3D printing of spider web-inspired sound absorbers

Spider webs, with their intricate structures and unique material properties, are among nature’s most elaborate cellular materials. However, replicating their complex designs and performance using conventional manufacturing techniques remains a significant challenge. In this study, we harness our advanced 3D printing capabilities to fabricate realistic spider web structures with enhanced precision for potential noise reduction application. By customizing G-code, we achieve precise control over critical parameters such as thread density, diameter, and geometry, enabling the accurate reproduction of key features found in natural spider webs, including the frame, hub, and spiral threads. To enhance their acoustic functionality, we stack multiple layers of these 3D printed webs to create bulk sound absorbers with a hierarchically structured internal architecture. We test the sound absorption performance using a two-microphone normal-incidence impedance tube setup. This work demonstrates the transformative potential of bio-inspired designs in acoustic engineering, showcasing how nature’s ingenuity, combined with advanced additive manufacturing, can open new pathways for developing innovative, customizable, and sustainable noise control solutions.