The Autora Factory Plate by Shinsuke Yamaji breathes new life into vinyl by allowing graphics and illustrations to be carved onto a record without affecting sound quality.

Unlike traditional picture discs - made by layering paper between vinyl, ultimately sacrificing sound quality for aesthetic - Yamaji’s method ingenuously cuts shapes and designs directly onto the record without damaging the grooves within which the music is contained.

Yamaji’s device requires a track’s sine waves and sound data files to be translated into a visible design prior to being etched. The final product is, thus, an amalgamation of two art forms: the art becomes an intrinsic part of the music.

Vinyl sales may not be as high as their heyday, but the format seems unlikely to completely disappear any time soon. We've seen some clever applications such as the Quotidian Record and Office Turntable, whilst Color Play explores the idea that colour can be translated into sound. And, recently opened in east London, The Vinyl Library proves the old 12" is as popular as ever.