# 3D-Printed Aluminum Guitars Olaf Diegel's Latest Guitar is the First Instrument Of Its Kind By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-05-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-guitars References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/olaf-diegel-3d-printed-aluminum-heavy-metal-guitar/43166/) & [oddguitars](http://www.oddguitars.com/heavymetal.html) Lund University professor Olaf Diegel has gained a bit of a reputation for crafting exceptionally unique and high-tech guitars as well as other instruments, and he has decided to go ahead and outdo himself this time by managing to develop and construct the world's first 3D-printed aluminum guitar. The so-called Heavy Metal guitar's aluminum body is constructed from a single piece and printed by the Dutch additive manufacturing practice Xilloc, who made use of an EOS M400 3D printer. The guitar is fitted with a custom Warmoth Pro Telecaster neck and a maple fingerboard, with Seymour Duncan pickups responsible for creating the sound of the instrument. Ultimately, this 3D-printed aluminum showcases the ways in which additive metal manufacturing can be applied to the construction of quality musical instruments that look and sound great. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Additive Metal Manufacturing in Instruments:** The development of the world's first 3D-printed aluminum guitar highlights the potential for additive metal manufacturing in the production of high-quality musical instruments. - **High-tech Customization in Instruments:** The use of 3D printing technology allows for the customization of unique and innovative features in musical instruments, such as the Heavy Metal guitar's single-piece aluminum body. - **Integration of Advanced Materials in Instruments:** The incorporation of advanced materials, like 3D-printed aluminum, opens up opportunities to enhance the durability, performance, and aesthetics of musical instruments. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Additive Manufacturing:** The additive manufacturing industry can explore the application of 3D printing in the production of high-quality, customized musical instruments. - **Music Instrument Manufacturing:** The music instrument manufacturing industry can benefit from integrating advanced materials, like 3D-printed aluminum, to create unique and high-performance instruments. - **Advanced Materials Technology:** The advanced materials technology industry can tap into the demand for innovative materials and techniques to improve the design and construction of musical instruments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Skeletal 3D-Printed Violins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karen-ultralight-electric-violin.md) - [Liquid Metal 3D-Printing Techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-metal-printing.md) - [Recycled Guitar Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-guitar-1.md) - [Carbon Fiber Smart Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lava-me-3.md) - [Futuristic Abstract Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeta-electric-guitar.md) - [Shreddable Steampunk Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-guitar.md) - [High-End Electric Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/player-plus-meteora.md) - [Electronic String Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmoni.md) - [Milled Aluminum Guitar Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuzz-pedal-1.md)