# 3D-Printed Speakers This 3D-Printed Speaker Produces Quality Sound and Functionality By Michael Nieto | Published 2013-12-18 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-speaker References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/you-can-now-3d-print-a-fully-functional-speaker-1484084187) & [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/technology/cornell-researchers-3d-print-a-fully-functional-loudspeaker-12-16-2013/) This [3D printed speaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-carbon-cello) is fully functional with manufactured plastic components. Cornell researchers were able to develop and print a loudspeaker using only two 3D printers to customize it. Some of these parts consist of [conductive and magnetic parts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mems-speaker1) that work seamlessly with the cone piece to produce sound. It was developed by Apoorva Kiran and Robert Maccurdy, who are graduate students in mechanical engineering. This speaker only required minimal assemblage with the right wiring components to create the power and sound. This consists of special silver ink extrusion that is used for the coil and a viscous blend of strontium ferrite for the magnet. This 3D-printed speaker proves to be an educational step in technology that will change the way printers are used in the future. Photo Credits: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/you-can-now-3d-print-a-fully-functional-speaker-1484084187), [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/technology/cornell-researchers-3d-print-a-fully-functional-loudspeaker-12-16-2013/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3d-printed Speakers:** The development of fully functional 3D-printed speakers creates opportunities for on-demand customization of audio products. - **Conductive and Magnetic Materials:** The use of conductive and magnetic materials in 3D-printing creates disruptive innovation opportunities for the audio and electronics industries. - **Educational 3d-printing:** The rise of educational 3D-printing projects like this speaker presents opportunities for schools and universities to teach mechanical engineering and new manufacturing techniques. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Audio Technology:** The audio technology industry can innovate by leveraging 3D-printing to create customizable and unique speakers that were not previously possible with traditional manufacturing techniques. - **Electronics:** The use of 3D-printing for conductive and magnetic components creates opportunities for electronics manufacturers to develop new products and unique designs. - **Education:** The development of 3D-printed educational projects creates opportunities for schools and universities to invest in new curriculum and resources for students to learn about advanced manufacturing techniques. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sand-Made Kinetic Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econik-1851.md) - [Repairable Speaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-speaker.md) - [Ultra-Thin Chromatic Speaker Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diyr-speaker.md) - [Reactive Ferrofluid Display Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dyson-ferro-speaker.md) - [Industrially Designed Desktop Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desktop-speaker.md) - [Minimalist Metallic Speaker Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suono-bluetooth-speaker.md) - [Sculptural Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustic-sculpture-speaker.md) - [Geometric Foldable Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pentatonic-1.md) - [Washing Machine-Inspired Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hari-3d.md)