Many kids across the country are enthralled by music but cannot afford quality instruments to learn how to play. But learning to play music on a poorly made instrument can lead to poor technique. With this knowledge in hand, the Acoustical Society of America team put their heads together to develop a way to make instruments more affordable. With the recent advancements in 3D printing, they have begun to 3D-print instruments for hundreds of children and adults interested in learning to play. The 3D-printed violin was first introduced by Mary-Elizabeth Brown at the Acoustical Society of America’s conference this past December. The two-piece violin had a printing cost of only $7 and an assembly cost of $30. Violins regularly cost from $500–$5,000, so Brown’s invention cuts the cost significantly. The 3D-printed violin is composed of a specially engineered plastic polymer substance that can replicate the tones and sounds made by traditional violins. The 3D-printed violin has a darker and more mellow sound than conventional violins. “Our goals were to explore the new sound world created by using new materials, to leverage the new technology being used in other disciplines, and to make music education sustainable and accessible through the printing of more durable instruments,” Brown said. Violins are not the first instrument to get the 3D-printer treatment. Flutes, ocarinas, guitars, and even saxophones have all been 3D-printed in the past. It will be fun and exciting to see how this industry develops as further advancements are made. The AVIVA Young Artists program of the Acoustical Society of America regularly travels the country, printing and selling their 3D-printed violins. If you’re interested in getting a 3D-printed violin of your own or want to receive the patterns so you can print one yourself, subscribe to the mailing list at PrintAViolin.com.
SUDOKU
MUNCHIES WITH MOLLY
VALENTINE’S DAY DOG TREATS Inspired by PrettyFluffy.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 eggs •
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1/2 cup dried cranberries 3–4 tbsp coconut flour
1 1/2 cups almond flour
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1 tbsp coconut oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325 F. 2. In a small bowl, beat eggs and set aside. 3. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, coconut oil, and dried cranberries. 4. Once combined, pour in eggs and mix with your hands. (The dough will be very wet.) 5. Add coconut flour 1 tbsp at a time; mix well after each addition. You want to achieve a consistency that is easy to roll, is not super sticky, and easily forms a ball. 6. Roll out dough and cut treats using bite-size cookie cutters. Tip: Sprinkle a little coconut flour on top of your dough to keep it from sticking to the cookie cutters. 7. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, place your treats. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until crisp. Let cool before giving to your pooch!
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