NVision Hits the Right Note: Featured in Manufacturing Engineering & Technology and the Advanced Carbons Council

MET

At NVision 3D, we’re passionate about helping innovators push boundaries—and this summer, our work has been showcased in two prestigious industry publications: Manufacturing Engineering & Technology (MET) and the Advanced Carbons Council. Both articles spotlight a groundbreaking collaboration between NVision 3D and Butler Trombones in which precision 3D scanning and carbon-fiber manufacturing are transforming traditional brass instruments.

From Brass to Carbon Fiber: Precision Meets Performance

Traditional marching band instruments like trombones and sousaphones are famous for their powerful sound—but also for their significant heft, which can challenge musicians’ endurance and lead to fatigue or even injury over time. Both featured articles recount how Butler butlerTrombones, led by veteran musician and founder David Butler, sought to address these challenges by reimagining instrument construction.

Butler’s vision required not just innovative materials—carbon fiber, celebrated for its lightweight strength—but an equally innovative manufacturing approach. That’s where NVision 3D came in. Utilizing advanced handheld scanning, our team captured the exact exterior geometries of trumpets, trombones, and sousaphone components, creating 3D digital models that enabled the production of highly precise carbon-fiber molds. The result: instruments less than half the weight of traditional brass yet delivering tonal richness and resonance admired by renowned professionals worldwide.

A Partnership of Technology and Tradition

The MET article dives into how our collaboration evolved—from scanning trumpet bells in 2018 to the successful development of custom, 3D-printed carbon-fiber sousaphones for the U.S. Marine Band. The Advanced Carbons Council offers a broader look at how cutting-edge composites and digital manufacturing have streamlined production and dramatically reduced costs. For example, a project once quoted to Butler for $40,000 was completed for a fraction of that price, thanks to NVision 3D’s expertise.

Enabling Innovation Across Industries

NVision 3D’s role in this success story highlights what we strive to deliver to every client:

  • Unmatched accuracy and efficiency in 3D scanning and reverse engineering.
  • The power to bring modern materials and designs to life—while respecting the heritage and performance demands of traditional craftsmanship.
  • Significant cost and time savings, opening new possibilities for even smaller-scale innovators.

Want to learn more about how NVision 3D’s scanning and reverse engineering are helping transform manufacturing in music and beyond?

Read the Manufacturing Engineering & Technology (MET) article

See the Advanced Carbons Council’s coverage

We thank Butler Trombones for trusting us to help shape the sound of the future. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of advanced 3D scanning for your next project, contact us today or explore our services.