Design and the appropriation of 3D printing techniques in the management of an innovative product system in the field of wind musical instruments

Abstract

This paper contributes to the innovation of the wind musical instruments sec-tor, including historical and semantic references from the past and the present. The authors propose signs connections in an abduction way, qualifying old concepts with a renewed identity. The paper is based on mixed practice and co-design to enable new symbolic paths and produce unconventional design projects. The research validates a system that can effectively become an alternative to the solutions existing on the market. This study demonstrates the role of design in the management of rapid production technologies focus on niche products with a high degree of customization. The authors prove that the development and diffusion of fast production technologies - 3d printers - and the implementation in the creation of components - mouthpieces for wind instruments – can be an opportunity to propose new scenarios for the creation and product distribution.