3-D Printed Clarinet Bells
Sometimes 3-D printing and design can be applied in the most interesting of spaces. There has been a requirement for lighter and lighter clarinet bells, as performers find themselves switching out bells frequently during performances. This bell has a conic interior, which in the past was only found on the most expensive clarinet bells. 3-D printing these bells not only allows for infinite customization, but also finds a cost reduction of 84%.
The Challenge:
To design a clarinet bell that weighs less than a normal clarinet bell, has the same conic section as a more expensive clarinet bell, and can be fully customized (color, shape, internal sectioning, fit for clarinet).
My Role:
I worked with a clarinetist to make a physical design that could not only sound good (good resonance), but also look good. I took measurements of an old, handmade one of a kind bell that had a very specific shape to actually make a design that would be lighter and more cost effective.
Process:
This clarinet bell was made in part with clarinetist Marissa Johnson, who kindly did all of the fit and function tests. I started with a clarinet bell that was supplied to me by Marissa. This clarinet bell was a one of a kind clarinet bell which was hand-made in France 80 years ago. Needless to say I was a bit nervous working on this project while making measurements. This clarinet bell has a conic interior which allows for a unique sound which under other manufacturing processes would have been impossible to recreate. The future is now, however, and we have 3D printing. I started out by taking measurements of the clarinet bell, the internal radii, and the interfacing radius with the actual clarinet being the most important measurements. After taking these measurements I got to work with creating a physical model (picture of physical model). The design was fairly simple, where I made a revolve in Solidworks with the actual dimensions required noted. The main issue was creating a bell that actually fit into tolerance each time that it was created. With this, I took into account the tolerance of the machine, and actually made the bell a little bit loose compared to actual measurements. The reasoning for this is that the interfacing point actually interfaces with a strange material, being cork. Cork can expand and contract very easily due to its elasticity and the fact that it contains air bubbles. Making the fit loose in a dry environment ensures that the clarinet bell can actually fit on the clarinet in more humid environments. The weight loss principle of the design was actually not done in Solidworks. (picture of infill) On my 3D printer, I reduced the infill to 50%. This reduced the weight of the clarinet bell (especially compared to other plastic bells) significantly.
Final Outcomes:
This project has been a blast to work on. Through this project, I’ve learned about what is and isn’t possible to 3-D print. Working with a musician on this project shows how engineering can connect to the arts in the most unexpected ways possible. I used Solidworks to make the design, and by doing so I increased my skills in design, and 3-D printing. Hopefully in the future, more people can benefit from 3-D printed clarinet bells.