Though 3D-printed violins are nothing new, previous efforts have created bodies to house the components for electric violins. Ever since the time of Stradivarius, acoustic violin building has been an almost mystically precise craft, one that violin experts swear by and craftspeople spend decades honing. Formlabs, a 3D printing company, is taking a shot at disrupting that ideology by creating an acoustic 3D-printed violin that, once designed, can be recreated at will in only a few hours.
The new 3D-printed violin uses an updated formulation of Formlabs' "White Resin" and was built using its Form 2 printer. To prove the effectiveness of the instrument, Formlabs partnered with professional violinist Rhett Price. Price not only performed with 3D-printed violin, but chose to compose a new arrangement for it.
3D-Printed Acoustic Violins
Formlabs' 3D-Printed Violin Was Made on the Form 2 Using New Materials
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Acoustic Instruments - The trend of using 3D printing technology to create acoustic instruments opens up new possibilities for musicians and instrument makers.
2. Disruptive Innovations in Traditional Crafts - The use of 3D printing in crafting acoustic violins disrupts the traditional notion of handcrafted instruments, creating new opportunities for mass customization and rapid prototyping.
3. Collaborations Between 3D Printing and Music Industry - The collaboration between 3D printing companies and professional musicians showcases the potential for innovation at the intersection of technology and music.
Industry Implications
1. 3D Printing - The 3D printing industry can explore the development of new materials and techniques to enable the creation of high-quality acoustic instruments.
2. Music Instrument Manufacturing - Traditional instrument manufacturers can adapt to the growing demand for 3D-printed acoustic instruments by incorporating 3D printing technology into their production processes.
3. Craftsmanship Education - Educational institutions and workshops can incorporate 3D printing techniques into their curriculum to teach students about the future of craftsmanship and innovation.