CONTEST RULES AND FAQ’S

COMPETITION OVERVIEW

The theme of the 2020-2021 Zinc Challenge is a material conversion. What existing product would be better if made in Zinc?

Product designers have an almost unlimited choice for the selection of construction materials and manufacturing processes. However, a poor choice of materials can lead to a negative product perception or compromised performance in use. Sensory modality is important for interaction with many consumer products, and zinc alloys are known for their excellent tactile perception (haptic properties) with implied quality and solidity.  As well, compared to plastics and other casting metals, zinc die casting alloys frequently have higher strength, better thermal conductivity, better electrical conductivity, best surface quality, easier finishing, highest fluidity, ultra-thin wall capability, and lowest draft, while the zinc die casting process provides higher casting productivity, longer die life, lower energy consumption, and net shape casting. What existing product could be enhanced by taking advantage of these properties of zinc and zinc die casting?

The challenge is to improve an existing product with a redesign that takes advantage of the properties of zinc and the flexibility of the zinc die casting process.

The main component of the product design should demonstrate the advantages of zinc alloys and the zinc die casting process. Furthermore, both material and method of manufacture for your unique design need to be justified. Your presentation should convey an understanding of:

• Appropriate selection of zinc die casting alloy (be specific, i.e. Zamak 3 or ZA-8, etc), and what properties make that alloy a good choice for the product.
• Design suitable for high pressure die casting
• Selection of suitable surface finish
• Compatibility with other materials

ELIGIBILITY 

This competition is open to all undergraduate students enrolled at an engineering or design college or university in North America in the current academic year.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES

Any individual or group involved in producing an entry may submit any number of designs and must fill out an entry form for each design. The design must be endorsed by a faculty member at the design college or university.

Single applicants: Fill in the information requested.

Group applicants: Designate one representative as the applicant, and place this person’s name and contact information in the appropriate sections. The remaining group members must have been listed on the zinc questionnaire and the on the back of the entry form. Limit one entry form per design submission.

1. Complete the electronic entry form.
2. Submit both the design and questionnaire by May 15, 2021 to: ZincChallenge@zinc.org.

The design entry must be organized on three (3) pages so that the complete concept with development can be understood.  The judge should be required to make any assumptions not clearly shown in the file.

The following layout is suggested but not required:

• Page 1 should detail the challenge and show the design development for the idea,
• Page 2 should make clear the selection of a specific zinc alloy and reasons why zinc combined with high pressure die casting is appropriate for the manufacture and use of the part,
• Page 3 should show the part isolated and in use for the intended application.

Written text should be minimal but is essential. The entry should contain description why zinc is appropriate for the design and why the solution is effective. Include a parts list and any text needed to highlight unique features that may not be clear unless identified.

A review of past winning entries [below] may be beneficial for understanding the requirements.

AWARDS

There will be three awards of $3000.00 each with the money split between the student or team ($2000.00) and the faculty advisor ($1000.00). The awards will acknowledge each designer’s name in all publicity.

JUDGING CRITERIA

The criteria for judging the competition will be based on the score and completeness of the questionnaire and the appropriateness of the solution to the design problem, including but not limited to: quality, originality, thoroughness and the development potential. It is imperative that the information in the submission clearly and completely convey the design concept. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS

The three (3) winning entries will be posted on this website. Entrance into this competition constitutes permission to post names and submitted designs by IZA for promotional purposes without further consent of the individuals involved.

JURORS

Final selections for awards will be chosen by IZA and outside experts.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Any applicant or group who wishes to protect his/her work by obtaining copyrights, design rights, patents and/or any other intellectual property right must do so at his/her own expense. By entering the competition, the applicant agrees that IZA may use the submitted design for promotional purposes without restrictions or further compensation.