How it works  !

3D printers are an increasingly popular tool for creating a wide variety of objects, from small household items to complex mechanical parts. While 3D printers are generally known for their ability to create precise, intricate designs, they can also be used to produce music in a unique and unconventional way.

One way that 3D printers can be used to make music is by using the motors that control the movement of the printer’s nozzle to produce specific sounds. These motors are typically controlled by a computer program that determines the precise movements needed to create the desired object. By manipulating the speeds at which the motors move, it is possible to produce a range of different sounds.

What programming language do 3d printers use ?

G-Code is a programming language used to control and operate 3D printers and CNC machines. It is used to instruct the printer or machine on how to move, extrude filament, or perform various other tasks required to create a physical object.

How to create music from 3D printers ?

To generate G-Code from a MIDI file, the first step is to determine the desired mapping between the MIDI data and the actions of the 3D printer or CNC machine. This may include mapping specific MIDI messages or controllers to specific movements or actions, such as the extrusion of filament or the movement of the printer’s head.

Once the desired mapping has been established, the MIDI file can be imported into the software or the mapping can be manually applied to the data. The resulting G-Code can then be used to control a 3D printer or CNC machine, allowing it to perform the actions specified in the MIDI file.

This process can be useful for creating complex or intricate designs that may be difficult to achieve using traditional CAD software. It can also be a fun and creative way to use 3D printers or CNC machines, allowing users to create custom designs based on MIDI data or to explore new ways of using these tools.

One way to do this is by using a MIDI file, which is a digital file format commonly used to store music. MIDI files contain information about the notes, timing, and other details of a musical composition, and can be used to control the movements of the 3D printer’s motors. By using a script that interprets the information in the MIDI file and converts it into specific motor speeds, it is possible to create a 3D printer that can play music.

While the sounds produced by a 3D printer may not be as polished or refined as those produced by traditional musical instruments, they can still be used to create interesting and unique compositions. Whether you are a musician looking for a new way to experiment with sound or just someone who is interested in the creative possibilities of 3D printing, using a 3D printer to produce music can be a fun and rewarding project.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in midi to g-code converting, step by step!

See in video below how your machine could become a musical instrument!

This converter can convert music files (MIDI files) into G-code (for CNC milling machines).
So with each CNC milling machine that is driven by stepping motors, it is possible to create music.

source from GitHub –  https://github.com/alexyu132/midi-m300