APPLE AIRPODS MAX : THE GAME CHANGER

Aayushee Ghorpade
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai

Introduction:

As precisely quoted by the founding father, “The cure for Apple is not cost-cutting. The cure for Apple is to innovate its way out of its current predicament.” and manifested in real terms, AirPods Max possess a splendid and captivating design, with active noise cancellation and an unparalleled listening experience along with an exceptional and uncompromising fit that creates an optimal acoustic seal for heads of all shapes and sizes.

The intricate design and fabrication :

Focusing on the fabrication for properties like comfort,noise cancellation,sweat absorbency, AirPods Max inherit all of the wireless and effortless magic of the AirPods family.

They comprise four main parts :

The Headband and the Canopy :

The headband being manufactured of stainless steel is shielded by a soft thermoplastic polyurethane and polyester material for a remarkable combination of strength, flexibility and comfort.

The canopy spanning the headband is made from a knit mesh thermoplastic polyurethane and polyester, which is breathable thereby assisting the sweat produced to percolate into the atmosphere. As an added advantage, the canopy helps distribute the substantial weight throughout the head thus reducing the on-head pressure.

Telescoping arms :

Manufactured of stainless steel,the sliding arms allow each cup to pivot and rotate independently for a consistent fit and seal.

Ear Cups and cushions :

The anodised aluminium cups feature a revolutionary mechanism which allows each cup to rotate independently and balance pressure. Ear cushions, custom designed by PET are covered by a polyurethane memory foam topped with a polyurethane breathable mesh thus enabling pillow-like softness while listening and less sweaty ears in the warmer months.

Unlike circular ear pads, AirPods Max have incorporated the use of large oval-shaped ear cushions which comfortably press against your ears, thereby avoiding any irritation.

Crafted with acoustically engineered memory foam, the ear cushions create an immersive seal,providing a foundation for incredible sound,noise cancellation and noise trapping characteristics.

Here arrives the mind boggling question WHY POLYURETHANE?

Polyurethane being an elastomeric fibre, plays the role of a substantial substitute to rubber and metals,due to the properties it inhabits :

High Load Bearing Capacity :

Polyurethane having a high bearing load capacity undergoes a change in shape under a heavy load, but returns back to its original shape once the load is removed.

Flexibility :

It is highly flexible, allowing very good elongation and recovery properties.

Tear Resistance :

Polyurethane possesses high tear resistance along with high tensile properties.

Electrical Properties :

Polyurethane exhibits good electrical insulating properties.

Color Ranges :

During the manufacturing process, coloured pigments are added to polyurethane to achieve the desired requirement.

Protection from UV Rays :

Ultraviolet shielding is incorporated into the pigment for protection against degradation along with providing better colour stability for outdoor applications.

Resistance to Water, Oil & Grease :

Polyurethanes are resistant to water, oil and grease, thereby having an outspread usage in subsea applications.

Manufacturing Process :

Confiding by a very efficient and economical manufacturing procedure, polyurethane serves as an edge for the substitution of metals and rubbers.

GO GREEN, GO SUSTAINABLE!

Reduction in the carbon footprint by redesigning, re-engineering and rethinking the raw materials,energy and the manufacturing technologies involved, Apple AirPods Max aim at fulfilling the fundamental requirement of sustainability which is the need of the hour.

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