The paper cone, formally known as the speaker cone diaphragm, is a device used for acoustics and audio applications.It plays a significant role in assisting the voice coil in sound radiation, which in turn determines the speaker’s playback performance to a considerable extent. If the cone is damaged, the entire speaker unit will not reproduce sound properly.
Although it is called paper cone, there are actually many kinds of materials used, which can usually be divided into two categories: natural and artificial materials. No matter which material is used, it must meet one of the basic principles of paper cone use, which is that it must be light and rigid, and must not be deformed due to changes in the use environment.
Paper cone material
The sound characteristics of the paper cone are relatively smooth and natural, which is very suitable for most people’s tastes. There is no very distinctive part in the sound. Due to the interweaving of internal fibers, the energy during transmission can be quickly absorbed, so the damping characteristics of the paper cone are also ideal. In addition, because the paper cone is lighter in weight, it also performs well in terms of energy conversion efficiency. These are the advantages of the paper cone.
However, the shortcomings of the paper cone are obvious. First of all, due to the characteristics of the material, the paper cone is relatively sensitive to temperature and humidity. Changes in the use environment may have a certain impact on the sound, so now many businesses will coat the surface of the paper cone with a layer of paint. Layer glue, but the current paper cone technology is also constantly developing. By adding other materials, the paper cone can have better performance in terms of waterproof properties.
Plastic diaphragm is also one of the common speaker cone materials. It is generally made of polypropylene material, referred to as PP speaker cone. Compared with paper cones, PP speaker cones are much better in moisture-proof and waterproof effects. However, It will also be slightly affected. Since it is a synthetic material, there will be many improvement plans for the PP speaker cone. On the existing basis, improvements can be made to overcome certain deficiencies by adding other materials.
This is an ideal aspect of PP sound cones. PP sound cones also have good damping characteristics, and the listening experience is relatively smooth and natural. In addition, PP sound cones generally do not require too advanced crossovers, which can reduce the overall cost. As for the disadvantages, PP sound cones The rigidity of the basin is relatively average, and it is not suitable for music works that express rich high frequencies, and is prone to distortion.
General metal materials will give people a sense of nobility. In fact, in the process of making speakers, metal diaphragms are also relatively common, and in terms of sound, their characteristics are also relatively distinctive. Metal diaphragms are generally made of aluminum. Or it is made of alloy materials. Compared with other metals, it is more stable and lighter in weight. The rigidity of the metal diaphragm is relatively good, so it performs well in terms of dynamic and analytical power, and can control distortion very well, but we The often mentioned metallic sound is caused by the basin splitting phenomenon at the high-frequency end.
This is also a shortcoming of the metal diaphragm. Compared with other non-metallic diaphragms, the metal diaphragm is relatively heavy, and it The damping characteristics of the speaker are not very good, so it is not easy to drive and control the unit. This requires the speaker to make more circuit designs, and its cost will increase accordingly. Moreover, Currently, the problem of metal sound can only be improved by using special paint on the surface of the diaphragm.
Synthetic fiber diaphragms may be made of diaphragm materials with excellent properties. This material is transplanted from aviation and military materials. It has high strength and rigidity, and its material itself is relatively light, which has more advantages. It is suitable as the diaphragm of the unit, but due to its relatively high cost, this kind of diaphragm is generally used in high-end speakers.
Therefore, synthetic fibers are not perfect. Cost is one aspect, and damping characteristics are another.On the other hand, the synthetic diaphragm still needs to be strengthened. Currently, the method of interlayering or coating is still the first choice, but this requires relatively high process requirements and its cost will also be high.
Paper cones play a great role in sound diffusion, sound enhancement, audio directivity and frequency response control. The design of the paper cone can help the sound spread to a wider place. Through the shape design, the sound can be directed at a specific angle. and directional dispersion, thereby increasing sound coverage.
Paper cones can also enhance the projection of sound, making it brighter and more powerful, which is important for applications such as sound systems as it improves the quality of the sound.In short, different types of speaker cone designs are suitable for different application areas to meet specific sound needs.