Sustainable Audio: 3D Printed Speakers from Recycled Materials

Infinite Acoustics manufactures 3D printed speaker cabinets using recycled industrial and consumer waste. The company leverages local micro-factories for on-demand, customized production, minimizing carbon footprints. The materials used range from old tires to ocean plastic, aligning with circular economy principles. Their Black Velvet Hwy speaker range, for instance, utilizes old tires and is designed to be integrated into a complete Dolby Atmos 7.2.6 system.

Future plans for the company include offering digital assets via online platforms and component kits. Licensing of their production systems to other micro-factories for local market penetration is also in the pipeline. This decentralized manufacturing strategy enables not only material sustainability but also reduces transportation-related emissions.

The Infinite Acoustics system was designed by Lostboyslab, a Swedish engineering firm specializing in 3D printing technologies.The design intricacies include geometrical patterns within the speaker cabinets that serve as diffusers and reinforce structural integrity. This optimization extends beyond aesthetics, contributing to functional enhancements like sound quality and durability.

In terms of development velocity, Infinite Acoustics has an impressive track record. They have developed nine product lines in a span of 12 months. The team operates in multiple time zones, with facilities in Los Angeles and Sweden, showcasing the scalability and flexibility of 3D printing for complex and geographically dispersed operations.

The work of Infinite Acoustics underscores the potential of 3D printing in contributing to both sustainability and localized manufacturing. As micro-factories and recycled materials become more prevalent, we could quite possibly see an industry shift towards more sustainable, decentralized manufacturing systems like those seen at Infinite Acoustics.

Source: autodesk.com

Come and let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly additive manufacturing newsletter to get all the latest stories delivered right to your inbox.