At Technicon Acoustics, we are the premier provider of acoustic and thermal solutions for North American original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). We specialize in the design, development, manufacture, and delivery of materials and products that absorb, block, and isolate sound and heat. One of our core product offerings is acoustic absorbers.
Acoustic Absorbers from Technicon Acoustics
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Talk to an ExpertWhat Are Acoustic Absorbers?
Acoustic absorbers are made from open-cell foam or porous fiber-based materials that prevent sound waves from reflecting off hard surfaces. They are used to line rigid surfaces—such as heavy equipment enclosures or operator cabs—to improve the acoustic conditions within the space rather than preventing noise from traveling into or out of it.
By integrating acoustic absorbers into their equipment, OEMs can significantly reduce the amount of reverberation experienced by end-users. As a result, operations are much quieter, and equipment operators are better protected against auditory injury.
For a more detailed explanation of sound absorption, check out our blog post, A Closer Look at Sound Damping vs. Absorption.
How Do Acoustic Absorbers Work?
Sound waves are essentially vibrations. As the vibrations move through a solid, liquid, or gaseous medium, they cause the individual particles to vibrate. This motion passes from one particle to the next, allowing the sound wave to pass through the medium. When a sound wave reaches a sound-reflective surface, it bounces back into the space. As a result, the overall noise levels within the space increase as more and more sound waves are created and introduced.
As indicated above, acoustic absorbers prevent sound waves from reflecting off hard surfaces, which reduces the amount of airborne noise within a space. Their open-cell or porous structure allows them to take in and trap—rather than reflect—sound waves, converting the sound energy into thermal energy.
Types of Acoustic Absorbers
Acoustic absorbers are manufactured from foam or fiber, both of which offer the unique structure needed to dissipate sound waves. These materials come in several variations to suit different functional and aesthetic preferences. At Technicon Acoustics, we offer the following types of acoustic absorbers:
| Specification / Property | Polyether Foam | Polyester Foam | Virgin Polyester Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material & Structure | Open-cell polyurethane (ether-based) | Open-cell polyurethane (ester-based) | Proprietary blend of virgin polyester fibers (non-woven) |
| Acoustic Frequency Range | Mid to high frequencies | Mid to high frequencies | High absorption in lower-to-mid frequencies |
| Moisture & Hydrolysis Resistance | Excellent (resists humidity, water, and fungal breakdown) | Moderate (susceptible to long-term moisture/humidity exposure) | Excellent (hydrophobic properties, mold/mildew resistant) |
| Mechanical Strength & Durability | Lightweight, highly flexible, soft compression | High tensile and tear resistance | High structural integrity, resistant to engine bay vibration |
Industrial Uses of Acoustic Absorbers
OEMs apply acoustic absorbers within a wide range of equipment including engine enclosures, operator cabs, heavy equipment, medical devices, and more. By reducing operational noise levels, these materials enhance customer perception, improve operator alertness and awareness, and increase general productivity within the workplace.
Some examples of the equipment in which they are often used include:
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Specialty Vehicles
As indicated above, engines produce noise. Acoustic absorbers can be used to line the engine compartment to absorb sound before it escapes the enclosure and/or the passenger compartment to absorb sound while it travels within the space.
Mass Transit Equipment & Vehicles
Similar to personal transportation vehicles, public transportation vehicles (e.g., buses, trains) have loud engines. The high noise levels can cause uncomfortable conditions for passengers and operators. Integrating acoustic insulation into the roof and wall designs of mass transit equipment and vehicles helps reduce, block, and absorb unwanted noise.
Medical Equipment
Loud sound from medical equipment can largely be mitigated by installing acoustic absorber material, this includes devices such as nebulizers, oxygen concentrators and generators, lab equipment, and imaging and ultrasonic equipment. We have developed a selection of composite materials with the capabilities to absorb any unwanted sound in each of these applications.
Power Generators & Air Compressors
Acoustic absorbers are used to line the sound-reflective surfaces inside the engine or motor enclosures of power generators and air compressors. They absorb the sound waves created, minimizing the amount of noise that escapes from the enclosed area.
Construction Equipment
Construction equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and other earthmovers have engines that generate a significant amount of noise. For this reason, the operator cabs of construction equipment often feature acoustic absorbers to minimize the level of reverberation experienced within the space.
The above list is not all-inclusive. Acoustic absorbers find application in many other pieces of industrial, commercial, and consumer equipment, including, but not limited to, compression housings, cowlings, and pumps.
Contact the Noise Reduction Experts at Technicon Acoustics Today
Acoustic absorbers play a critical role in a variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer equipment—i.e., reducing the noise levels experienced in and around equipment. If you need acoustic absorbers for your equipment, turn to the experts at Technicon Acoustics.
At Technicon Acoustics, we offer foam- and fiber-based acoustic absorbers that can be customized to suit nearly any sound absorption application.
