3D Print Your Next Headphones (EDN)

[Keith Mc]

EDN recently had an article, where someone made a set of headphones
via 3D printing, and adding ONLY raw materials.

The process is described here, including links to the files and the project:
... http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/20-20khz/4412735/3D-print-your-next-headphones

In essence they printed the headband, speaker frames, and plug form.
They then fabbed the speakers themselves by inserting wire and
magnets into two printed forms, and fashioned the mini-plug by winding
wire onto a printed form instead of including a prebuilt one.
You then snap it together. The headband has a noteworthy articulated
"accordion print" spring. Even the wire used between the plug and
headband is "fabric wire", vs prefabbed wire-insulation cordage.

Some hand assembly is still required, so it is not QUITE to the stage
of completely printing everything (including the metal components)
replicator style. But as there are NO pre-fabbed components in
the headset whatsoever, it is a good next step toward full automated
3D print fabrication.

They report that the sound quality is "much better than anticipated"... {grin}

- Keith Mc.