Industrial Soundproofing Solutions for OEMs

Industrial Noise Control Solutions

Technicon Acoustics is a leading producer of noise control solutions for commercial, industrial, and consumer-facing OEMs. These solutions include both acoustic absorption, sound transmission and vibration damping products. When needed, our technical and engineering team can work with you to design custom solutions.

Our manufacturing, engineering, and administrative experts deliver high-quality materials and parts that block, absorb, and isolate noise. We have experience developing solutions for power generation equipment, heavy truck and specialty vehicles, construction and agriculture equipment, mass transportation, air compressors, and marine applications.

Acoustic Absorbers and Sound Barriers

Sound waves act in different ways when they strike a surface. Some waves pass through the material, and others bounce off the surface. A harder, less porous surface will produce higher levels of reflection. A more porous material will allow for greater absorption. Acoustic absorption products are constructed from porous materials, lining hard surfaces that reflect sound.

Acoustic absorbers are made from porous fiber-based materials or open-cell foam. This material prevents sound waves from bouncing off harder surfaces, like operator cabs or heavy equipment enclosures. This design improves the acoustic conditions in a designated space as opposed to preventing noise from going in or out of the area.

When OEMs integrate acoustic barriers into their equipment, end-users experience a safer product with less reverberation. With quieter operations, workers can avoid miscommunication errors and auditory injury.

Acoustic absorbers diagram.
Acoustic absorbers diagram.

MATERIALS USED

Three main materials are used for acoustic absorbers:

POLYETHER FOAM: In addition to its excellent sound absorption abilities, this material is popular due to its flexibility, thermal insulation, and compressibility.

POLYETHER FOAM: Polyester foam offers similar benefits to polyether foam, but with superior tensile strength.

FIBER-BASED ABSORBERS: This material provides an alternative solution for low-frequency noise. Additionally, they are able to withstand temperatures up to 350 °F (177 °C) and comply with UL94 HF1 standards.

Acoustic Barriers

Acoustic barriers, also called sound barriers or dampers, offer a different method to reduce industrial noise. Instead of sound absorption and diffusion, acoustic barriers limit the transmission of sound from one location to another. Acoustic damping limits acoustic vibration energy in a system or structure by removing dynamic stresses related to the vibration. Learn more about the differences between acoustic absorbers and barriers on our blog.

MATERIALS USED

Acoustic barriers are made of different materials. Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) barriers are used to block airborne sound transmission and act as a mass partition. While heavy, MLV barriers are not thick. This allows them to effectively block sound without taking up too much space. They are a popular option where space may be limited.

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APPLICATIONS

Sound absorbers and barriers have a variety of applications, including:

TRACTOR, EXCAVATOR, AND BULLDOZER CABS — Applying noise reduction material on top of the headliner or between the headliner and outer shell reduces noise coming from outside and the reverberation inside the cab. MLV sound barrier floor mats also block sound from entering the cab.

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Applications diagram for noise control solutions.

Portable and standby power generators — Acoustic absorbers can be used as lining for louvers. They can also line a tortuous airflow path to absorb noise.

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Applications diagram for noise control solutions.

Air compressors — Sound barriers can limit noise from air compressors by isolating it in a designated area. This significantly reduces the sound transmitted through floors, walls, and ceilings. Thickness of the sound absorber determines the exact level of noise reduction.

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Applications diagram for noise control solutions.
  • Bulkheads
  • Pipe wrap
  • Firewalls
  • Cab floors
  • Heavy equipment enclosures
  • Engine compartments
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Applications diagram for noise control solutions.

ACOUSTIC ABSORPTION OFFERINGS FROM TECHNICON ACOUSTICS

We provide both foam and fiber-based acoustic absorbers that can be customized for specific applications. Our polyether and polyester foams are available in a variety of thicknesses and facing options. Take a look at our product page for more details.

Technicon Acoustics combines decoupling and absorber products to produce composite materials that can block and absorb sound at the same time. Our MLV acoustic barriers are a great example of these high-performance products. Check out our product page to learn more.

Vibration Damping

Vibration damping materials dissipate excess energy and lower noise levels. This term is most commonly used in electronic, ergonomic, and industrial applications and refers to two main techniques: structural damping and vibration isolation.

  • STRUCTURAL DAMPING dissipates vibrations within the structure before they become audible noise. It is most effective in applications with resonant motion. Glass and certain metals have poor damping ability. Adding structural damping materials can reduce their vibrations, controlling resonance. This is especially important in managing more than one source of vibration or when materials vibrate near natural resonance levels.
  • VIBRATION ISOLATORS are small components, such as steel springs or rubber pads. They isolate vibrating parts from the materials they rattle or rub against. Isolators and shock absorbers can separate and support assemblies of practically any size or weight, from small electronic components to large vehicle suspension systems.
Vibration Damping
Vibration Damping

MATERIALS USED

There are three main materials used in vibration damping: rubber, polyurethane, and PVC.

RUBBER: is a popular choice given that it absorbs energy before re-releasing it as thermal energy, making it excellent at isolating vibration energy. Rubber on its own doesn’t have damping abilities, but when combined with other materials it is highly effective.

POLYURETHANE: is a relatively new material in the field of vibration damping. Foam-like polyurethane substances can absorb a system’s excess energy. Polyurethane features cell structures and densities that can be customized to better suit specialized applications.

PVC: is effective at absorbing vibrations and resisting chemicals. While often used as sound barriers, they can also dampen vibrations in enclosures.

VIBRATION DAMPING IS USED IN A VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS:

Vibration damping vector diagram.

AIR COMPRESSORS — Vibration damping materials reduce the amount of structure-borne and airborne noise caused by decoupling the air compressor from the installation base. Constrained layer damping (CLD) is a commonly used material that reduces vibration in the system.

PORTABLE & STANDBY GENERATORS — Portable and standby generators — Weighted barriers line the sheet metal enclosures of the generator to dampen sound and vibration. Adding a decoupling foam to a decoupled weighted barrier prior to installation can also reduce noise.

VIBRATION DAMPING OFFERINGS FROM TECHNICON ACOUSTICS

We offer a range of vibration and acoustic damping products:

PVC Damping Sheets with PSA – DM-200
PVC Damping Sheets with PSA – DM-200
PVC Damping Sheets with PSA – DM-400
PVC Damping Sheets with PSA – DM-400
Constrained Layer Damping Material – DP-100
Constrained Layer Damping Material – DP-100
Tech Damp™ Vibration Damping FD-100
Tech Damp™ Vibration Damping FD-100

Industrial Soundproofing Solutions From Technicon Acoustics

The experts at Technicon are ready to help you create an effective sound reduction or soundproofing solution. If requested, our design and engineering team can take a consultative approach to achieve the best results.

Our commitment to delivering superior customer service is rooted in our core values of order accuracy, delivery reliability, and product quality. To get started on your project, please request a quote today.

Located in Concord, North Carolina, Technicon Acoustics leads the way in reduction and thermal control solutions. Contact us or request a quote today to see how we can overcome your noise reduction challenges.

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