3D printed spare parts enable a second life for hi-fi classic loudspeakers
6. April 2022
Intermediate ring
Anyone, who likes to listen to music, appreciates good loudspeakers. Hi-fi manufacturers such as Marantz, Hitachi, Geithain, Pioneer, Denon, Grundig, Braun, Harman Kardon, Yamaha, Sony, Cabasse, Burmester, McIntosh, etc. have left cornerstones in audio technology. What is inside a high-quality classic speaker, the know-how that perfect the sound, can easily compete with the modern sound systems. With their classic design, sturdy construction and perfect sound, the hi-fi classics are timeless.
But many things that have been dear to us for years end their existence with a defective plastic component. Why does a component fail after years? Even the most expensive audio classics do not pass time without a trace. Devices have “predetermined breaking points”. Nothing is supposed to last forever. That’s why a gear wheel loses its teeth or a lever breaks. Actually, the repair would still be possible – however after decades, the spare part is often unavailable or the original manufacturer is not represented on the market.
The usual repair companies often are not able to do anything and the device ends up at the recycling center or as an object for slaughter in an online auction. It’s a pity to simply throw away a hi-fi speaker with such an extraordinary quality.
Those who have the necessary know-how and can design the desired component, they can contact us to print professionally the spare part with our industrial 3D printers. If you can’t and don’t have the necessary software, you can send us the defective but complete component. Normally, this can be remodelled and printed.
Some examples of relived hi-fi speakers thanks to 3D printed spare parts
The customer has two hi-fi classics from Scriptum, each about 40 years old. The manufacture has long been history, the loudspeaker manufacturer still exists – but these have not been manufactured for years. All available drivers have the same age and therefore the same faults. The customer has therefore decided to buy new drivers that fit the complex system.
Unfortunately, the new driver has completely different dimensions and is a bit larger. Our customer faced two option: either the jigsaw or a printed intermediate ring. The latter does not damage or alter the original piano lacquer design box, and it is still possible to reinsert an original driver. This is normally after sawing no longer possible. As per the customer’s request, the ring was printed with ABS, because the material has sufficient stiffness for the application.
Another customer has a JBL ½” driver and a defective horn adapter. On this one, the plastic horn was broken. This component was also no longer available.
Many horn attachments have a 1″ connection or larger. Adapters are available for 1″ and larger on every connection imaginable – just not on the small diameter. Our client has constructed an adapter with the specific measurements, and we printed it out of fiber-reinforced plastic. The 3D printed adapter made the horn completely usable again.
For the same JBL ½“ new horn was constructed to spur the driver. This horn is a unique creation – not only from the optics, but also from the geometry. At the customer’s request, the horn was printed with ABS, because with this material is the post-processing of the printed component easily done. The surface of ABS printed components is easy to sand, prime, and then it can be also painted.
The advantage for the customer is clear: no expensive molds for the new form are required. For a few pieces, an optimal option between cost and efficiency.
A 3D printer alone does not make a component
3D Printers and materials are available on the market in different variations. But when it really comes to appearance and function, the inexpensive commercial 3D printers could not compare with the industrial devices. We have not only the professional equipment and the necessary software, but also the know-how in the fields of plastics technology, mechanical engineering, calculation and design.
Work with us! We are looking forward to more interesting projects to keep your high-end hi-fi classics in good shape.
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