Laminated CNC Loudspeakers

• 3D Prototype
• Fall 2013
• SketchUp Pro

These CAD prototypes are designed to be CNC cut from a single 4×8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood. After the laminations are cut out they are glued together to form the final enclosure with a complex hollow internal shape. The benefit of the laminated CNC design is the ease of construction as opposed to traditional cabinet making techniques. To ensure the loudspeaker performs well the internal volume is custom tuned for the chosen driver during the CAD design process.

The loudspeaker above is a 2-way mini-tower design with a ported woofer and bi-pole dome tweeter drivers. The internal volume is 33 cubic centimeters and achieves a low frequency response of 80Hz at -3bB with a 6.5″ woofer. The bi-pole tweeter uses an out-of-phase rear firing driver to in enlarge the listening area and depth of the sound stage. Bi-pole speaker provide a unique listening experience when placed in a room with reflective surfaces although, they need to be located away from boundary walls to project properly.

This tower loudspeaker is designed to use the Fostex 408 full-range 4″ driver in a folded horn enclosure. The laminations are designed to form a complex internal path equal to an 18″ woofer in bass response. The full range 408 speaker does not need a crossover and connects directly to the amplifier outputs. This, along with a single point source, give this basic design stunning clarity are full range sound. Many enthusiasts have built their own versions of this classic 408 design using traditional cabinet making. I think mine is the first laminated design.