Metal and acoustics: How?
Metal is a hard and sound-reflecting surface. But then, how can we sell an acoustic wall panel made of steel? Read more here, and find the answer to why acoustics and metal are a perfect match.
It is rare that you hear the words acoustic and metal in the same sentence. But at DAMPA it is essential, as we have produced acoustic solutions in metal for more than 70 years.
The answer to why metal can be acoustic is (almost) simple.
All of our wall panels are made of steel, with perforations in the surface (small holes in the metal surface) and with an inlay of glass wool and acoustic felt. Here the two sound absorption types are combined: The porous absorbent and the resonans absorbent.
To dive into these, we need to look at all three types of sound absorption that can be found in the world of acoustics.
Porous absorbent
The porous absorbent consists of fibers, which start to move, when they are hit by sound waves – in the DAMPA® Silent Board this happens in the glass wool and the acoustic felt. The sound waves will in this process be stopped and converted to heat through the moving fibers.
An example of places, which are filled with porous absorbents are clothing shops. Here you will experience different acoustics than in other shops, as the clothes (or the porous absorbents) will lower the reverberation time significantly.
The porous absorbent is effective in the high frequency areas, but not the low.
Membrane absorbent
A membrane absorbent is created in the space between two hard surfaces. For example the unperforated area in a perforated metal slate mounted on wall or ceiling with an empty void behind. The air in this void works as a spring and together with the hard surface a swinging system, which constantly search to neutralize the sound waves, is created.
This absorbent is a contrast to the porous absorbent, and most effective in the low frequency areas.
Resonance absorbent
The last absorbent type, and the one that is combined with the porous in the DAMPA® Silent Board, is the resonance absorbent.
This is a development of the membrane absorbent. The resonance absorbent is also using the hard surface, however this time it is the perforation which is the main element.
In the perforation holes you will find “air-plugs”, which, when they are hit by sound waves, will make vibrations, which will be affected by the air or porous materials in the underlying space. The air or the porous material will work as a spring, which seeks to calm down the vibrating “air-plugs”. This vibrating system is created by the energy from sound waves, and therefore the sound is no longer reflected into the room.
Just as the membrane absorbent this absorbent is most effective in the lower frequencies.
Robust acoustic solutions
It is not only because of the acoustics that metal is ideal.
Steel is a sturdy material that can optimize the acoustics in your home for many years with minimal maintenance.
Pleasant Acoustics in Your Dining Room
The dining room often turns out to be acoustically challenging because it is a multipurpose area: During everyday life, the only people using the dining room is the family living there, but on festive occasions, many other family members may be invited. How can we create acoustics that fits both occasions?
How many acoustical panels do I need?
To ensure a room is in balance acoustically, there is many factors to consider. This including the size of the room, what the intended use of the room is, and what the other interior consists of.
3 steps to better acoustics in your home
Do you have problems with the acoustics in you home?
You can stop your search for a solution! We've gathered three steps that can help you resolve just that.
