# The Second Snapmaker Model Design Contest is now live-Exploring Possibilities with Multi-Material Design **URL:** \ **Category:** News and Announcements\ **Created:** [July 8, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/the-second-snapmaker-model-design-contest-is-now-live-exploring-possibilities-with-multi-material-design/42461 "2026-07-08T10:43:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Zoe\_M](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/8491ac/32.png) [@Zoe\_M](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/Zoe_M)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/the-second-snapmaker-model-design-contest-is-now-live-exploring-possibilities-with-multi-material-design/42461/1 "2026-07-08T10:43:01Z")
![海外社媒-1](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/b/7/b7c565faee41b8a619689aec94767949db775a13.jpeg) Hi everyone, A new **Snapmaker Model Design Contest** is now live, inviting makers to explore what’s possible with multi-material design. Multi-material printing opens up new possibilities for combining different materials in one design. We’re looking for creative models that make use of multiple materials to improve functionality, durability, and comfort, or to create unique visual experiences. Already have a design that fits the theme? Existing designs are also welcome, as long as they match the challenge theme and print well on the Snapmaker U1. Winning entries will receive contest prizes. Check the contest page for full details. **Submission deadline** : August 4, 2026 **Winners announced** : August 17, 2026 Learn more about the contest: > **[Snapmaker Models - Free 3D Printing Models](https://models.snapmaker.com/contest/34)** > > Snapmaker Models - Discover, share and download quality 3D printing models. Free STL/3MF model files covering home, toys, tools, DIY and more. A one-stop 3D printing model community for makers and designers. Submit your entry: > **[Snapmaker Models - Free 3D Printing Models](https://models.snapmaker.com/creator/upload?type=contest&contestId=34&status=10)** > > Snapmaker Models - Discover, share and download quality 3D printing models. Free STL/3MF model files covering home, toys, tools, DIY and more. A one-stop 3D printing model community for makers and designers. We look forward to seeing how you combine different materials and bring new ideas to life. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe\_M](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/8491ac/32.png) [@Zoe\_M](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/Zoe_M)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2026, 3:48am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/the-second-snapmaker-model-design-contest-is-now-live-exploring-possibilities-with-multi-material-design/42461/2 "2026-07-22T03:48:45Z")
**Multi-Material Contest: Idea Guide & Inspiration** Hey makers! We’ve seen a lot of questions like _“Multi-material sounds cool, but what should I actually print?”_ — so we put together this guide. Multi-material printing isn’t just about multiple colors: it’s about combining materials with **different properties** (flexible + rigid, opaque + transparent, model + removable or dissolvable support) to make things a single material simply can’t do. **Direction 1: TPU Printed with PLA Supports** TPU is flexible, tough, and grippy — but supporting it has always been painful: TPU supports fuse to the TPU part and are a nightmare to remove. Multi-material fixes this. **Print your model in TPU and your supports in PLA.** Because PLA barely bonds to TPU, the supports pop right off, leaving clean surfaces — and suddenly complex flexible geometry (overhangs, hollow shapes, enclosed structures) becomes easy. Ideas to explore: • **Wearables & carry gear** — TPU clothing pieces, bags, hats, and accessories. Flexible panels, straps, and living hinges with overhangs that would be impossible to support cleanly in TPU alone. ![img_v3_0213q_e5f0aef9-9204-42dc-be9f-9a2995bd9eeg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/9/b/9ba7f2e9ba449e2f46f51953a458140d0905ac00.jpeg) • **Fidget & kids’ toys** — squishy stress toys and safe, soft toys for children, with PLA supports handling the tricky geometry. Check out these examples: ![img_v3_0213q_f803d79a-8681-4776-828f-d745934a040g](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/d/a/da18d5ca5ada91e03cab324ac4c8dbeb66dbba61.jpeg) (multi-color teddy bear with PLA supports) • **Bouncy & elastic designs** — hollow lattice balls of all kinds (basketballs, footballs, tennis balls) that actually bounce. These hollow, enclosed shapes are a perfect showcase for removable PLA supports. See this showcase video: [![img_v3_0213q_9f54bb80-29b1-40f4-bb19-66bb9272edbg](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/7/1/71e3ef8de3917f38dc60c55a917bd7699f731a22.jpeg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DaKHFahX6A) • **Home