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3D-Printed Sitars

3DLI Has Created the World's First Functional 3D-Printed Sitars

— March 23, 2016 — Tech
Sitars are some of the most beautiful and intricately designed musical instruments out there. Staples of classical Indian music, these complicated and gorgeous-sounding acoustic instruments are traditionally made by highly skilled craftsmen who make use of materials such as metal and wood. Now however, Australia-based 3DLI has managed to employ the wonders of 3D printing to create the world's first working 3D-printed sitar.

Developed in collaboration with the Victoria, Australia-based Mat Creedon School of Music, the 3D-printed sitar was created by first borrowing CAD modeling cues from a regular sitar.

The neck and body of the resulting 1.2 meter-long sitar is made up of printed components that are welded together, with the 3D-printed tuning pegs placed at their appropriate positions on the neck.

Not only is this 3D-printed sitar a beautiful creation, but it speaks to how 3D printing can be used to faithfully reconstruct traditionally handmade instruments.


Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Musical Instruments - The creation of the world's first working 3D-printed sitar showcases the potential for 3D printing in the production of traditional musical instruments.
2. CAD Modeling for Instrument Design - Borrowing CAD modeling cues from a regular sitar demonstrates a disruptive innovation opportunity to streamline and enhance instrument design processes.
3. Faithful Reconstruction of Handmade Instruments - The development of a 3D-printed sitar highlights the opportunity to use 3D printing technology to recreate and preserve traditional handmade instruments.
Industry Implications
1. Music Instrument Manufacturing - The introduction of 3D-printed musical instruments presents an innovative disruption opportunity within the traditional music instrument manufacturing industry.
2. 3D Printing Technology - The application of 3D printing in instrument production opens up new possibilities for the 3D printing technology industry to expand into niche markets.
3. Instrument Design and Customization - The utilization of CAD modeling in instrument design provides an avenue for disruptive innovation in the field of instrument customization, enabling greater personalization and creativity.
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