all images © The 3DVarius 

Review of the first 3D printed Violin - 3Dvarius

The 3DVarius revealed the first fully playable electric violin created by 3D printing technology and based on the model of a real Stradivarius violin, designed by Laurent Bernadac. Printed as a single piece, the 3Dvarius violin departs from traditional musical instrument production technology. Combining the precision and power of 3D-printing with ancient violin-making skills, its innovative design, in the service of violinist, marks a further step towards the perfect symbiosis between musician and instrument.

initial sketch of violin 

According to The 3DVarius design approach, the goal was to create a unique design, inspired by the shape of a traditional violin, and refining the forms and supports to obtain a more aesthetic design, simpler, lighter and transparent.

illustration design process of violin

The 3Dvarius design required various steps: Mass optimization, to keep the structure light and to free the musician’s movements. Acoustic study and wave propagation optimization throughout the body of the instrument. Mechanical resistance studies to ensure proper resistance to the strings’ pressure. The 3Dvarius choice of 3d-printing technology is stereolithography* because of its exceptional printing definition and the resistance of its printed objects.*Stereolithography is a 3D printing technology used for producing models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts up one layer at a time by curing a photo-reactive resin with a UV laser or another similar power source.

> via 3d-varius.com