More Developments in Loudspeaker Enclosure Materials

In this report, Klasco once again shares his knowledge with loudspeaker enclosures and reports on the progress in enclosure materials and technologies in 2020. And if someone has interesting things to share about wood enclosures, composites, plastics, improved plastic-based formulas, ABS/PA (polyimide), thermoset and thermoplastic resins, bulk-molded and sheet-molded thermosets and more, it's certainly Mike Klasco. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, March 2020.

Following a very successful InfoComm 2016 with multiple product introductions and packed demo sessions, Danley Sound Labs is now shipping its new Go-2, an extremely affordable and compact loudspeaker for small-scale applications. The concept was originally introduced at InfoComm 2015 and leverages Tom Danley’s patented Synergy Horn technology in clever ways, demanding extensive development and testing. Another recent announcement from Danley was the return of the TH-50 subwoofer, introduced originally in 2007, now again in production.

Injection molded plastics dominate audio consumer electronics products but are perceived as “cheap” and have mediocre acoustic characteristics compared to wood. New cellulose reinforced composites developed by Sappi’s Symbio division combine the best of both wood and plastics with higher stiffness, lower weight and can be used for injection molding and extrusion processes in any color and finishing.

Established in 1958 in Pomona, CA, Globe Plastics, Inc.became a leader in the electronics industry and expanded into advanced engineering materials and compression and injection molding high-strength composites. Since 1992, Globe Plastics found a niche in the sound and lighting industries using processes proved to be far superior and a better value than existing thermoplastics and die-cast aluminum components.