The recently unveiled IE 600 earphones from Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co KG showcase an innovative approach to design and manufacturing. The key highlight is the utilization of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) for the earphone housings, providing a protective and intricate structure for the delicate transducer. These metal AM housings, meticulously hand-finished for aesthetic appeal, eliminate the need for milling after production, allowing for the creation of complex chambers and channels.
Manufactured by Heraeus AMLOY Technologies GmbH using a TruPrint 2000 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machine from Trumpf, the housings are constructed from Heraeus’s cutting-edge Amloy ZR01. This amorphous zirconium alloy was deliberately chosen by Sennheiser for its remarkable durability, surpassing even high-performance steel, and its visually pleasing surface quality. Notably, Amloy ZR01 has a notable history, having been trialed by NASA for ice cutting on Jupiter’s moon.
The post-processing operations, including steel shot blasting, polishing, and surface treatment, contribute to the creation of an exceptionally durable and wear-resistant component. Sennheiser’s Product Manager, Jermo Köhnke, expresses excitement about working with materials aligned with the standards of world-renowned organizations like NASA, emphasizing the cutting-edge nature of the technology.
Amloy ZR01 boasts triple the hardness and flexural strength of high-performance steel. The shock freezing during manufacturing ensures that amorphous metals do not form a crystalline structure, setting them apart from conventional metals. Jürgen Wachter, acknowledging the uniqueness of amorphous alloys, highlights their use in aerospace and MedTech applications demanding ultra-high precision and robustness. The pride in Sennheiser’s choice of Amloy ZR01 for the IE 600 housings is evident, emphasizing its space-grade quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sennheiser’s IE 600 earphones stand out not only for their audio performance but also for the groundbreaking use of metal Additive Manufacturing and the incorporation of Heraeus’s advanced Amloy ZR01. The marriage of durability, aesthetic quality, and technological innovation is evident in the meticulously crafted earphone housings. The review highlights the seamless integration of cutting-edge materials and manufacturing techniques, underscoring Sennheiser’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. The acknowledgement of Amloy ZR01’s space-grade capabilities and its selection by Sennheiser adds a layer of prestige to these earphones, making them a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.
References
[1] “Metal AM Journal.” [Online]. Available: Sennheiser turns to Additive Manufacturing for its IE 600 earphones (metal-am.com)