Headphones are an important asset to modern society and have helped mankind communicate in a more timely and efficient manner, ever since they were invented. The headphone manufacturing process is now highly advanced and one must appreciate the efforts that go into their production. Early materials include rubber, leather and copper but this was at a time when conveyer belt, mass production techniques were not heard of. Nowadays, materials used for headphone manufacture consist of silicon, advanced plastics and textiles. It is important to be able to produce headphones which do not compromise on safety, style and performance.
The method of production and materials used depends largely on the application of the headphones. The most common type of headphones on the market are the in-ear and over-head design or DJ style headphones. In ear headphones are often manufactured from Polycarbonate and Polyester materials. These are excellent materials to withstand daily wear and tear and also moisture that often occurs within the ear. One admired example of these types of headphones is the soundmagic PL30 from Soundmagic Technology Company, China. Other in-ear headphones that sit deeper in the ear have hypoallergenic materials to avoid germs being carried on them.
The most common type of headphones are the over-head or DJ style which are almost always comprised of polyurethane material and faux leather filled with foam for the parts closest to the ear edge. These are popular headphones often used by music producers backstage and in the music studio. The in-ear headphones are popular for on-stage performances and everyday use. They are more discreet and offer better sound-isolation. A good example of this type of headphones is the soundmagic headphones, specifically models PL30 and PL50.
Headphone manufacturing process:
Since micro-electronics and small silicon chips are used within the circuitry of headphones, it is often the case the internals need to be manufactured and wired before being placed into a casing. Therefore headphones are made using a combination of machine tools and human intervention methods. The procedure may involve one person in charge of soldering the wiring for the speaker and the next person in the manufacturing line to assemble the unit together. The headphone casing is made of moulded plastic, mostly for reasons of cost. Completed headphones go through automated computer testing and simulation programs which pass sound frequencies through them. It could be costly equipment but it saves a lot of time.
As stated, headphone manufacturing is a tedious, yet fulfilling process. A range of materials are used depending on the price, type and planned purpose of the headphones being manufactured. All headphones are tested using the latest computer programs and equipment. So, the next time you use your headphones, be sure to remember the process that was used to manufacture them.
Source: ehow.com
.