Woofer performance variance due to components and assembly process

This paper presents an experimental study of the main causes of scrap during the production of a woofer loudspeaker. After analyzing the most critical components of a transducer, samples with reference and modified components have been built and characterized in terms of frequency-response and linear distortion curves, and electrical, mechanical, acoustical parameters. In addition, a second set of samples has been built using reference components but varying the assembly process parameters; these samples also have been characterized as the previous ones. Measurements have been performed both in an anechoic chamber, along a production line and inside a car. By the analysis of acquired data, the authors have individuated the most influential components and assembly parameters in terms of required performance.