Significance of 3D Printing in the Music World

The success of 3D printing technology has been demonstrated in the creation of functional musical instruments from stringed, to wind, and percussive objects.

A good example is the hovalin, which is actually a low-cost, 3D printed, acoustic violin modeled after the Stradivarius violin. The name hovalin is actually a fusion of violinist Kaitlyn Hova’s name, who together with her husband, pioneered the commercial manufacture of a fully functioning violin.

We all know that traditional musical instruments, particularly violins are expensive, not only because they take long periods to make. The price usually depends on the degree of craftsmanship skills and meticulous care put into their production, being the determinants of the quality and reputation attached to traditionally manufactured musical instruments.

Given that the quality of sounds produced by 3D printed versions cannot match or surpass the quality of the traditional handcrafted musical instruments, the use of the technology is still significant in the music world. 3D printing provides budding musicians with an affordable source or method of acquiring a playable musical instrument to use in learning.

Overview of How 3D Printing Works

3D printing initializes with a 3D modeling software, which enables the 3D printer to produce intricate shapes. Once the modelling information has been fed to the printer, the latter proceeds by slicing the 3D model to produce multiple horizontal layers of the material using a synthetic substance.

The 3Dvprinter then uses each layer in building the object according to the model. Each thinly sliced layer can be viewed as a horizontal cross-section of the object created by the 3D printer.

Incorporation of 3D Creation Concept in Music Education

Inasmuch as funding for music education in public schools has been given less importance, music educators have found a more affordable method of using the concept of 3D creativity.

In engaging students in discussions about tempo, musical notations and sound waves, not a few music educators are making use of 3D printing pens in bringing to life musical symbols and illustrations.

That way they can put actual replications in front of students, for them to clearly see and remember. Some even encourage learners to use 3D printing pens in creating miniature models of musical instruments, which they will use in explaining the principles of how musical sounds are made.

What is a 3D Printing Pen

A 3D printing pen mimics the concept of creating 3D printed objects from scratch, by way of a manually controlled pen, and without the aid of computer technology. Instead of ink, a 3D printing pen is filled with plastic filament that will be extracted while a user draws or creates physical objects on paper or even in thin air.

There are numerous brands and variations of 3D pens available in the market, as manufacturers either copy or try to outdo each other by releasing new versions of the product. That being the case, those who would be interested in purchasing one should first check out the latest versions, by looking over the list of year 2020’s best 3d pens.