Orca Design & Manufacturing, which distributes brands including Gladen, has launched a unique program where Orca ships Gladen speakers without flanges, and car audio specialists 3D print the flanges to fit cars as needed. Orca provides the 3D files specific to various cars
“This approach is geared towards maximizing dealer speaker inventory and ensuring that retailers have the right speakers for a wide range of car models,” said Orca Sales Director Nalaka Adikari.
The first products in the new Gladen Fit series are the G100 4-inch driver and G22 22MM tweeter, which are already shipping. Future plans include releasing other speakers in about 90 to 120 days. A Focal version of the program is expected to follow, Adikari said.
The initial 3D printer files will be made available for vehicles from Ford, Dodge, BMW, Tesla, Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche, among others.
“The use of 3D printing for creating custom flanges represents an innovative step in the car audio industry, offering flexibility and convenience to both retailers and end-users,” said Adikari.
A good 3D printer today is available for under $1,000, he said. About 10 to 20 percent of retailers already own 3D printers, Adikari added.
The program is the brainchild of Orca Product Development Manager German Schulmeister,
Dealers can participate by scanning a car that might not yet be in the 3D printer library, and then Orca will develop the file to add to the library.
“Any shop that can press play can offer this and sell the bracket for $100,” said Schulmeister.
Photo: German Schulmeister holds 3D printed flange for Gladen Fit speakers.
There used to be a day when manufacturers would actually supply printed price sheets. I know that is passe, but know parts?
This is where the industry is going for sure. I wish they offered CNC files though
Anyone know of a company selling CNC files for speaker brackets? I would good money for those.
Hey Cody,
It’s pretty easy to convert a STL file into a usable G-code for CNC. There are free options available from a number of the popular CAD software.
Thank you for that. I’m just getting my feet wet with out new CNC, we haven’t even purchesd a software package yet for it. I though doing this might be an option but I wasn’t sure.