# 3D Printable Pipe Instruments MIT Media Lab Prints a Functional Flute Using a 3D Printer By Jordan M | Published 2011-01-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mit-media-lab References: [newscientist](http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/2011/01/print-your-own-flute.html#more) & [media.mit.edu](http://www.media.mit.edu/) Researchers from [MIT Media Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g3dp-2) have used a 3D printer to create a completely intact composite of a working flute. The MIT Media Lab project is a landmark achievement because creating [woodwind instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torch-t01) is a delicately intricate process and the experiment is an enormous testament to how far 3D printers have come. The amazing thing is, however, that the flute actually sounds and functions like a real one made from metal. In order to put the finished product to the test, the MIT Media Team had a professional flutist test the model’s accuracy. And while although it proved surprisingly accurate, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Nevertheless, the process and its results are a tremendously positive step forward for [3D printing technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibreseeker-3). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3D Printed Instruments:** The trend of 3D printed instruments presents opportunities in disrupting the manufacturing processes and supply chains of traditional instrument-making industries. - **Composite Instrument Printing:** The trend of composite instrument printing presents opportunities for innovation in creating lightweight and durable instruments that offer new sonic possibilities. - **Functional 3D Printing:** The trend of functional 3D printing presents opportunities for developing new and innovative products that are fully operational and functional upon printing. ### Where This Applies - **Musical Instruments:** The musical instrument industry could benefit from disruptive innovation by incorporating 3D printing technology to create faster product prototyping and more affordable production processes. - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry could benefit from incorporating 3D printing technology to optimize production and reduce costs for creating composite materials. - **3D Printing:** The 3D printing industry could benefit from focusing on functional printing of complex instruments and materials as a way to expand their applications and offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Glass Design Breakthroughs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g3dp-2.md) - [Skeletal 3D-Printed Violins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karen-ultralight-electric-violin.md) - [3D Glass Printing Methods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complex-glass-structures.md) - [Liquid Metal 3D-Printing Techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-metal-printing.md) - [3D-Printed Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econitwood.md) - [Accessible 3D Wood Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digilab-3d20.md) - [Miniature Wine Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniature-wine-glass.md) - [Consumer-Grade 3D Wood Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-system-forust-edition.md) - [3D-Printed Workshop Wrenches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workshop-wrench.md)