news

January 23, 2012

South West Music School student, Laura Powell, had the amazing opportunity to play the first ‘printed’ violin made by a brand new manufacturing technology at Exeter University.  She appeared on CNN as part of their ‘Reveal’ feature about the violin as ‘Clue Number 3’ which can be viewed online: http://backstory.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/18/the-revealer-clue-3-3/

The violin, which was developed by the engineering technology centre at the University of Exeter, is one of only 3 violins in the world of this kind, and the only one that is fully strung.

15 year-old Laura has been playing the violin since she was six, and gained Grade 8 Distinction last year. She also has Grade 8 Distinction on the piano and hopes to study music in the future.

Laura said, ‘I feel very privileged that South West Music School asked me to try out this new kind of violin.  Surprisingly it sounded really nice!’

Lisa Tregale, CEO and Artistic Director of South West Music School said, ‘The filming was a really interesting experience and it was an honour to have been asked to select a student to play the violin.’

To view the full CNN piece on the violin visit http://backstory.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/20/the-revealer-3-d-violin/?hpt=bk_mid

The University of Exeter’s new Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) is set to make some noise in the classical music world by ‘printing’ two violins. The violins were manufactured using cutting-edge 3D printing technology for EOS (UK) Ltd.

The violins are made out of a material called PEEK and were manufactured on a machine at CALM called the EOSINT P800. The only machine of its kind in the UK, the P800 can create parts at temperatures up to 385°C and uses high-performance polymers to create products, building them up one layer at a time. These machines, along with CALM’s technical expertise will open up a wealth of opportunities for businesses across the UK.

Dr Sara Flint, Commercial Manager of CALM said: “This wonderful performance perfectly illustrates the potential of 3D printing to make almost anything. Since launching CALM in September we have worked with over 50 clients to produce all kinds of items, from car parts to medical implants, but the violins are one of the most exciting things we have helped to make so far.”

Using 3D printing technology will ensure that it is easier, cheaper and quicker to get a product, such as a violin, from the design stage into market. Manufacturing objects in this way also has potential environmental benefits, as the process wastes much less material than alternative methods, making it very efficient.

The violins are two of only three violins worldwide to have been made using 3D printing.