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3D Printer Creates Functional Flute

While 3D prototyping technologies are not new, development in both materials and accuracy is allowing for impressive and functional items to be created. MIT’s Media Lab has created a fully functional flute composed almost completely of printed components.

Using a Objet Connex500 3D printer, a flute was crafted in three parts in 15 hours. The printer is the first device to be able to jet multiple materials which make up the flute. Only the springs required for the keys were added. The flute is made out of three materials: One of the the body of the instrument, another for the mouthpiece, and a third for the seals in the keys.

See a video of the flute’s production below: