Posts Tagged noise control
Acoustics First releases video on Vibration Isolation
Posted by Acoustics First in HOW TO, Press Release, Product Applications, Sound proofing, Video on February 1, 2013
Acoustics First has conjured up yet another video demonstration. As the fourth in a series designed to help explain common acoustic principles, this video briefly reveals what is necessary to provide vibration isolation.
Vibration isolation can quickly prove to be obtuse and relatively difficult to understand. Common problems like footfall from upstairs neighbors, industrial noise from machinery and HVAC equipment or isolating speakers and scientific devices can require completely different approaches. Most often, an on site assessment should be completed by a qualified engineering professional to determine an appropriate acoustic solution. In many cases the solution will require a modification to the structure and implement more than a single strategy.
This simple vibration demonstration challenges to provide a basic understanding of how acoustical materials may be used to prevent the spread of mechanical noise and vibration through existing structures like walls, floors and ceilings.
In this acoustic demonstration, a surface mounted piezo transducer connected to an analog meter will register levels of sound vibrations transmitted to the table. A vibrating device placed directly on the surface will transmit sound vibrations and resonate loudly throughout the table. These vibrations will register on the analog meter. By inserting isolation materials between the device and the surface, the mechanical sound transmission is reduced and sound no longer registers on the meter.
VIBRATION ISOLATION DEMONSTRATION: Controlling Mechanical Sound Transmission
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON: VIBRATION CONTROL PRODUCTS
Acoustical Material Design and Uses Q&A
Posted by Acoustics First in Q&A on June 28, 2012
Below is a Q&A session about acoustical materials.
How would you describe the existing landscape relating to acoustical systems? Where is the greatest need/ the most demand?
-Acoustical systems are deployed throughout many market segments. Demand truly depends upon the specific type of acoustical requirement. Applications can range from improving sound in a residential home theater to solutions to abate jet airplane noise. Many of these projects must be examined on a case by case basis.
Popular Products
–Fabric wrapped panel: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/sonora-wall-panels.htm
–Sound Barrier: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/blockaid-vinyl-sound-barrier.htm
–Art Diffusors: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/diffuser-art-diffusor.htm
What are some major issues that come up or problems to be faced?
-Most problems center around improving speech intelligibility or keeping sound from disturbing others.
Improve Intelligibility with Absorbers: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/sound-absorbers.htm
Block Sound with Barriers and Isolation Poducts: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/barriers-vibration-isolation.htm
When developing different types of sound proofing/ sound dampening materials what have proved to be the most useful materials to form composites out of? Where do you usually procure these base materials?
-Many absorber products are manufactured from fluffy or porous materials such as acoustical foam and glass fiber.
–Noise barriers are made from dense and heavy materials and isolation materials range from metal springs to neoprene rubber.
You can read more about the basic categories of products here: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/acoustics-first-products-overview.htm
Which materials or composites combinations have proved to be the most successful?
-The success of the material can only be measured in comparison with the application in which the material is used. Not all applications will require the absolute best composite material. There are varying degrees of requirements and materials that should be specified by a professional who can evaluate the project requirements. Acoustical consultants are often used to determine the appropriate material and amounts of material for the specific project.
What surprises have you encountered while developing acoustical systems?
-Sometimes that physical limitations of materials or structures to support the materials may change the design or specification of an acoustic material. For example, when blocking sound, massive and dense materials should be used, however, you must be sure the structure will be able to support the additional weight. A prototype design may have the best intentions of being a great acoustical material but may have limitations when manufacturing, shipping or installing.
How big is the market for aesthetically pleasing sound proofing/ dampening systems?
-These days most markets segments are looking for materials that are aesthetically pleasing while at the same time needing them to be economical. Visual trends are constantly changing and consumers may choose to compromise the look of a material to match their project’s budget.
Do you see any future trends? Where do they align?
-Trends are always changing based on market demand whereas material design and availability change based on the availability of access to raw goods at a fair price. One constant that could maintain is that as the population grows one can anticipate the need for noise and sound control materials will also increase.
Do you think there is a need or interest in easily movable/ modifiable/ adjustable sound proofing/ dampening?
-Many customers would like to have the ability to remove or move their acoustical materials. Much of this depends on the type of acoustical problem and how the will be installed.
Do you think there is a need or interest in sound proofing/ dampening that is easily cleaned? In what market do you think these exist?
-Some commercial applications such as hospitals, food service, or industrial facilities need materials that can be wiped down. This depends on the environment in which the materials will be used.
What are some markets that have unmet needs? What is the need?
-Any markets that have sound and noise problems.
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Acoustics First Corporation supplies acoustical panels and soundproofing materials to control sound and eliminate noise in commercial, residential, government, and institutional applications worldwide. Products include the patented Art Diffusor®, sound absorbers, noise barriers, acoustical fabrics and accessories. Acoustics First® products are sold for O.E.M applications, direct, and through dealers. For more information on acoustical materials and their application, please visit www.AcousticsFirst.com or call Toll Free 1-888-765-2900 (US & Canada).
Soundproofing: Using Multiple Materials to Acheive Sound Isolation (Video)
Posted by Acoustics First in Press Release, Products, Video on March 16, 2011
Soundproofing: Using Multiple Materials to Achieve Sound Isolation (Video)
When attempting to soundproof a room, there are various levels of sound isolation and many different types of materials available. How far you go with your construction will depend mostly on they type of sound you wish to abate. The acoustic solution needs to be designed around your specific application. Is it the noise of an industrial plastic shredder or speech from an adjacent office? (alt. Is it the noise of a neighboring industrial plastics shredder or do you need to isolate your studio control room?)
A typical wall construction consists of two layers 1/2″ gypsum applied to either side of a 2×4 wood or metal stud. Many of these walls for residential and commercial interiors will lack insulation in the cavities. This type of contruction will yeild an STC (Sound Transmission Loss) around 31 – 33. By simply adding a layer of fluffy glass fiber insulation to the cavity, the STC will increase by 4-5 points and prevent sonic resonance. Additionally, a layer of mass loaded vinyl barrier will add another 4-5 points. We have prepared a simple video demonstration to illustrate how using multiple layers of common building materials will improve STC values. Click here for the video: http://www.acousticsfirst.com/educational-videos-the-barrier-and-the-bell.htm
The Barrier and the Bell (Soundproofing Demonstration) from Acoustics First on Vimeo.
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