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

Acoustic Absorbers from Technicon Acoustics

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What 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:

Our acoustic foams—also sometimes referred to as sound-absorbing or soundproof foams—are available in various thicknesses and facing options to allow customers to tailor their acoustic absorber solution to their exact needs. They come in two variations:

  • POLYETHER FOAM. Polyether foam is made from open-cell polyurethane. In addition to its excellent sound absorption properties, it is lightweight, flexible, compressible, and thermally insulating.
  • POLYESTER FOAM. Compared to polyether foam, polyester foam offers greater tensile strength.

Fiber-based acoustic absorbers are often used as an alternative to foam-based acoustic absorbers in applications involving low frequencies. Our fiber-based acoustic absorbers are made from a proprietary blend of virgin polyester fibers. They offer excellent low–frequency absorption properties, thermal resistance up to 350° F, and compliance with UL94 HF1 standards.

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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Acoustic Absorbers

Specialty Vehicles

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

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

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

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

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.

“Technicon always comes through for us. Whether it’s getting a fast quote, helping with engineering issues or expediting an order they are one supplier I can always count on!”

–Denise W., Denyo Mfg.

“On behalf of Stork Fabricators, I would like to thank you and your team for the help in expediting my recent order. I received a time critical order that could not have been delivered on time without Technicon’s help. Customer service is a very important part of manufacturing and Technicon has always been able to accommodate our needs.”

– Jan S., Stork Fabricators

“CW Hayden is very impressed with the technical support we receive from Technicon. Their expertise in design and flexibility help support new business prospects and resulted in an increase in sales from new models in the marine market.”

– John M., C.W. Hayden

“Technicon has provided ALT with products that require rapid changes for our Contract Manufacturing business. It is essential for us to receive quality products with short lead times in our fast paced business. Technicon has been able to fulfill these demanding requirements.”

– Scott S., Applied Laser Technologies

“Technicon’s acoustic products meet the high quality standards our customers expect. The ongoing relationship and customer service make Technicon a valued partner.”

– Ken M., Sutphen Corp.

“XTO has been customer of Technicon Acoustics for over 20 years.  They have always been responsive to our needs, be it technical guidance or help providing material for a big order in a short time frame.  We appreciate their professionalism and responsiveness to our needs in a fast paced business environment.”

– Ric Sill, XTO Inc.

“Our philosophy is to team with suppliers to add as much value as possible to our customer relationships.  Technicon’s on time delivery rating, attention to order details and willingness to help engineer custom solutions is a perfect match for the value Western Rubber & Supply, Inc. brings to our customer relationships.”

– Rick M., Modus Advanced

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acoustic absorbers

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.

Learn more about our product offerings & pricing.