Vinyl records have been made from the same material since the early 20th century, and are therefore prone to scratches, static and warping. Now, Japanese company Ulvac has developed records that are nano-coated in a material called molybdenum. The material, which is widely used in the fabrication of semiconductors, could prevent records from being damaged by scratches or poor handling. In addition, molybdenum resolves heat-conductivity problems that lead to warped records. Clare Wei, Ulvac’s vice-CEO in Taiwan, only developed an interest in vinyl last year and is frantically working on methods to upgrade the outdated technology.
Elsewhere in the world, an Austrian company is working on HD vinyl and a German startup is trying to solve the vinyl production crisis by providing cheaper means of production.
(via The Vinyl Factory)