Description:
The fusion of traditional artistry with contemporary fabrication methods offers a mesmerizing avenue in instrument design. We aim to explore this by 3D printing a Ukulele using wood filament. This unique filament is a blend of PLA and wood powder. To accentuate the visual appeal of our Ukulele, we intend to engrave a parametric design inspired by music notes onto its body, melding the visual representation of music with its audible form.
Team Members:
- Michel Roberts
- Daniel Morales-Garcia
Deliverables:
3D Printed Ukulele with engraved parametric design inspired by music notes.
Timeline:
Week 1: Familiarize with the wood filament and start test printing. Begin conceptualizing the parametric design for engraving.
Week 2-3: Finalize and digitally model the Ukulele design, incorporating the chosen parametric engraving pattern.
Week 4: 3D print the Ukulele, followed by the engraving process. Assemble Ukulele. Test the instrument for sound quality and aesthetics.
Related Work:
Printing with Wood Filament: This source offers a deep dive into wood 3D printing filament, elucidating its applications and potential in artistic endeavors. It will guide our understanding of the material. Link to Source.
3D Printed Violin : Though focused on a violin, this post serves as an inspiration for 3D printing musical instruments. Link to Source
Discussion Welcome:
We’re excited to hear feedback, particularly on our parametric design choice and any insights on the acoustic properties of wood filament. All suggestions and related references are welcomed.
Oh, that is so very neat! I am also trying to do a musical print. Probably not as intense as your ukulele, though. I can’t wait to see how you guys make it happen. If you document your process tediously, check out my post, I have a competition posted that is due on December 12th for a sound instrument using different techniques. I bet you have a big chance of winning!
That’s incredible! I never knew it was even possible to print with wood filament. I am curious if you are able to design a couple with different designs how that could potentially change the sound…if it would change at all.
What a fun idea, combining it with printing in non-traditional materials! I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
3D printing a Ukulele with wood filament and the music-inspired parametric design sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see the final product, and it’s great to see you’ve done your research too. Good luck, Michel Roberts and Daniel Morales-Garcia – I’m sure it’s going to be awesome! I wonder if you’ll be able to play a song for your presentation!
Project proposal update: To make our project more computationally focused We plan to have the shape of the body of our instrument be variable in shape and in size, We think this will make for an interesting test of tone of the instrument. We will print at least 2 instruments to see the effect of the different shapes. I also think it could be interesting to print the same shapes in regular PLA as well as the wood based PLA to see if there is any noticeable difference in quality.