Got G.A.S.? Print a new guitar!

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 11 Oct 2012 8:33 pm

http://www.npr.org/2012/10/10/162650873 ... own-guitar

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 11 Oct 2012 9:18 pm

Is The Printer Large Enough To Make A PSG

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 12 Oct 2012 6:54 am

While there are printers large enough to make most common items (even a pedal steel) keep in mind that the entire item is made from the same plastic material. Where 3-D printers (aka "RP" or rapid prototyping machines) excel is in producing one-piece parts which may have complex shapes or internal features. The body of a pedal steel, being little more than a shallow open box, would not see much benefit from this type of manufacturing.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 12 Oct 2012 7:15 am

I heard a story last year about printing food--I kid you not!

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 12 Oct 2012 7:27 am

Donny Hinson wrote:The body of a pedal steel, being little more than a shallow open box...

There's also some woodwork necessary on the inside of guitar, to handle the pull of the strings and influence the sound. I've built a few, btw.

Iestyn Lewis · Post by **Iestyn Lewis** » 12 Oct 2012 10:36 am

What I had heard is that there are a number of patents on 3D printing with metal powder that are about to expire. So probably not the PSG body itself, but imagine printing out every metal part in a PSG - no machining required.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 13 Oct 2012 9:53 am

Joachim Kettner wrote:
Donny Hinson wrote:The body of a pedal steel, being little more than a shallow open box...
There's also some woodwork necessary on the inside of guitar, to handle the pull of the strings and influence the sound. I've built a few, btw.

The "woodwork" (internal bracing) can be printed, as well. Actually, this would be an ideal (albeit expensive) way to study the effects of different types of bracing. Also, while there are many 3D technologies out there (even some metal-sintered parts being made) these technologies do not lend themselves to high volume production. The company I work for uses this technology daily, and while it's great for "one-offs" and limited runs, it's still a relatively slow process for making individual parts. It makes little sense to "print" small parts that could be machined much faster and cheaper, and on far less expensive machinery.

Advanced technology must be cost-effective to be practical. $:\$

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 13 Oct 2012 11:47 am

What I had heard is that there are a number of patents on 3D printing with metal powder that are about to expire. So probably not the PSG body itself, but imagine printing out every metal part in a PSG - no machining required.

But the toneworm experts are united (as much as they're capable) in their opinion about how awful the modern "sintered steel" bridge pieces of Am. Standard Fender Strats and Teles are already. Cheap extruded steel OR brass bars OR threaded steel bolts are what St. Leo used, therefore: Dude, you suck.

(For a nominal fee I am available to translate any other "internetese" problems you're having.)

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 13 Oct 2012 11:57 am

There was a project to print print a gun.... the owner of the printer stopped the experiment.
I also heard about printing drugs... tea, Earl Grey, hot please

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 17 Oct 2012 2:45 pm

You must be right, David. While talking with one Tele player, he told me one of the reasons the older ones sounded better was because they used fewer screws on the pickguard.

No doubt some of the real tone-heads can just listen and tell you if the neck decal is original!