Cartridge Cantilever - Nano-Tube Technology
Recently I was to accept Carbon Fibre as a Material to 3D Print a Wand and other Parts as exchange parts for a owned Tonearm.
After having discussed the methodology for the Printing and how it was to be a viable alternative to metal,, I became further interested in CF usage for other applications.
I learnt it is used as a Cantilever Material which was first introduced approximately 20 Years ago.
Fast Track forward to the current period and their is one Cartridge Company using Carbon Fibre Nano-Tube as the Cantilever Material (CFN-T).
CFN-T are a rave as a Technology and adopting the 1 micron thick Graphene Sheet to become other forms is where the industry is at.
The intrinsic properties of these newly created structures are proving extremely attractive as replacement for older forms.
The success of CFN-T has now led to both Beryllium and Boron being a produced Nano-Tube.
The weight/stiffness of the Nano-Tube is extremely attractive over Rod and older Splutter Produced Tubes.
In relation to the Phono Cartridge it does seem there is a New Direction for rare metal materials being used as a Cantiver, The Nano-Tube is much increased in sustainability for these rare metal materials and as a design for a Cantilever will most likely prove itself as a worthy alternative to designs in use for the past 40ish years.
I am clear page book on this Subject and more than willing to be introduced to the thoughts of others who have an interest in these materials and the suggested application.
OP "1 micron thick Graphene Sheet" that is ridiculously thin, holy smokes Shure’s V15VxMR specs "The ultra-thin (0.0005-inch) beryllium MICROWALL/Be tube" is 12.7 micrometers (according to an online calculator) .......................... Microns A micron, or micrometer, is a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter. A human hair is about 90 microns in diameter. Abbreviation: µm |
The Make Up of the nano-tubes do have different OD's, but all remain in the low microns. How many CFN-T's are placed in the Miyajima Cartridge to produce a Cantilever is an unknown through their literature. Stacked Sheet to 30microns, then tolled to have a 40micron hollow will be a nano-tube @ 100microns. 20 x 100um = 0.2mm, which is ideal to attach a stylus to. This is a new Science unlike anything used to date, there is a whole lot of learning to be had, and One Company has pioneered their way into the Technology. The value the nano-tube is able to offer to acceleration of transferred energy is yet to be fathomed as a offering. It will be quite different to what is already known and will be out in front in relation to what a few other materials have been able to offer. The weight / rigidity ratio is extremely attractive. I'm sure new Damper Materials are a must to exploit the properties, and would strongly suggest Miyajima, are knowing this themselves. Maybe even New Armatures are also to be designed? If the few who live an breathe in this world of technology could chip in, that would be great. Maybe they can't for all the right reasons for protecting IP. I recently informed my friend who I put most trust in, to learn about Analogue Audio and Boron and Beryllium nano-tubes were very well received. My planned visit in a few weeks I am sure will be given a recess to discuss this very subject. |
The CFN-T is old technology. The 1979 Nagatron 360CF used graphite (source of graphene!) to produce its cantilever! Very thin. Very strong and stiff!! I have one, and can attest to its very unique properties and sound!! It’s very lush, full, articulate, detailed! One of my very best cartridges out of 171. It took me 6 years to find a good stylus for that cartridge. Yes, it’s an MI cart. But it fully embodies the “new” tech. At the time, they didn’t understand why very thin graphite produced such a strong cantilever! Now it’s understood! |
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers are used in a variety of industries for approximately 50 years. The knowledge shared showing a CFRP was selected for a Cantilever Material near this timeline is showing a very innovative way of thinking back in the 70's, Kudos to those who ventured and gained. CFRP Technology is different from CFN-T Technology. The CFRP has not got the same purity as a material, as does the CFN-T. |
I would assume that not all carbon fiber materials are made equally. Like everything else, advancements in technology, i.e. tempering for hardness, could advance over time. I just bought a pair of headphones that use a pliable carbon fiber for the drivers.The tech comes from a company in Sweden. The same material is used for helicopter blades on Mars. |
