Jul 4, 2016 | By Benedict

Kitronik, a UK-based design studio, has created two 3D printable speaker kits: one for a Stereo speaker and one for a Cube speaker. Makers can use the kits to learn more about the design and construction of modern electronic devices.

You only have to look at kids using their latest smartphones and tablets to see just how important electronic devices are—in virtually all aspects of our lives—in 2016. But despite the ubiquity of consumer electronics, most users of such technology have little to no idea how their products actually work. Kitronik, a British design studio, wants to change all that, by reintroducing the concept of the build-it-yourself design kit. The latest offering from the company is a stylish 3D printable speaker kit, which tinkerers can use to build their own laptop/smartphone speakers while learning a thing or two about electronics.

Kitronik has actually developed two separate 3D printable speaker kits: one which makes a traditional Stereo speaker, and one which forms a trendy Cube speaker. The company believes that the combined practicality and aesthetics of the kits will appeal to would-be builders in a way that other, more outdated hobby kits can no longer do: “When we started off, people said to us that electronic kits were becoming less popular,” says Kitronik co-founder Kevin Spurr. “I think that's because the kits that were being used weren't very interesting. The trick is interesting kits at affordable prices.”

Both speaker types were designed by Kitronik designers using Autodesk Inventor and prototyped in PLA using a Robox RBX-01 3D printer. Keen builders can download the printable parts for the speakers from Thingiverse and order the plug n’ play mono/stereo amplifier kits directly from Kitronik. Detailed instructions for assembling the printed parts and electronic components have been laid out on the Kitronik website. The company has also uploaded a laser-cutting file for users who wish to cut their own birch plywood front plate, an additional piece for the cool gadgets, included to give beginners an idea of how different materials can be mixed to create interesting effects.

Kitronik hopes that its simple electronics kits will encourage a future generation of designers to start building their own tech: “We know that we have an issue with manufacturing in this country,” said Spurr. “The manufacturing side isn't done by humans, it's done by technology now but the design is done by humans and that's where we need to have more people.”

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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