Next Generation Materials for Audio Products

Product Development

Presenter:
Michael Klasco, Menlo Scientific Ltd. - Richmond, CA, USA

The advances in materials science in the last few years has been remarkable. Product demand in all categories are driving this rapid advancement. In this session we will cover the latest in materials now being used for and being planned for the next generation audio products. 
New bio-plastics are stiffer and better damped than commodity plastics result in less enclosure buzz and smoother response. Noise canceling and echo cancelers especially benefit from these materials. Nano-materials enhance water repellent surface treatments to wind screens. Ongoing development of graphene for microphones, headphones, and microspeakers promises significant performance advances. Elastic (helical conductor) audio cables provide elongation to 40%! You will see examples of the materials available so a product developer can ride the next wave of ultra-materials.