University of Bristol
Insect Ears

[

IDC Models used its high resolution SLA Viper machine to manufacture precision 3D models of the smallest hearing organs known to science. The University of Bristol required a model of the katydid insect’s ears for a research project focussed on how the insects actually hear, as their ears are up to 100 times smaller than the sound waves they are listening to. IDC Models, as one of only a few companies who offer micro 3D printing, was able to provide a life-size replica of the insect’s ears and successfully recreated the structure which was almost impossible to investigate using other techniques. The micro printing capabilities of IDC Models has helped to support research projects studying the physics behind hearing, which are aiming to advance the technology of human hearing aids in the future.

]