The New Normal: Customized 3D-Printed Earphones

Nov. 7, 2014
Nikki Kaufman, CEO of Normal, sought out a solution to standard, ill-fitting earphones and found an answer with 3D printing.

Three-dimensional printing continues to cast a wider net within the manufacturing and engineering worlds. Take, for example, Nikki Kaufman, who sought out a solution to standard, ill-fitting earphones and found an answer with additive manufacturing. What resulted was Normal—fully customized earbuds tailored to fit each person’s ears (even when the right and left differ, which happens most of the time). Instead of the typical, uncomfortable process involving audiologists, silicon molds, long wait times, and massive price tags, Normal uses a smartphone app, Stratasys Fortus 250mc printers, and a components assembly line to deliver earphones in as little as 48 hours.

All screenshots of the app and website are courtesy of Normal; all other photos were taken by Electronic Design.

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