12-week challenge
November 2026 to late January 2027 · once a week · 2 hours per session
Teams of 3–4 high-school students use AI and 3D printing to solve a real manufacturing problem. Future Makers internal finals select teams for the 2027 SME Digital Manufacturing Challenge. The same course also links to Make:able 2027.
Use generative design or topology optimisation to cut weight, material, print time, or part count while keeping required performance. This track fits the existing Future Makers 3D printing workshop best.
Optimise temperature, speed, infill, print orientation, or supports from material, geometry, and print results, then compare manual settings with AI recommendations.
Use in-process images to spot warping, stringing, layer defects, or print failure, then report accuracy, false calls, and practical limits.
Week 1 · 2–8 November
Cover the SME theme, rules, scoring, and examples; try CAD, AI, and 3D printing; form teams of 3–4 and assign roles.
Milestone: Team list, initial direction, AI-log template
Week 2 · 9–15 November
Research a real problem in manufacturing, production, repair, inspection, or sustainability, and analyse gaps in current solutions.
Milestone: Problem statement and research notes
Week 3 · 16–22 November
State the functions the product must perform, and set measurable targets such as weight, strength, material, cost, accuracy, or print time.
Milestone: Design brief and performance-target table
Week 4 · 23–29 November
Learn Fusion 360 modelling, dimensions, tolerances, orthographic views, DfAM, and Bambu Studio basics.
Milestone: First CAD model and orthographic views
Week 5 · 30 November–6 December
Choose AI tools; define inputs, outputs, and validation; design a controlled comparison between a baseline and an AI option.
Milestone: AI workflow and baseline option
Week 6 · 7–13 December
Use AI, topology optimisation, parameter studies, or computer vision to improve the design, then check whether the AI advice is sound.
Milestone: AI-improved option and AI decision log
Week 7 · 14–20 December
Lock material, orientation, supports, layer height, and infill, then print the first prototype on a Bambu Lab printer.
Milestone: Prototype 1 and print-settings table
Week 8 · 21–27 December
Test size, weight, strength, print time, and function, then identify failure causes. Mentoring may move online over Christmas.
Milestone: Prototype 1 test data
Break week · 28 December–3 January
No formal class. Teams tidy the AI log, revise CAD, and prepare the second print.
Milestone: Revision plan
Week 9 · 4–10 January
Feed test data back into AI or optimisation tools, compare human judgement with AI advice, and lock the final changes.
Milestone: Prototype 2 design and comparison table
Week 10 · 11–17 January
Print the final prototype, repeat the tests, and calculate AI gains in weight, cost, quality, or efficiency.
Milestone: Final prototype and validation data
Week 11 · 18–24 January
Finish the case study, Role of AI section, cost and risk analysis, engineering drawings, and a video of at most 5 minutes.
Milestone: Draft report, draft video, and file pack
Week 12 · 25–31 January
Give a 5-minute pitch and product demo. Mentors judge against SME criteria and select the teams that will compete.
Milestone: Final presentation and selected competition teams
Project management, schedule, problem definition, and pitch.
Fusion 360 modelling, orthographic views, tolerances, and design versions.
AI workflow, data analysis, quantitative comparison, and the AI-use log.
Slicing, 3D printing, assembly, testing, and quality control.
In a 3-person team, the Project Lead also owns the report, video, and pitch.
The timetable follows the SME deadline. Make:able closes later, so the same students can treat it as a second entry path.
Primary competition
Confirm Australian eligibility, advisor rules, team-size limits, membership, and fees on the organiser page. This page only opens that page; it does not enter the competition for you.
