Matt Stohrer, an instrument repair tech and a very creative person, points out this video describing the process of creating a flute from paper. [Correction: Minor correction though: they aren’t paper, although they are printed. Its a plastic of some kind. Some printers can print metals- think solar cells and semiconductors. The process is similar to an inkjet, except instead of ink being squirted out in microscopic bubbles its plastic or metal or whatever. ~ Matt]

He sez of this video, “It definitely amazes me- and especially since you know how complex flutes are mechanically, its pretty mind blowing. Another few years and I think they could actually print one worth playing.”

Future designs of heretofore unrecognized instruments could be in the making. Imagine not being limited by the cost of materials in the design of a future instrument. Here is what the video calls a multi-belled trumpet but we might call a trumophone. The possibilities boggle and excite the mind.

Matt further muses, “The future of products: go to a “store” with a printer, and dial in what you want. Damn, I can’t stop thinking about this! I knew about 3D printers and printing solar cells and all, but this is the first thing that’s kind of blown me away. computer:computing::3D printer:manufacturing.”