Finalists Have Been Chosen for the Purmundus Challenge 2021

Under the motto “Innovations in progress”, the Purmundus Challenge is taking place for the ninth time this year. The competition aims to honor the most innovative projects from the fields of medicine, biotechnology, 4D printing, VR, robotics, renewable energy, mechanical and plant engineering, e-mobility and drive technology. Last year, HUHN cycles was able to take home the Purmundus Challenge Trophy from Formnext Connect. The company showcased a 3D-printed bicycle frame made of titanium and was able to impress the jury on all points. But the jury is also expecting exciting ideas this year, with the 35 finalists already announced. They will present their projects at Formnext, and the winners will be chosen on November 18. We have taken a closer look at some of the finalists and are curious to see whether one in our selection will also convince the jury!

Phygital Icon from BMW 

With Phygital Icon, BMW aims to innovate the dashboard and in particular the instrument panel. The company is relying on 3D printing to produce the V-shaped structure. Thanks to the use of this technology, the responsible designers Matthias Seitz, Sophie Richter and Lee Chung Kyo want to integrate a real eye-catcher into the interior of the automobile of the future, such as the i Vision Circular. The crystalline body impresses with visual depth, light effects and a nerve-like structure – the aim is to achieve a “phygital experience” (mix of physical and digital).

Photo Credits: BMW

BushBot Chair by Stephan Heinrich

Stephan Heinrich is a German designer whose work includes DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing). In his works, he uses robotic processes to develop architectural structures. His BushBot Chair relies on a kinetic, passive robotic furniture design and is based on the concept of the NASA Bush Robot Study. This is a hypothetical concept of a device that can grasp any body, regardless of its geometry. This is exactly what the BushBot Chair is supposed to do. Whether the chair is also comfortable? You could find out for yourself at Formnext!

Photo Credits: BushBot Chair / Stephan Heinrich

HEXR Bike Helmet

Previously, we have reported on the bicycle helmets from HEXR. The British company offers custom-made helmets using 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies. After purchase, the customer receives a special cap that generates a 3D model of the head shape from around 250,000 data points. An app explains the individual steps to the user. The HEXR helmet is then 3D printed with PA 11 on the basis of the model and shipped.

Photo Credits: HEXR

MTC – a new generation of electric motors

The Manufacturing Technology Centre from the United Kingdom also made it into the 35 finalists with its idea “Future of electric motors with AM”. In redesigning the electric motor, the design team evaluated existing limitations in manufacturing with traditional methods and, based on this, realized the product improvement using additive manufacturing. The result includes a new design for the housing, which prevents the motor from overheating thanks to the integration of liquid cooling channels. In addition, a weight reduction of 10% and a size reduction of 30% can be achieved.

Bild: MTC

A 3D printed bike frame for Urwahn’s Waldwiesel.E

Also this year we find a 3D-printed bike frame among the finalists. The design for the Waldwiesel.E model from Urwahn was created by Sebastian Meinecke. The e-gravel bike impresses with a lightweight frame in which the head tube, the seatpost mount, the bottom bracket area, the two rear dropouts and the bend on the rear triangle are produced with the 3D printer. Also noticeable in the design is the lack of a seat tube – an aesthetic feature that could be realized thanks to the increased design freedom of additive manufacturing, giving the bike a sleek, clean look. At 14.8 kilograms, the e-bike from Urwahn is one of the lightweights on the market.

At Formnext, all 35 finalists will present their projects. Among them, in addition to those already mentioned, we will find the 3D-printed climbing shoe by ATHOS, the animal prostheses by DiveDesign, the 3D-printed elevator by MX3D and Schindler, as well as other innovative concepts that will define the design of tomorrow with additive manufacturing. A full rundown of the finalists can be found HERE. We’re excited to see who will be among the winners of the Purmundus Challenge next week. You also have the opportunity to vote for your favorite HERE.

Who do you think deserves to win the Purmundus Challenge in 2021? Let us know in a comment below or on our Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also sign up for our dedicated, free Formnext newsletter here.