ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 18 again (Figs. 17 and 18). The possibilities for changing a cymbal’s sound are as endless as the cymbalsmith’s imagi- nation. Both hammering and lathing allow the opportunity for moving metal to achieve a required cymbal shape. The cymbal’s size, shape, weight, and alloy sculpt its vibration and the manner in which sound travels through the metal. ADVANCES IN MANUFACTURING METHODS Technological advances have resulted in new cymbal manufacturing techniques, processes, and alloys. Today, cymbal companies sell finished instruments made from alloys including brass (65% Cu/35% Zn), B8 (8% Sn), B12 (12% Sn), B15 (15% Sn) among others. Fig. 17 — (a) Cymbal is hammered (random pattern). (b) Same model cymbal after lathing. Fig. 18 — (a) Cymbal is hammered (programmed pattern). (b) Same model cymbal after lathing. Fig. 19 — Coiled strip for blanking. Fig. 20 — Stamped cymbal blank (left) and spun cymbal (right). (a) (a) Fig. 16 — Carbide lathe tool. (b) (b) Cymbals manufactured using CNC machines (spinners) are common. A stamping press creates cymbal blanks of a given alloy directly from the coils (Fig. 19). Metalworkers place the blanks on a spinning machine, producing a cymbal within seconds (Fig. 20). Metalworkers may subsequently perform lathing, hammering, aging, or other processes for preferred sound characteristics. Drummers often refer to these type of cymbals as “sheet” metal cymbals because they originate from coiled sheet material. Laser cutting shapes into cymbals is another advancement in the manufacture of cymbals (Fig. 21). A fiber laser can engrave and/or cut bronze (or brass) cymbals (Fig. 22). The shapes and patterns are cut efficiently, without coolant or other contaminating oil. Laser technology is also applied in place of stamping, mitigating use of dies, tooling, and constant maintenance. CONCLUSION The history of the cymbal dates far back in antiquity, beginning with the
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