There are a number of reasons why so many new records are warped. Some of the most common include:
- Poor manufacturing quality. Vinyl records are made by pressing a hot disc of vinyl between two metal plates. If the plates are not properly aligned or if the vinyl is not heated to the correct temperature, the record can warp.
- Improper packaging and shipping. Vinyl records are delicate and can easily warp if they are not packaged and shipped properly. If records are stacked too tightly or if they are exposed to extreme temperatures, they can warp.
- Incorrect storage conditions. Vinyl records should be stored in a cool, dry place. If records are stored in a hot or humid environment, they can warp.
- Age. Vinyl records are made from a plastic material that can warp over time, especially if it is not stored properly.
In addition to the above, here are some other less common possible causes of warped vinyl records:
- Faulty record pressing machine. If the record pressing machine is not properly calibrated or if it is not maintained properly, it can produce warped records.
- Incorrect pressing parameters. The pressing parameters, such as the temperature and pressure used to press the record, can also affect whether or not the record warps.
- Use of inferior quality vinyl. If the vinyl used to press the record is of inferior quality, it is more likely to warp.
If you have a warped record, there are a few things you can try to do to flatten it out. One method is to place the record between two pieces of glass and weigh it down with something heavy. Another method is to place the record in a hot oven for a few minutes. However, it is important to be careful when using this method, as it can damage the record if it is not done correctly.
If you are unable to flatten out a warped record yourself, you can take it to a record store or a record pressing plant. They may be able to flatten the record for you or they may be able to replace the record if it is defective.
To prevent warped records, it is important to buy records from reputable retailers and to store them properly. You should also avoid playing records that are warped, as this can damage the record and the stylus.
