How does Acousteel work?
Acousteel works by using constrained layer damping. In essence, this absorbs sound and/or vibration energy by the two skins of material moving relatively to one another. This movement creates shear strain, which in turn is dissipated as negligible heat. Incredibly, this creates up to a 30dB(A) reduction in sound which equates to a thousand-fold decrease in sound energy.
How is Acousteel different from other acoustic products?
Acousteel is a very elegant and invisible solution to noise and vibration. As Acousteel is in every respect like a traditional metal panel (except in noise and vibration) it has none of the problems that are associated with acoustic foams and add-on pads such as hygiene, maintenance, damage, access and expense.
Sound deadened steel has typically been available in large coil form for a number of applications almost exclusively within the automotive industry. Whilst the product has a proven pedigree within automotive applications, other industries, which require smaller quantities and/or a more specialised range of products, such as mixed metal laminates, have not had the opportunity to purchase the material as suppliers are either notoriously unreliable or are only willing to supply large quantities.
Acousteel is supplied in sheet format, which means that we have the capacity to deliver a range of quantities from a single sheet right through to 100 tonnes if required. Acousteel is a hybrid sound deadened steel which is now easier to fabricate owing to advances in manufacturing.
What is the thickness of steel required?
Acousteel is a laminate and therefore the thinnest gauge. It is available from standard stock in 1mm aluminium, galvanised, stainless steel and 1.8mm zintec. Thinner sizes are available upon request and availability. The principle of Acousteel becomes ineffective at a thickness beyond 4mm. When used as an add-on (retrofit) damper, the damper must be 40 – 100% of thickness of panel to be treated, covering 80% of the panel.
Can it be fabricated?
Acousteel can be guillotined, laser cut, CNC punched, rolled, folded, powder coated, welded, spot welded, lock formed and deep drawn. Please see manufacturing information for more details.
How do I know what my requirements are?
Our team has a breadth of expertise and can provide advice on the most appropriate solution to meet your requirements, supporting you on all aspects of the ordering process. Contact us today to find out more.
Data sheets & Fire Test
Please download the pdfs below for more information:
Fire Tests
Data Sheets
- Acousteel data sheet (pdf)
- Acoustick data sheet (pdf)
- Acousteel brochure (pdf)
Raw Material Data
- Aalco Aluminium 1050A (pdf)
- Aalco Stainless Steel 304 (pdf)
- Aalco Stainless Steel 316 (pdf)
- Amerex Galvanised (pdf)
- Amerex Zintec (pdf)