Product Overview
Designed specifically for smart wearables like fitness trackers, smart rings, and AR glasses, this PFAS-free acoustically transparent waterproof membrane offers miniaturized protection. It is an ultra-thin, flexible film that seals microphone and speaker ports without muffling sound. The fully customized shapes and micron-level thicknesses allow integration into the smallest device form factors. Completely fluorine-free, it meets the stringent material requirements of leading wearable brands.
Cause
Wearables are exposed to sweat, rain, and daily washing. Their microphones and speakers need to be open to air for sound, yet sealed against liquids. Current protection uses ePTFE, which is a PFAS material. With consumers demanding sustainable products and regulations tightening, wearable OEMs must adopt PFAS-free parts. However, the new membrane must be thinner and more flexible than standard films to fit curved, compact housings and not interfere with the user experience.
Solution
We supply a PFAS-free acoustically transparent membrane as thin as 15 microns, laser-cut to fit unique port geometries. The film maintains IP68 waterproofing and dust ingress protection while exhibiting near-zero sound insertion loss at critical smart assistant frequencies. It can be supplied with a silicone adhesive ring that bonds securely to titanium, stainless steel, or bio-compatible plastics used in wearables. The membrane’s surface is hydrophobic and sweat-resistant, ensuring no clogging from dried salts.
Specifications
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Material: Fluorine-free polymer
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Thickness: 0.015–0.050 mm
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Insertion loss at 1 kHz: < 1.5 dB
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Waterproof: IP68 (tested at 2 meters)
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Pore size: < 0.5 µm
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Custom shapes: Any 2D profile, laser cut
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Adhesive: Medical-grade silicone PSA
Application
Ideal for smartwatch speaker ports, fitness tracker microphone holes, hearables, AR glasses audio modules, and smart clothing sensor interfaces. The membrane can be embedded into injection-molded parts using in-mold labeling techniques.
How It Works
Sound waves move the membrane almost instantaneously due to its extremely low mass. Water drops larger than the pore size experience high surface tension and cannot pass. The membrane acts as an airtight, watertight, yet acoustically transparent seal. The PFAS-free film is designed to not resonate within the audible spectrum, maintaining natural voice reproduction.
How To Choose
Provide a 3D model of your port region. We’ll design the membrane contour and adhesive pattern to ensure full coverage and acoustic clearance. Specify the depth rating required (1 m vs 50 m). For swim wearables, we recommend a slightly thicker membrane with a support grid. We can produce samples using your exact part file within one week.
FAQ
Q: Will sweat affect sound quality over time?
A: The membrane’s hydrophobic surface causes sweat to bead and roll off. Periodic rinsing is recommended, but no permanent sound degradation occurs.
Q: Is the adhesive skin-contact safe?
A: We use medical-grade silicone adhesives that are non-cytotoxic and hypoallergenic.
Q: Can you print logos on the membrane?
A: Not directly on the ultra-thin membrane, but we can provide colored films or a printed adhesive ring for branding.
