3D Printing for Audiology
January 29th, 2018
The application of a 3D printer can be very beneficial. One question that is always asked is, what exactly can I do with a 3D printer? The answer is, it ultimately depends. For today's installment of "What Can I Do With A 3D Printer?", one industry that is benefiting from 3D printing is a special segment of the Audio industry.
In the Audio Industry, after speakers, the biggest everyday consumer product in this day and age is ear phones. Ear phones have essentially become a product that just about everybody and anybody use on a daily basis. Whether it is for listening to music, enhancing hear capability, or being used an essential component for work, earphones are a product that everyone uses. However, with 3D printing, earphones are taking the next big step in production and manufacturing.
3D printing has helped transformed how audiology is taking place. With 3D printing, the inner ear pieces are becoming more versatile, more unique, and more creative. With industry leading SLA 3D printer, the Formlabs Form 2, manufacturers have been able to create higher quality customer ear products more consistently and at higher volumes.
How is the Form 2 Helping?
With the Form 2, creating silicone ear molds is becoming a standard practice. Using Standard Clear Resin, Clear Resin maintains the necessary properties to manufacture custom silicone ear molds for audio applications such as behind-the-ear hearing aids, hearing protection, and custom ear plugs and earbuds.
By using the Form 2, manufacturers and hearing aid centers have been able to save on average 40-50% in manufacturing costs.
How does the Process go?
Paired with digital scanning solutions, the ear mold 3D printing production workflow is streamlined and optimized for producing higher volumes of consistently high quality product in hours instead of weeks.