Smartphone Piano

We had to make a music instrument as a school project.
Therefor we decided to make a piano with modern technology.

Step 1: Materials

These are all the materials we used to make this Piano Case.

Multiplex 5mm

Multiplex 18mm

PLA Filament

2 Hinges 20mm

The tools we used are all available at our local FabLab.

CNC Mill

Lasercutter

3D Printer (Makerbot)

Step 2: Base

First we drawed our base model in Solidworks. After this we exported the DWG file of the model to Aspire.

We used aspire to make the toolpaths for the CNC Mill.

To cut the 18mm Multiplex we used a 6mm mill.

We provided the Aspire file so u can select the right toolpath for your CNC Mill.

After the cutting is done u will need remove a small piece of wood to make sure the phone will slide underneath the cover.

On the picture there is only done a small piece, u will need to cut it all the way and make sure it is high enough for your phone.

Step 3: Capping Plates

For the capping plates we used the 5mm Multiplex and put it in the lasercutter.

The PDF's wich u can use for the capping plates is provided.

The drawings that are provided are made for an iPhone 5/5S. U can easily adjust the drawing to match with your own Phone. The lines are colored in RGB Red and are 0,01mm thick.

The button that is provided in the drawings is stuck on with some tape cause it needs to touch the button of the iPhone. but it isn't necessary for other smartphones.

Step 4: Piano Lid

For the piano lid we wanted to create a Lowpolygon surface.
Therefor 3D printing looked like it was the better choice.

We used a Makerbot Replicator and it used an .STL file.

It could be possible that other 3dprinters need other files but we don't know that for sure.

The file for the 3D print is included. This also includes the foots for the piano.

Step 5: Assembling

We glued the front capping plate to the base.

For the back capping plate we used 2 hinges that are glued to the base. That is because u still want to slide the phone underneath the front capping plate.

For the Piano lid u can use the triangles that come out of the capping plate or u could use another hinge.

The three feets need to be glued to the underside of the base.

Step 6: Optional

We tried to put in a speaker, but this didn't work cause we had no amplifier. So the speakers were to soft to hear.

If you have a speaker with a amplifier u could use it to have a better sound.

For a smoother look on the Piano Lid u could use Acetone to wipe down the print lines. We preferred the raw finish.

Step 7: Final Product

Here is the final product we have achieved.

We are proud and we hope this helps to put out more ideas and creativity in the world.