OFweek 3D Print Network: Toolbox Bodensee eV is a non-profit organization based in Germany that focuses on connecting young people with the world of technology and electronics. Often compared to maker spaces, this group actively encourages innovation and hands-on learning. They regularly organize free workshops centered around 3D printing, aiming to support both local businesses and government initiatives.
Recently, 40 members of the club embarked on an exciting project, combining 49 floppy drives with 3D-printed components to build a massive "floppy" organ. The project took three months to complete, during which they printed 84 different parts using two 3D printers. These printers ran for a total of 30 hours to produce all necessary components, including drive brackets and cable trays. The team also welded approximately 360 joints to assemble the entire system.
This isn't the first time someone has turned floppy drives into musical instruments, but it's definitely the largest and most ambitious attempt so far. The team originally planned to build a small instrument using just four drives, but they quickly decided to go big. One of their biggest challenges was sourcing enough floppy drives—many of which are now obsolete. Fortunately, club members pooled their resources and even reached out to friends and family, eventually gathering enough drives to complete the project.
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Once completed, the organ was mounted on a table for easy transportation and performances. It can be played using a MIDI file playlist or a traditional keyboard. The team described the instrument as both functional and fun, saying, “You can play it manually or use it as a recording and playback device. So if you're interested, you can enjoy the sound of these floppy drives all day long.â€
Although the organ is fully functional, the team still plans to enhance it further. They’re considering adding LED lights that illuminate during performances, making it more visually engaging, especially in dark environments.
If you have several old floppy drives lying around and want to try building your own, you can download the free 3D printing design files from their website. For more details, visit their site (note that it's in German). This unique project is a perfect blend of nostalgia, creativity, and modern technology.
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