Custom-Fit Affordable Earphones to be 3D Printed on the Form3B

Sennheiser’s AMBEO division have partnered with Formlabs to develop affordable earphones, that customers can personalize according to their own ear shape. These custom fit earphones, currently still in the prototype stage of development, will offer an immersive sound experience. Ears are unique to the individual, to the point where they could even be as useful identifiers as fingerprints. Until now, the audiology industry has taken a one-size fits all approach. Thanks to the mass customization offered by 3D printing, Formlabs is on track to change that, with their Form3B printer.

“Our technology collaboration with Sennheiser seeks to change the way customers interact with the brands they love by enabling a more customized, user-centric approach to product development,” said Iain McLeod, Director of Audio at Formlabs. “Formlabs’ deep industry knowledge and broad expertise in developing scalable solutions enable us to deliver tangible innovations to our customers. In this case, we are working with Sennheiser’s AMBEO team to deliver a uniquely accessible, custom fit experience.”

Sennheiser will use the Form 3B to print the ear tips for their custom fit earphones.

Sennheiser’s AMBEO division will use Formlabs’ Form 3B printers to fabricate the ear tips of the earphones. The Form 3B is compatible with a wide range of materials, including BioMed clear resin, a biocompatible material that has previously been used for dental applications, but is also well suited for hearing aids, ear protection, and consumer audio.