our fan-favorite butter cow miniature, and we’ve whipped up a contest to award a special honor – having your design 3D printed and given away to this year’s State Fair attendees.

Makers of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in this opportunity to turn a passion into a real-life object. See the tabs below for guidelines and step-by-step instructions on turning your idea into a print-ready design.

Start churning up your ideas today! Deadline for design submission is April 1, 2024.

Submit a Design Contest Flyer

Contest Guidelines & Resources

Guidelines & Rules

Submission Guidelines

  1. Model designs must be submitted through this form as an .stl file.
  2. Model design must be of a cow or incorporate a cow.
  3. Due to printing constraints, model designs must not measure larger than 3″ (7.6 cm) x 3″ (7.6 cm) x 2″ (5 cm) and must be able to print without supports (see Resources for reference pictures)
  4. Model designs must be submitted by April 1, 2024.

Contest Rules

  1. Contest entry is limited to current students of public and private K-12 school districts in Illinois.
  2. Schools and school districts are not limited to a single submission. Multiple students or teams of students from a single school may submit designs.
  3. One winning design will be chosen by a team of reviewers, including 3D printing experts, using a scoring rubric.
  4. Winner(s) will receive a consultation with a 3D printing specialist, and their design will be reproduced and distributed at the 2024 Illinois State Fair
Resources

Here are several resources to help you understand the 3D printing design and production process:

Tools and Trainings

3D printing basics, terminology, and additional resources (LTC-Created Resource)

Print Like a Pro video course

Learn 3D Design with Tinkercad

3D printing courses with Prusa

PrusaSlicer application (for exporting files as .stl)

Reference Pictures

2021 and 2022 Designs and Dimensions

Disclaimer: The LTC does not endorse any 3D printing products, vendors, or service providers. The following resources are provided to increase understanding about the 3D printing process and access to STEM learning.

Submission Guidelines

  1. Model designs must be submitted through this form as an .stl file.
  2. Model design must be of a cow or incorporate a cow.
  3. Due to printing constraints, model designs must not measure larger than 3″ (7.6 cm) x 3″ (7.6 cm) x 2″ (5 cm) and must be able to print without supports (see Resources for reference pictures)
  4. Model designs must be submitted by April 1, 2024.

Contest Rules

  1. Contest entry is limited to current students of public and private K-12 school districts in Illinois.
  2. Schools and school districts are not limited to a single submission. Multiple students or teams of students from a single school may submit designs.
  3. One winning design will be chosen by a team of reviewers, including 3D printing experts, using a scoring rubric.
  4. Winner(s) will receive a consultation with a 3D printing specialist, and their design will be reproduced and distributed at the 2024 Illinois State Fair

Here are several resources to help you understand the 3D printing design and production process:

Tools and Trainings

3D printing basics, terminology, and additional resources (LTC-Created Resource)

Print Like a Pro video course

Learn 3D Design with Tinkercad

3D printing courses with Prusa

PrusaSlicer application (for exporting files as .stl)

Reference Pictures

2021 and 2022 Designs and Dimensions

Disclaimer: The LTC does not endorse any 3D printing products, vendors, or service providers. The following resources are provided to increase understanding about the 3D printing process and access to STEM learning.