Contest Coordinator: Charles Hildebrand, Southeast Community College
2026 Scope of Contest: 3D printing demands of its practitioners’ literacy in many areas. Competitors should expect to demonstrate their ability to use 3D CAD, design for the advantages of additive manufacturing, account for limitations of major 3D printing technologies, advocate for design choices and use creativity to solve physical problems and real constraints. Design for 3D printing a project that meets specific criteria that focus on form, fit, and function. This contest will include a written test.
State Competition Procedure
Before contest day:
Students submit print files in both CAD (.step, .iges, .sldprt, etc.) and mesh (STL, 3MF, OBJ, etc.) format to [email protected] by 5pm cst on 03/27/26. The subject line should read ADMNF (FULL NAME) DESIGN.
Link: 2026 SkillsUSA 2025/2026 Additive Manufacturing State Challenge
Orientation: THURSDAY EVENING 04/09/26 in the competition area at 7pm
On contest day:
Students submit Engineering Notebook for judging
Students submit physical parts for judging
Students submit final assembly if applicable for judging
Students submit their Presentation for judging
2025 Materials to be Provided by Competitor:
- 3D design submitted by 5 pm CST March 27 see above
- Computer system with computer design software capable of rendering files in STL or CMB format. Software must be able to operate without network connections to your school.
- Thumb drive loaded with 3D design
- Engineering notebook and pencils or pens
- Presentation
2025 Tools to be Provided by Competitor:
- GrabCAD Print Software
- Tape measure or measuring device
- Dial Calipers
- Files or sandpaper
- Small toolbox is allowed
- Glue if needed
- File storage device