WHAT IS THE ZINC CHALLENGE?
The Zinc Challenge is a competition created for industrial design students who are currently enrolled at a college or university in North America. Students are encouraged to use their imagination to create, design, and develop a “Home Care Device” made by zinc alloy die casting (more details below).
Three winners will be selected, and each participant or group will receive an award for use at the college or university at which they are currently enrolled. A $2,000 award will go to each of the top three winners and $1,000 will be donated to their faculty advisor for use at his or her discretion within the department.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
1. FILL OUT THE ENTRY FORM
2. COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE
3. SUBMIT DESIGN AND QUESTIONNAIRE BY THE DEADLINE
CONTEST RULES AND FAQ’S
COMPETITION OVERVIEW
The theme of the 2021-2022 Zinc Challenge is to design and develop a Home Care Device.
Remote medical care reduces hospital burdens and provides for lower costs, better efficiencies, faster transactions and more convenience for patient and caregiver. A wide range of technologies are being used to manage personal health or to assist others with health care, not only for care related to acute and chronic medical conditions but also for disease prevention and lifestyle choices. Home care devices, either portable or stationary, must be designed for durability, ease of use and safety with a style not found in institutional settings. Common applications are for administering medications, test kits, sensory or mobility devices, activity assisting devices, meters and monitors, respiratory equipment, feeding equipment, infant care and telehealth devices for collecting and transmitting data to remote monitoring sites.
The challenge is to design a functional, easy to use yet stylish home care device that may be worn or be visible in the home.
The main component of the product design should demonstrate the advantages of zinc alloys and the zinc die casting process. Furthermore, both the material and method of manufacture for your unique design need to be justified. Your presentation should convey an understanding of:
- Appropriate selection of a zinc die casting alloy
- Design suitable for high pressure die casting
- Selection of suitable surface finish
- Compatibility with other materials
ELIGIBILITY
NUMBER OF ENTRIES
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 then on the back of the entry form. Limit one entry form per design submission.
SUBMITTING YOUR DESIGN
- Complete the electronic entry form.
- Submit both the design and questionnaire by May 13, 2022 to: ZincChallenge@zinc.org.
DESIGN RULES
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 reason 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
JUDGING CRITERIA
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
JURORS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S WINNERS!
ZINC CHALLENGE: 2020-2021
20th Anniversary ~ Product Redesign into Zinc
Please note that winners are listed in no particular order
- Good arguments why to switch from plastic to zinc (strength, ductility). High score for originality.
- Quite original, puts plastic into the penalty box!
- Good presentation, the renderings are nice and it is a good design. It also addresses a topic that is important in the industry ~ toxicity.
- Love the execution, attention to details and the non-toxic shout-out.
- I love the Sticky Note ideation ~ fantastic presentation.
- This is exactly what the competition was about: substitute other materials with zinc.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
ZINC CHALLENGE: 2019-2020
Wearable Electronic Device
- “I really like the design. It is unique and original, and it’s clear the designer has thought through many of the challenges of wearing and using such an inventive product.”
- “The use of zinc (rigid material) makes sense in this wearable.”
PREVIOUS WINNERS
ZINC CHALLENGE: 2018-2019
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – Shielding Capable Document Holder
- “The designer clearly understands how the properties of zinc contribute to the functionality for RFID shielding while providing thin walls and the superior surface finishing needed for a high end product.”
- “Utilizing zinc for the RFID wallet and the stylish clasps ties the design together.”
- “The designer complements the warmth of zinc with the use of natural materials on the inside of the wallet in this simple and functional product.”
- “‘Zinc came out ahead for castability when compared to other possible materials in this design.”
- “The designer’s choice of ZA-27 alloy provides high strength and RFID shielding for this application.”
- “Cycling is growing in popularity and this design adds secure storage to the bike.”
ZINC CHALLENGE: 2017-2018 – GLASS SUPPORT BRACKETS
- “I like the concept of this design. A very minimal design for utensils only, allowing for more drawer space for other kitchen products. The glass container can also be washed.”
- “The student makes use of zinc die casting’s high fluidity to make thinner walls as well as the use of ribs to help strengthen the part.”
-
“I like the interesting design for hanging glass giving increased flexibility with unlimited wire angles.”
-
“The student takes advantage of the ability to cast accurate dimensions and zinc’s corrosion resistance, which are both important for this application.”
-
“I like the use of various bracket designs for the different locations and functions on the balcony rail.”
-
“The student recognizes the ability of die cast zinc alloys to resist corrosion and still look shiny and beautiful.”
ZINC CHALLENGE: 2016-2017 – COMMERCIAL KITCHEN PRODUCTS
- ‘I liked the ergonomic look of this knife, and there may be an application for zinc in knife handles in general.’
- ‘Very well executed design process. Benefits of using zinc shown in good detail.’
- ‘Well executed design development with interesting historical reference.’
- ‘This is a good add-on product and clearly a good choice in zinc.’
- ‘Excellent concept presentation. Imaginative solution to a barista’s problems.’
- ‘Simple aftermarket add-on product with wide market potential and easy integration.’
- ‘Although zinc is already used in faucets, I liked the novel idea of using electronic controls on the nozzle. The reason for using zinc was clearly presented.’
- ‘New imaginative approach to a one control faucet. Excellent execution of the design process.’
- ‘One hand control of all functionality of the faucet improves on existing designs.’
ZINC CHALLENGE: 2015-2016 – OUTDOOR CAMPING PRODUCTS
