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Cornell lab’s 3D printed speakers work almost immediately

Researchers at Cornell University have 3D printed loudspeakers that work almost as soon as it comes out of the printer.

The loudspeakers are made up of a plastic body, conductive coil and a magnet. The researchers had to figure out how to design and print materials that could fit together and work right away.

Led by graduate students Apoorva Kiran and Robert MacCurdy, the researchers worked with Hod Lipson, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, to customize a printer that could print a variety of materials. They used silver ink as the conductor and viscous blend of strontium ferrite for the magnet.

Lipson told the Cornell Chronicle that it would be a while before consumers can print electronics at home. That’s because most 3D home printers can’t print multiple materials because it requires different temperatures and curing times.

Researchers at Lipson’s lab previously printed a replica of the Vail Register -- the telegraph machine that was used by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail to send the first Morse code message.

Watch a demonstration of the loudspeakers below.


 

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