3D printing brings music to our ears

The Before Picture: Dror Adler from the Adler Trio holding the microphone while also using both hands to play

Juggling the microphone
and harmonica

3D Printing and rapid prototyping allows for advancements and innovations that can turn an idea into a reality in only a few short days.

Dror Adler, a harmonica player from the Adler Trio, had been juggling a microphone and harmonica for over 50 years when he finally said that enough was enough. He came up with an idea to build a unique microphone enclosure that would attach to the harmonica and accommodate all the necessary electronics for a wireless mike that will allow the user to play the harmonica unimpeded.

The first prototype was produced on a Stratasys Eden 3D Printer using PolyJet technology. Several design iterations were created until a perfect prototype was produced and Dror was in harmonica heaven.

The After Picture: Stratasys 3D printed microphone enclosure accommodates all the necessary electronics for a wireless mic

The Final Product

After other musicians saw the Adler Trio performing live, they started asking where they could buy their own microphone holder, and it was then that Dror began to consider producing them in small commercial quantities.

The harmonica mic enclosure in a 3D printed silicone mold, directly after the silicone has cured around the pattern

The Silicon Mould

Once again using 3D Printing, a pattern was created and from this a silicon mould was produced. This allows for the final product material to be injected into the negative space of the mould, creating an end use product, ready for sale. This has proven to be a viable and economical production method for producing about 10 to 15 parts in each run. The silicone mold is used over and over, every time Adler receives a new order.

To find out more about 3D Printing or how we can help you 3D Print your parts, either in-house or through our 3D Printing Bureau, contact us by clicking here.

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