By Kerri Jansen
STAFF REPORTER
Published: August 22, 2014 1:56 pm ET
Updated: August 22, 2014 2:08 pm ET
Image By: Freetech Plastics Inc.
Jerrold Ancheta of San Jose State University took first place in Freetech Plastics Inc.'s annual Student Thermoformed Part Competition for his child-sized prosthetic arm.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Pressure forming company Freetech Plastics Inc. has returned with its annual Student Thermoformed Part Competition, intended to expand the exposure of the thermoforming process and the parts it can produce.
The scholarship competition for industrial design students is judged on originality of design and creative use of the thermoforming process, with the winner taking home $2,500.
About 30 students from three schools entered the competition this year, owner Rich Freeman said. Freetech displayed the top six designs in Austin, at the Industrial Designers Society of America’s annual conference, to be voted on by IDSA members.
Here are the winners:
• Jerrold Ancheta of San Jose State University took first place for his Imprint Transradial Prosthesis, a child-size prosthetic arm targeted for the rural area of Colombia.
• Madeline Freding, from University of Wisconsin-Stout, took second for her Reform Shelf System, a stackable and customizable shelving unit
• Third Place: Hannah Sicora, also from University of Wisconsin-Stout, for the Aqua Caddy, a storage container for snacks, beverages and other items that can be hung on the side of a boat.
Also among the six finalists were ice traction cleats, an indoor hydroponic growing container and a foam-filled hard-case backpack.
Freetech Plastics is based in Freemont, Calif. | 
