The Final Flute

This is my prototype and model for how I built my flute. It is 5″ high and does work (though not well).

Note the inner bore (diameter) difference. A flute needs to be tapered in order to create the proper amount of back pressure.

The Flute In Numbers

20.12mm – 20.12mm – 253.9mm

24 grams

3.5 hours

$1.95

As excited as I have been to print my flute, one of my favorite moments came as I added it to the que the day before it was due to be printed.  The above numbers, which represent the dimensions, weight, time and cost of the print, speak to the ease and affordability of printing an instrument.  The numbers, especially the cost, were a mystery to me before, or rather, I never really sought to find out the exact cost of my object.  $1.95 (not including the $2199 price tag of the printer!) is all it costs for one flute.  An instrument that can shape peoples lives through art and expression.

My experience with the digital interface (mostly Tinkercad) was fairly good as far as the design aspect is concerned.  Designing the dimensions were straight forward, I used my model as well as certain ratios to decide where to place the holes, as well as determining their shape and angle.  Towards the end of the design, I realized that the inner diameter, or bore, of my flute was consistent all the way through.  The problem here is that the air would flow through at too quick a rate to make much sound.  As you can see in the above photo (prototype/model), the entire shape of the flute is tapered from the hole in which you blow, the embouchure hole, towards the open end at the bottom.  This allows for more air to come through the holes above, making for greater playability when fingering notes.  I had to make several versions of flute ends as well as elongated cones to make the bore taper to a smaller output.

As of now, I have yet to combine the pieces, or blow into it for that matter.  I’m waiting to have it glued and completed before giving it a first go.  I’m hopeful. . .