In twenty years, we're not just downloading music or software anymore, but our printers will output physical objects! http://www.explainingthefuture.com/3dprinting.html
In this research we're exploring the possibilities of for the manufacturing of musical instruments with present available technology as well as conception the possibilities for the future. We're not limiting ourselves to replicating currently-in-use instruments, but we'll try to make full use of expanded possibilities.
There are three main research targets
- Inventory of existing sound-producing principles
- Make full use of the advantages of 3d printing for enhancing these principles
- Test the available 3d printing materials for desirable properties
- Designing new music-producing principles
New materials such as carbon fiber and aramid are slowly finding their way into the hands of musicians. As most instruments have a history being built with wood, most musicians are hesitant to buy the same instrument made of new ‘space age’ materials, afraid the sound of those instruments will be ‘plastic’ or ‘sterile’. This in turn causes the fact that there are few musical instrument manufacturers willing to experiment with new materials. (still, all drummers are drumming on synthetic heads…)
Because of the explorative nature of this research, it would be a shame to limit it to my own creativity. For this reason I want set it up in an open-source fashion, I’ll make an open wiki and I’m going to actively search for input on various websites and forums.
