The Fort Worth Public Library is hosting a contest for teens in grades 6-12 to see who can build the best bridge using a 3D printer. The winner will be awarded a new 3D printer, and the runner-up will get a 3D pen as a prize.

The details

According to a city news release, the contest runs through the month of September, with all final projects due before the library closes at 8 p.m. Sept. 30.

The event is the first citywide CAD—short for computer-aided design—contest. CAD projects are endeavors in engineering where constraints such as time, money and materials come into play.

“This lighthearted contest mimics those constraints and encourages you to think creatively,” said Christina Granados, the library’s teen program coordinator.




Diving in deeper

The news release states each submission must adhere to the following rules:
  • Dimensions: 9 inches long, 2 inches tall, 1 inch deep
  • Material: ABS filament (available at all Fort Worth Public Library locations)
  • Time: maximum print time of 2 hours, 30 minutes
Each submission must also include a design file, printed bridge and a form with contact information, according to the news release. Bridges will not be returned to contestants. They will be broken to determine which bridge carries the heaviest load. All submissions must be an original creation.

“[The contest is] about investing in the future of technology and design so it can inspire and empower the next generation of innovators,” said Andrea L. Ash, Fort Worth Public Library Foundation president and CEO. “The foundation is committed to fundraising to support these initiatives because they are vital to fostering creativity among our community’s youth.”

What you need to know




The news release states Fort Worth Public Library staff are available to help contestants get started on the design software and can help with printers. Anyone interested in 3D printing is invited to attend a free 3D design or 3D printing class offered at select Fort Worth Public Library locations.

“Use your imagination to design a strong bridge,” Granados said. “... 3D-print your prototype at the library for free. Test it and think about how to make improvements. You can repeat the engineering design process as many times as you want before the contest deadline.”