Touch, see and hear 'smash-proof' guitar

The innovative instrument was engineered collaboratively by specialists from Sandvik Machining Solutions, Sandvik Coromant and Sandvik Materials Technology, using the latest techniques in additive manufacturing and metallurgy to deliver both high precision and extreme durability.

Swedish rock legend Yngwie Malmsteen has put the guitar through its paces, first by playing his trademark tunes and then – in true rockstar style – attempting to smash it. Despite repeated efforts, the structure held firm, earning the guitar its ‘unbreakable’ tag.

Experts from Sandvik will take to the stage at Engineering Design Show 2019 (on Wednesday 16 October at 3:15pm) to share the secrets in a presentation called: ‘Designing the Unbreakable Guitar’. 

Visitors will learn about the advanced technology, specialist materials and serious challenges involved in designing and building the one-of-a-kind instrument. And, in a first for the annual show, delegates will also be treated to a live musical performance to demonstrate the guitar’s capabilities. 

Amelie Norrby, additive manufacturing engineer at Sandvik, added: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to share the Unbreakable Guitar at the Engineering Design Show. With all the innovations being showcased, this is the perfect place to explore the complex manufacturing challenges, state-of-the-art technologies and new methods that came together to create this masterpiece.”

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see the guitar up close on Wednesday 16 October by visiting the Sandvik stand B65, where experts from Sandvik’s tube division will also be on hand to discuss the role of high-performance materials. 

Nicki Jackson, event director at the Engineering Design Show, says: “The Engineering Design Show has been highlighting the very latest technologies and design techniques since 2012 and we are delighted that the Sandvik smash-proof guitar will be another first for the show. Being able to touch, see and hear the guitar will enable visitors to fully understand the complexity of the design and manufacturing techniques utilised.”   

The Engineering Design Show exhibition and conference is entirely dedicated to the needs of the design engineering community, and will feature the latest technologies, materials, tools, software and services driving design engineering forward, including state-of-the-art robotics.

Delegates will discover Sandvik’s range of innovative corrosion-resistant materials (CRMs). Products include seamless tube and pipe, hydraulic and instrumentation (H&I) tubing, tubes for heat exchangers and high temperature applications, along with solid and hollow bar.

Helen Harvey, regional sales director UK, Ireland & Turkey, says: “Our team is looking forward to talking with operators, developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about how Sandvik can help them attain greater reliability with added value across their operations, and help fight off corrosion, avoid unplanned shutdowns and boost productivity.”

A video of the Smash-Proof Guitar can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1hxZyD9VGI. 

The Engineering Design Show takes place at Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK, on 16 and 17 October 2019. For event updates and to register for your free place, visit: www.engineeringdesignshow.co.uk.