protection tools** — corner bumpers for tables, drain plugs/switches, anti-slip pads, and other soft-touch household helpers. **Direction 2: PLA/PETG + TPU (Rigid + Flexible Combos)** This is where multi-material really shines: print rigid structural parts and flexible functional parts in one job, fully assembled off the printer. • **Flexible joints** — articulated figures with TPU joints, like poseable Gundam-style models where the joints flex and hold their pose. Watch it in action: [![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/c/3/c39937e17d1eb907e2d816c82f0c37a4ea0f1c6f.jpeg)](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1KCcHz4Eq4/) • **Flexible connectors** — a brilliant example is the SnapMates connector system by Jonathan Michael Johnson: snap-fit connectors that combine PLA, TPU, and PETG for the perfect balance of strength, durability, and function — no glue or screws needed. Learn how they work and use them in your own designs: [![img_v3_0213q_e56d51ac-32ed-4918-8331-966693c1689g](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/8/7/87a9df2826a599731ffa65f1e07da28f74796a88.jpeg)](https://github.com/jmj3d/snapmates) **Direction 3: Smart Support & Transparency Tricks (PLA / PETG / ABS / PVA)** Multi-material isn’t only about the finished part — it can transform how you print, and what geometry becomes possible: [From Colorful to Functional, Multi-Material Printing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKgkuZ-gY0o) • **PVA water-soluble supports** — print impossibly complex, precise internal structures, then just dissolve the supports in water. Perfect for mechanisms, lattices, and enclosed moving parts. ![图片1](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/e/d/ed5d8cd48e4903015bd7467b8d0bf0175c6f03d9.jpeg) • **PLA + PETG as mutual supports** — PLA and PETG don’t bond well to each other, which is actually a superpower: use one as break-away support for the other and get flawless overhang surfaces (same demo video above). ![图片2](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/b/e/be98d7b9a05b6ca67326a1bb284386c14f28a9c9.jpeg) • **PLA + transparent PETG** — mix opaque and clear materials in one model. A stunning example: a Fallingwater architectural model where the waterfall and the house’s windows are printed in transparent PETG, everything else in colored PLA. ![图片3](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/2/6/26c09c4883d1eeb2fd6350cb680f3ce6fe334b00.jpeg) **Tips Before You Start** • **Think in properties, not just colors.** Ask: where would flexibility, transparency, or dissolvability make my design better? • **Mind your print settings.** The example models above list their recommended parameters (0.4 mm nozzle, 0.2 mm layer height, etc.) — study them as a starting point. • **Material pairing matters.** PLA barely bonds to TPU — that’s why PLA makes such a great removable support for TPU parts. PLA+PETG also separate cleanly, while PETG+TPU bond reasonably well. Use adhesion or separation deliberately in your design. • **Document your process!** Photos and short videos of the print and assembly make your contest entry far more compelling. Ready to submit your design? Submit your entry here:**[https://models.snapmaker.com/contest/2](https://models.snapmaker.com/contest/2?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv0&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcmMxN0ZDQkRQa2N1d093VHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7SlyY8YH12LJ48-IOCB3cngGnDAAH7F3XF73oelrhzHo1AJ6KECn76bgQthQ_aem_kaAc2oPTfbBblauTjhCfxw)** ---
**Author:** ![Zoe\_M](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/8491ac/32.png) [@Zoe\_M](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/Zoe_M)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:18pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/the-second-snapmaker-model-design-contest-is-now-live-exploring-possibilities-with-multi-material-design/42461/3 "2026-09-10T12:18:59Z")
Hi everyone, The **Beyond One Material Model Design Contest** has come to an end. Thanks to everyone who took part and shared your ideas with us. There were some really creative ways of combining different materials in this round. The winners are now announced, and the winning models are available to check out and download here: > **[Snapmaker Models - Free 3D Printing Models](https://space.snapmaker.com/en/contest/2?name=beyond-one-material)** > > Snapmaker Models - Discover, share and download quality 3D printing models. Free STL/3MF model files covering home, toys, tools, DIY and more. A one-stop 3D printing model community for makers and designers. Take a look and see what you can make with them. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/8/7/87015950cee6d9b9bfaf9116f5d80abb2e253915.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/snapmaker/original/3X/0/0/009743a78875e4217bf303800e15cd9d40b9d19f.jpeg)