Artistic Vinyl Speaker: Progress Update

For my main project, I’m creating an artistic vinyl speaker. Although it’ll look like a functional record player, the audio will come from a embedded Bluetooth speaker. For the dynamic component of the design, I’ll have a decorative vinyl record rotating using a motor on top of the record player.

                           [2] Casa Batlló Exterior                                                                  [3] Casa Batlló Interior

The aesthetic I chose is Catalan Art Nouveau. I took inspiration from Gaudi’s Casa Batlló (see figures 2 and 3).

As of this week, I’ve finished the design (see figure 1/featured image) and am prepared to start 3D printing my CAD models.

[4] Project Segment Connections (SolidWorks CAD Model)

The most challenging parts of this project so far have been creating the spiral pattern on top of the record player and filling in gaps in my 3D printing experience/knowledge. Initially, I struggled to use SolidWorks surface geometry to create the look I wanted; however, after playing around with my design, I was able to find a pattern I’m satisfied with. Another issue I faced was ensuring my design was going to be 3D print compatible. This included fitting the sizing constraints of the printer bed, as well as segmenting and adding connections to the design (see figure 4). Besides the already tedious nature of this task, I also had to pay attention to the tolerance involved with 3D printing, ensuring the segments will fit together after they get printed.

[5] Project Interior (SolidWorks CAD Model)

Something else that I haven’t tried while 3D printing is having a snap in connection. As seen in the center of my model in figure 5, for the motor connection, I needed to ensure the motor would be secure, but could easily be aligned or adjusted as needed. This figure also shows the interface between the speaker and record player (located face down near the front side of the model). A few other notable additions I made include a hole out the back of the record player (allowing for the speaker charging cable to be plugged in), and cut outs in front and behind the speaker (ensuring access to the speaker control buttons, and for easy connection to the charging cable).

Looking ahead, the next steps in the project process include printing, finishing, assembling, and painting. My biggest worry with 3D printing is printer availability and part interfaces. Each segment of the record player is expected to take around 20 hours to print. Unless I can print multiple parts at once, I won’t be able to fully finish my project before our presentations (fortunately, I’m optimistic I can find availability to get everything printed). In addition, if any of these parts require redesign, it will furth lengthen my fabrication time.

After printing, I want to smooth the surface finish as best as possible. This will likely be the next most time consuming part of the project, and is also something I don’t have experience with (for 3D prints). After I get the finish I like, I’ll assemble and paint it, I’m done!

                               [6] Antoni Gaudí Key Color Palette                            [7] Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflower Color Palette

Something I’d love suggestions on is the coloring of the record player. I want the color to feel natural with the design, but also enjoy using vibrant colors. I’m thinking of using color schemes used by Gaudí and Van Gogh (see figures 6 and 7), but would love to hear any other ideas you have.

Citations:

[1] Design by me

[2] Wikipedia, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Batll%C3%B3

[3] Dan Blystone, 2025, https://barcelonanavigator.com/gaudi-buildings-in-barcelona/

[4] Design by me

[5] Design by me

[6] Mme Fleur, N/A, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/661325526511644411/

[7] Nazanin, 2021, https://colors.dopely.top/inside-colors/van-gogh-and-his-strange-play-with-colors/