3D Model on Printables Contest Faces Criticism for Misleading Cover Image

I came across what appears to be a misrepresented design on Printables.

The 3D model in question is the “Tree Branch Organizer”, submitted by Printables contributor Oksus.

The cover image for the design, shown at top, is incredibly beautiful. It is a desk organizer where one could toss writing instruments. The sweeping curves are almost cuddly, and I can imagine this 3D model being printed in a variety of the new pastel filament colors by many 3D printer operators.

Except there’s one problem.

The downloadable 3D model is not like this design at all. Here’s what you get:

I thought at first I had the model reversed and was looking at the back. After rotation, I get this:

Neither of these match the cover image. Not only are the curves different, but the number of holes are not the same. The tree branches are different and not nearly as attractive in shape. There’s only a general similarity of design. It’s almost as if someone attempted to copy the proper design and didn’t quite make it.

For me the different curves basically destroy the aesthetic for the design. It’s utterly different than the cover image presented.

On the Printables page, commenters have printed this item and indeed none of them look like the cover image. Some seem to like the design they’ve printed, although they may not be aware that it is NOT the same as the cover image.

What’s going on here?

Commenter C.JayPrinting seems to have the answer:

“The cover photo was lazily made with AI, even though the creator has printed it and there are photos of the print.”

Further, SillyPrints proposes this:

“He used AI to generate what looks like a render. He then used another AI to turn that image into a model.”

Using AI to design a 3D model shouldn’t necessarily be a problem. What is a problem is representing a design as something it clearly is not.

Why do this? Wouldn’t it be as simple to just 3D print the model and use an image of the print for the cover? In fact, Oksus has 3D printed the model and does have images of the prints, which show up elsewhere in the image carousel. They don’t look at all like the cover image.

Why use a misrepresented image for the cover?

I have a theory: Printables is currently running a contest for the “best model of the year”. This is a serious contest, with the winning entries each receiving a massive US$10,000 prize.

The winners are determined by Printables users voting on their favorites. My guess is that Oksus is attempting to increase votes by presenting a very beautiful cover image and collecting votes from those who don’t actually print the model. If you don’t print it, you won’t know that the image is wrong.

The page does say that the Tree Branch Organizer is “In the contest Sorting Trays”.

I’m wondering if Prusa Research is aware of this practice. If it’s been done by Oksus, it’s likely done by others, and this could truly mess up the voting. People might be voting for AI images rather than actual 3D models.

Oksus doesn’t respond to these questions in the comments, but does say “Print with Supports!!!”

Via Printables