Organizer Information
The ET Foundation (Extrusion Technology for Aluminum Profiles Foundation), in cooperation with the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), organizes the Rick Merluzzi Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. The competition is part of the broader international aluminum extrusion industry and aims to encourage innovative applications of extruded aluminum among students, designers, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and industry partners. The winning designs are presented through the Extrusion Showcase at ET ’27, the Fourteenth International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar and Exposition in Orlando, Florida.
Title & Description
2027 Rick Merluzzi Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition
The 2027 Rick Merluzzi Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition invites students and professional designers, architects, and engineers from around the world to develop original products or design solutions featuring at least one aluminum extrusion. The competition focuses on creativity, practical application, advantages of the aluminum extrusion process, and potential market impact.
Entries should demonstrate why aluminum extrusion was selected over other materials or manufacturing processes and explain how the design can contribute to innovative, practical, or sustainable solutions. Student entrants may also compete for the Sustainable Design Award, recognizing designs addressing societal or environmental challenges.
Categories:
- Design
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Industrial/Product Design
- Transportation Design
- Structural/Architectural Design
- Alternative Energy
- Sustainable Design
- Aluminum Extrusion Applications
Eligibility
The competition is international and free to enter. The Student Class is open to high school, undergraduate, graduate, trade/vocational/technical, and design-school students currently enrolled at an accredited institution. Individual and team submissions are accepted.
The Professional Class is open to individual designers and companies. Designers, engineers, architects, manufacturers, and aluminum extruders may participate, including collaborative entries between extruders and their customers.
All designs must be original and feature at least one aluminum extrusion.
Program Benefits & Awards
- A total of $29,000 in prizes is available.
- Student awards total $15,500, including:
- First Place: $5,000
- Second Place: $4,000
- Third Place: $3,000
- Sustainable Design Award: $3,500
Professional awards include $10,000 in category prizes, with $2,500 available for the winning entry in each of four categories: Architectural/Structural, Transportation, Engineered/Industrial Products, and Alternative Energy. An additional $3,500 Grand Prize is awarded across all classes and categories.
Winning designs will also receive exhibition exposure through the Extrusion Showcase at ET ’27, taking place April 26–30, 2027, in Orlando.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete the appropriate official entry form and submit it together with supporting materials. Materials may be emailed to mail@etfoundation.org or mailed to:
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 March 2027
- Judging: Spring 2027
- ET ’27 / Exhibition: April 26–30, 2027
- Location of ET ’27: Orlando, Florida, US
Location
Orlando, Florida, United States
Additional Details
Entries are evaluated by aluminum extrusion industry professionals using four principal criteria: Creativity, Practicality, Product/Process Advantage, and Market Impact/Potential. Entrants are encouraged to provide substantial supporting material explaining the design's functionality, utility, manufacturing rationale, and market potential.
The competition particularly encourages research into aluminum extrusion before developing a project. The organizers recommend demonstrating an understanding of extrusion technology and, where possible, providing a prototype or 3D-printed model. Student extrusion profiles should fit within a 10-inch circle to meet the stated practical-design guidance.
Submission gives the ET Foundation rights to use entries for exhibition and publication. Winners are announced through the ET Foundation's communications channels, and winners are responsible for applicable taxes on cash awards.