Here at 3D Rapid Print, one of the fastest growing 3D Printing companies in the Thames Valley, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.
On February 4th 2022, multinational software corporation Autodesk of San Rafael, California spoke of how its Fusion 360 program’s generative design engine had helped luthier Kevin Baslé develop a new method for designing and manufacturing electric violins. Baslé wanted to use wood as a material due to its warmth and character, but decided that a new method of violin making was necessary to balance cost and playability, while creating something unique for his customers. He also wanted to ensure that players could still source standard fittings from local violin shops, such as the tailpiece, tuning pegs, chin rest and shoulder rest.
This led to Autodesk research engineer Peter Storey introducing Baslé to Fusion 360. The first step was giving the generative design algorithms some constraints to work with, prompting Storey and Baslé to investigate what a violin needed to function, for example where the strings and standard fittings attach and where the violinist would normally hold it while playing. After Storey 3D printed a prototype of Baslé’s favourite design to ensure that it worked properly, he showed Baslé how the violin’s body could be milled from a single block of wood using a CNC Mill, before Baslé added the finishing touches. Other albeit relatively old examples of 3D printing’s use with violins involve the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and the University of Texas at Austin (UT).
In October 2018, the Ottawa Business Journal spoke of entrepreneur Laurent Lacombe of Quebec developing 8 3D printed string instruments for a then upcoming performance by the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. To design the instruments, Lacombe made a 2D rendering of violin maker Charline Dequincey’s original violin, with whom Lacombe was collaborating on the project. The 2D rendering was converted into a 3D model via a process called segmentation, which is common in designing custom-made medical implants. Dequincey would give regular feedback during the design process to ensure that the best compromise between the instrument’s weight, design and sound could be achieved. This included modifying the 3D printed violin’s body to avoid weighing down the players’ arms, as a plastic instrument would be significantly heavier than a wooden one.
In January 2018, UT spoke of violinist Sean Riley, who had fallen in love with a piece of music written for a 6-string violin called The Dharma at Big Sur, which he couldn’t play as his violin only had 4 strings. Riley turned to UT’s The Foundry makerspace, hoping that 3D printing a 6-string violin would be much cheaper than buying one. At the Foundry, Riley met mechanical engineering senior Daniel Goodwin, with whom he took circa a year to finish the project. He also collaborated with sculptor and studio art major Rebecca Milton to create the instrument’s look, who took inspiration from the piece’s coastal origin to create a mould from driftwood, bones and shells. When the violin was finished, Riley proclaimed that he was more than happy with the results.
3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.
Disclaimer: Featured image of “Master Henri Gabiou Playing the Violin 2” is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or fewer.
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