SkillsUSA "Make It Run" 2026 Additive Manufacturing Challenge: All You Need to Know
The SkillsUSA "Make It Run" 2026 Additive Manufacturing Challenge invites students in grades 9 through 12 to build a rubber band-powered vehicle using 3D printing technology. What is the objective? Create a vehicle that can go smoothly on the power of a rubber band alone; you can't use any motors, batteries, or metal components.
More than just imagination is required to complete this task. Its purpose is to assess, within strict parameters, the students' mastery of engineering design, computer-aided design (CAD), functional printing, and mechanical motion. As a consequence, you get a project that is both entertaining and useful for developing your skills. This article gives you all the key details about the SkillsUSA “Make It Run” 2026 Additive Manufacturing Challenge.
How the Vehicle Must Be Designed?
For the “Make it Run” challenge, the car has to be completely custom-made utilizing additive manufacturing technology and 3D modeling software. Printed parts include the entire vehicle, down to the wheels, axles, and chassis. You cannot attach any external components, such as bearings or metal pins.
Additionally, it must be square, include no more than one rubber band, and comprise a minimum of three moving components that can interact with one another, all within a 6-by-4-inch box. No wheel diameter can exceed three inches. There is a 12-hour deadline for all components, and the total volume of material, including support, must not exceed 5 cubic inches.
Due to these constraints, it presents a significant engineering problem. It is imperative that all components be accurate, practical, and printable. Consideration of friction, part tolerances, and optimizing 3D-printed mechanics for optimal performance is essential.
How and When to Submit?
There are typically two steps to submitting your design. Be sure to email in your digital design files (such as STL or 3MF) well in advance of the competition. Around most states, this takes place around the latter half of March or the first month of April. To be eligible, you must strictly adhere to the regulations regarding file names and satisfy all deadlines.
At a later time, you will bring both your engineering notebook and the physical printed vehicle to the event. On race day, you'll show off your vehicle's manoeuvrability by utilizing the rubber band. Additionally, there is a live presentation phase when you are required to justify your design decisions to the judges.
It is important to carefully review your local requirements, as some states permit revisions or resubmissions following initial evaluations.
Why the Engineering Notebook Is So Important?
Aside from being a crucial component of the competition, the engineering notebook serves no aesthetic purpose. Judges will look at it to see how you tackled the design, the choices you made, and the quality of your documentation.
Initial sketches, notes on your design ideas, print time, materials, test findings, and final design decisions should all be part of a high-quality notebook that begins with a problem statement. Not only that, but you need to describe how you enhanced your model and record any tests that failed. Here, a good narrative can assist. Use the notebook as a guide to show the judges the entire process, from brainstorming to printing.
How Will Your Work be Judged?
The ideal submission will demonstrate an integration of originality, practicality, and astute design. The judges will use the rubber band alone to see if the car travels properly. In addition to checking that everything fits and moves as it should, they will also inspect the cleanliness of the assembly and the quality of the printed parts.
The principles of DFAM, or Design for Additive Manufacturing, should inform your design. This necessitates the use of smart part orientation, a minimum of supports, and maximum print efficiency.
Think about how you come across as well. Justify your design decisions, discuss your approach to print issues, and highlight your vehicle's unique selling points. Your score will be higher if you can articulate and describe the operation of your design and the information you gathered.
Tips to Help You Excel
Gain familiarity with your 3D printer and learn how to test print tolerances as a first step. Printed components that are overly snug or undersized can ruin even the most well-thought-out designs. To adjust the spacing between the moving elements, do a few test prints.
Make an effort to maintain an effective, yet simple, design. Instead of complicated machinery, a simple rubber-band drive with dependable wheels and low-friction surfaces usually does the job better. Post-processing is important; it may enhance performance by removing supports, sanding, or gluing components (if permitted). Also, make sure your car is ready to race before the big day.
Make use of online tutorials or simulation tools to digitally test your design before printing, if at all possible.
What Happened at the 2025 National Level?
The SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing event at the 2025 national competition in Atlanta included a distinct but connected challenge. Electric vehicle systems now have fully functional 3D-printed components, thanks to the combined efforts of teams from around the nation.
Competitors were required to complete both a written test and a hands-on challenge, with over 500 pieces produced throughout the event. This demonstrates that SkillsUSA views this event as more than just a fun construction; it's a springboard to actual jobs in the field.
The grand-prize winners from across the country received 3D printers, scholarships, and access to professional software. This trend indicates that these skills are rapidly gaining value in today's work environment.
Why Is This Challenge Worth It?
Not only is this an opportunity to gain experience in a real-world setting, but it is also a school assignment. Working with 3D printers, designing for usefulness, documenting your thoughts, and communicating technical concepts effectively are all skills you'll acquire.
Time management, critical thinking, and teamwork are some of the other skills you'll develop. Employers greatly value these talents in candidates, regardless of whether they are pursuing careers in engineering, design, or manufacturing.
Participating in a SkillsUSA event also gives you a leg up when applying to universities and jobs. It demonstrates a thirst for knowledge, technical proficiency, and initiative.
Key Pointers Before You Compete
Get a head start. Avoid putting off design work until the last possible moment. Do tests frequently. Keep a record of everything. Keep in mind that you are not merely constructing a toy automobile; rather, you are tackling a real-life engineering challenge with the resources at your disposal. Verify that your layout is error-free, that your notes are interesting, and that your presentation is well-prepared.
With hard work and dedication, this challenge has the potential to launch you into a thrilling career in engineering, 3D printing, or product design.
Best 3D Design Software for Education
To create the designs, you need a 3D modeling software. There are many options available, but we recommend SelfCAD. It is an easy-to-use 3D design software that comes with all the necessary tools that one needs to create both simple and complex 3d designs without having to spend a lot of time in learning. It comes with various interesting tools like freehand drawing and sketching, image to 3D model, powerful 3D sculpting brushes, 3D shape generators, easy to use selection modes, and many others. It also comes with an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your 3D models and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows the overview of the software.
FAQs
1. What is the goal of the “Make It Run” challenge?
Create a model of a four-wheeled vehicle that can move using a single rubber band, then print it using 3D printing technology. There can be no metal or non-printed components in the vehicle; 3D printing is mandatory for all elements, including wheels and moving parts (glue is an optional extra).
2. Can I use purchased wheels or axles?
No. You can't use any non-3D printed parts in your car; that includes the wheels, axles, gears, and everything else. Commonplace hardware such as bearings, pins, and screws is off-limits.
3. Do you have any limits on dimensions or materials?
Yes. Your finished model must fit within a 6" x 4" x 4" enclosure, and the total amount of print material—including supports—must not exceed 5 cubic inches. You need to print the design within 12 hours.
4. Is it okay to use glue for the assembly?
Absolutely, but use it cautiously. To assemble the parts, you can use super glue or similar adhesives, but be careful not to use too much, since it can harm your score. Snap fittings or printed interlocks will help your model score better.
5. What is the necessary number of moving parts?
At least three operational, interdependent moving components are required in the design. To put it simply, anything that physically moves and aids in the vehicle's mobility might be considered a component.