I wonder if there is any future for hi-fi components made using similar processes to the 3D printers. Obviously I don't mean the circuits, but a Lejonklou style box for example or LP12 component maybe. Perhaps the finished models are not strong enough yet, but that could change over time. Here's a couple of videos for anyone not familiar with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt3EGgtSAUc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-Gqi4YQhk
Any use for 3D Printers in Hi-Fi
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At this point most 3D printing like this is mainly for prototyping. You make a full 3D model of a planned part to see how it comes out, how it will fit in a given design, etc.
However, a higher-end variation on this is already starting to make its way into the Hi-Fi industry. The Ortofon MC A90 uses a system they call Selective Laser Melting which uses a laser to weld tiny particles together to build up a 3D shape - in this case the cartridge body. Of course Ortofon claims that this technology makes their cartridge better than any other. Some reviewers agree and others don't.
I don't know whether this technology is currently applicable to anything on the LP12 but I expect we'll see more of it and similar devices being used for all types of mechanical parts in the future.
However, a higher-end variation on this is already starting to make its way into the Hi-Fi industry. The Ortofon MC A90 uses a system they call Selective Laser Melting which uses a laser to weld tiny particles together to build up a 3D shape - in this case the cartridge body. Of course Ortofon claims that this technology makes their cartridge better than any other. Some reviewers agree and others don't.
I don't know whether this technology is currently applicable to anything on the LP12 but I expect we'll see more of it and similar devices being used for all types of mechanical parts in the future.
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edwardjennings66
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3D printed
If you want a strong finished 3D printed model, you can use material like nylon filament such as this http://www.3d2print.net/shop/3d-printer ... -filament/. The standard ABS and PLA are often brittle and cannot support complex model like car parts and style box component.
Forgot about this topic until the newest post showed up. It looks like Charlie1 was somewhat prophetic. The first Hi-Fi product I have heard of that is 3d printed is a tonearm from VPI
https://vpiindustries.com/tone-3d.htm
It certainly seems like one of the more likely places to use it due to the complex shape. Whether it leads to better performance is hard to say.
There is also a headphone out there called the AlphaDog that claims to be 3d printed but it is a bit of a stretch - only the ear cups are 3d printed. But it does allow them to make different shaped chambers easily in the testing phase. From the bit I read it is actually a modified version of a Fostex headphone but it does show that 3d printing is starting to creep into Hi-Fi products. It will be interesting to see whether it makes true performance improvements or is just a novelty.
https://vpiindustries.com/tone-3d.htm
It certainly seems like one of the more likely places to use it due to the complex shape. Whether it leads to better performance is hard to say.
There is also a headphone out there called the AlphaDog that claims to be 3d printed but it is a bit of a stretch - only the ear cups are 3d printed. But it does allow them to make different shaped chambers easily in the testing phase. From the bit I read it is actually a modified version of a Fostex headphone but it does show that 3d printing is starting to creep into Hi-Fi products. It will be interesting to see whether it makes true performance improvements or is just a novelty.