Loudspeaker membranes incorporate Stylight thermoplastic composite material

Styrenics supplier, INEOS Styrolution (Frankfurt Germany), announced on Nov. 10 that its StyLight composite has been selected by Dr. Kurt Müller GmbH & Co. KG (DKM, Krefeld, Germany) for the company’s latest loudspeaker cone assembly. With a core business is the development, production and commercialization of loudspeaker components, DKM selected the carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic StyLight material to be applied to acoustic membranes for cones, domes and dust-caps in automotive and high-end speakers (see “Headwear protection manufacturer incorporates styrenics-based composites”).

The StyLight Aesthetic S C245 carbon fiber sheet is based on a modified SAN matrix, which ensures an aesthetic surface and high mechanical performances. The composite is typically a material of choice for demanding automotive interior and exterior applications. According to INEOS, it has also made inroads into other industries, including electronics, sports/ leisure and now — for the first time — into home entertainment.

“When we explored the new StyLight material, it initially convinced [us] with its look,” says Matthias Ringpfeil, technical director at Dr. Kurt Müller. “However, when we analyzed its acoustic properties, we were even more convinced that we had found the material of choice for our new
six-inch carbon cone assembly. This has been confirmed by our long-term loud speaker customers and we immediately received the first commercial orders.”

Andreas Kolf, business development manager Composites at INEOS Styrolution, adds: “It is very rewarding to see that our innovative material is selected by an equally innovative company. The collaboration with Dr. Kurt Müller resulted in a promising new solution and even helped us
to learn more about the potential of our StyLight material. We are looking forward to a long-term cooperation with DKM to further develop StyLight for innovative high-performance acoustic membranes.”