LAYER LOGIC
Presented by Makelab @ 2024 IDC & Education Symposium in Austin, Texas
The Challenge
Welcome to Layer Logic: 3D Printing meets Creativity by Makelab — Unleashing Innovation at IDC 2024, Austin TX.
Top 10 Finalists
We are thrilled to present the TOP 10 finalists of the Layer Logic Design Challenge! Below, you’ll find each finalist along with key highlights of their design.
How & Where to Vote
Visit the Makelab booth at the 2024 IDC & Education Symposium, scan the QR code to access the voting platform, inspect the finalist designs on display, and cast your vote online.
Competition participants must create a flat-pack stool using only PLA, incorporating innovative joinery for tool-free assembly.
Your submission must be designed for additive manufacturing using only PLA material. Ensure your design is optimized for 3D printing.
The design should be flat-packed, requiring no additional hardware or tools for assembly, utilizing only PLA.
Up to 2 colors. Available: white, black, gray. Combinations: all white, all black, all gray, white+black, white+gray, black+gray.
Each individual part must fit within a 14×14×14-inch build volume. Single parts may be split and reassembled but must not affect stability.
The complete assembly must not exceed 18 inches in height.
Your design must support a minimum weight of 180 lbs.
Infill percentage must not exceed 30%.
- Use only 1.75mm PLA filament.
- Fit within XL Prusa build volume (355×355×355mm).
- Design proper joinery methods for mating parts.
- Account for manufacturing tolerances.
- Consider print orientation to minimize supports.
- Strategically plan support placement.
- Account for FDM dimensional accuracy limitations.
- Design for material expansion and shrinkage.
- Leave border around the build plate edge.
- Maximize surface area on build plate for stability.
- Multi-color: design each color as separate body.
- Maintain position when exporting for alignment.
- STL, STEP, or OBJ format 3D models.
- Full assembly file + individual bodies as separate files.
- Up to 5 JPEG context renders from various angles.
- G-code with orientation, infill rate, and support info.
- Title and detailed design description.
3D printing efficiency, post-processing, material usage and print time
Printer capacity utilization
Multifunctionality, market niche
Versatility, target audience
Joinery, assembly, ergonomics, and appeal
Challenge Timeline
Critical dates and milestones for the Layer Logic Design Challenge at the 2024 IDC & Education Symposium in Austin, TX.
Meet the Judges
Esteemed experts from design, engineering, and 3D printing ensuring a fair and inspiring competition at IDC 2024 in Austin, TX.
Career spanning Kids2, BARK (created Super Chewer brand), and now frog — diving into research, design strategy, technology, and UI/UX across multiple product categories.
Over a decade in industrial design, specializing in high-end furniture and home goods. Previously at Herman Miller and Pilgrim Building Company.
Co-founded Makelab in 2017, positioning it as a leader in on-demand 3D printing. Background in product design from Pratt Institute, previously designed footwear at FILA.
Over 15 years leading global design, with 30+ design patents and 50+ commercially successful products. Expert in crafting product experiences at the nexus of physical and digital.
Creates aspirational narrative identities for objects. 15-year career at Clarks, Continuum, Smart Design, Steelcase, and HP. 40+ design awards.
Awards & Recognition
Winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place receive prestigious prizes, with special recognition for the top 10 and top 25 on Makelab and IDC platforms.
- Moment on the main stage at IDSA IDC
$1,000 Makelab Credit
Free Onshape Account for 10 Months
12 Months Exclusive Access to Naya
10 Months EDU Access to nTop
- $500 Makelab Credit
- Free Onshape Account for 6 Months
- 9 Months Exclusive Access to Naya
- 6 Months EDU Access to nTop
- $250 Makelab Credit
- Free Onshape Account for 3 Months
- 6 Months Exclusive Access to Naya
- 3 Months EDU Access to nTop
Display at IDC 2024 + full-scale 3D printed models + 3 months Naya access
Half-scale 3D printed models + Onshape & Naya platform access
Partners & Exclusive Tools
Cloud-native CAD platform with real-time collaboration and built-in PDM, accessible from any browser. Trusted by 3M+ users.
Organizes all design assets in one place — view, share, and receive feedback on 3D models, videos, PDFs with AI-powered collaboration.
Revolutionary platform transforming how designers and engineers design for additive manufacturing. Makes complex DFAM tasks accessible.
Expert Tips. Cutting-Edge Technology.
Revolutionary Materials. All on 3D printing.