Michigan Patent of the Month – September 2025
The vinyl record revival faces persistent manufacturing hurdles, where small defects compromise audio quality. A new patent aims to modernize the pressing process using superior tooling technology. This innovation promises higher fidelity and production efficiency for the demanding audiophile market. The new apparatus was designed by TK Mold & Engineering Inc. . The method is detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12409620, titled ‘Die assembly and method of forming a vinyl record’.
Innovative Tooling Design
The core technology centers on a highly refined die assembly. This mold is crucial for shaping the soft vinyl puck into the final record. The new assembly features a precise base circular-shaped plate. An outer ring-shaped gasket improves material flow and maintains consistency during pressing. This novel design eliminates typical defects created by standard molds. The die assembly allows manufacturers to achieve higher yields with less material waste.
Impact on Analog Audio Quality
This refined tooling directly addresses common vinyl pressing defects. Reducing warping and improving groove definition are primary goals. The method ensures uniform pressure across the vinyl surface during the cycle. This results in cleaner sound reproduction and reduced surface noise for listeners. Such precision is vital as global demand for premium, high-quality vinyl continues to rise. This advancement represents a significant leap forward for high-volume analog audio manufacturing.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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