Audio Equipment Benefits From Rigidity and Design Flexibility of Thermoset Composite Materials

Manufacturers in the commercial audio market are converting to thermoset Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) for its inherent stiffness, dielectric properties, and aesthetic appeal. From indoor residential audio speakers to outdoor loudspeakers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, manufacturers are transitioning to thermoset composite materials for audio products. Middle- to high-end speaker housings, for example, are being molded from composite materials, allowing back-panel electrical connections to be molded in, eliminating secondary operations. As a result, all the intricacies of the design can be incorporated in one molded piece that is UL-approved for current-carrying parts.

Additionally, the superior structural rigidity of BMC makes it immune to 'boom', the industry term for resonance and movement of the speaker sidewalls that distorts sound reproduction. Boom is a notorious issue for traditional wood assemblies. Plus, wood assemblies tend to be more labor intensive (and therefore more expensive) than those based on thermoset materials.